Who wouldn't want to play the fastest racket game in the world? Badminton is a sport that can be played with two or four players. In this sport, the objective is to score more points than your opponent, properly hitting the shuttlecock over the net. Although this sport is a bit like tennis, the rules of badminton are different and you should know them before making a move in your first game. If you want to be a master at badminton or just want to impress that cute girl in the park, read Step 1 to get started.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Learn the Rules
Step 1. Understand the purpose of the game
Badminton, like tennis, is a racket sport played with two players or two teams of two players each. Your goal or your team's goal is to score 21 points. A point is scored when it is served successfully and the opposing team commits a foul, which means that the team has failed to properly return the shuttle.
- To win the game, you must score 21 points and be two points apart. This means that if both teams have a score of 20, one of the two teams will win by 22-20 and so on.
- If you or your opponent cannot win within 2 points and continue until the score reaches 29, the first team to score 30 points will win.
- The first team to win two sets wins the match. If the match score is 1-1, a deciding third set must be played.
Step 2. Get familiar with the badminton field
The badminton field measures 13.4 meters (44 feet) long by 6.7 meters (22 feet) wide. If you play singles, you will play on the part that is 13.4 meters (44 feet) long by 6.1 meters (20 feet) wide. The net should be in the middle of the field, at 6.7 meters (22 feet) long and at a height of 1.5 meters (5 feet) above the ground. When playing in doubles, one must add 18 inches to the right and left of the field (outside sidelines) to serve and return the shuttle. Before you start playing badminton, you should know the following points:
- Each side of the field has a service zone to the right and to the left. The player who is going to serve must do so from one of these zones towards the diagonally opposite service zone of the opponent's court. In this way, if a player serves from the left service area, they must direct the shuttle towards the right service area of the opponent's court.
- When serving singles, each player must serve from the singles service zone to the diagonally opposite service square in the opponent's court, including the service zone and the singles end lines on the corresponding side. When serving in doubles, the player must serve to the diagonally opposite service square in the opponent's court, including the outside side lines, but not the long singles service line. In this way, in singles, the reception area is longer for the players who are going to serve and in doubles, this area is wider.
- After the shuttle is properly served, the entire field becomes white for a point to be scored. The shuttle only has to stay within the limits of the game for doubles or singles.
Step 3. Understand the basics of the game
Before starting to play a game of badminton, beyond the field information and scoring rules, you should take into account the following points:
- Flip a coin or let someone else decide which team will start serving and which side of the field they will play on.
- The first service in a game of badminton must be taken from the middle of the right service zone to the diagonally opposite zone of the opponent's court.
- If the serving side commits a foul, then the receiving side wins a point and the service turn. If the serving side serves correctly but the receiving side commits a foul, then the serving team moves from one service zone to the other and continues to serve. There is a point scored after each serve (unlike volleyball, for example).
- In doubles games, each team has only one "serve." So if a player from one team serves and misses, then he is automatically given a point and the option to take out the opposing team; so on.
- When the receiving team wins a point and gets the service, the team does not change the service zone, but serves from the same place where they are standing. If they win the first service point, then the players switch positions from right to left.
- After each set, the players switch sides of the field and the team that won the previous match begins serving the next match.
Step 4. Understand when a player fouls
There are several reasons why a team or player may commit a foul. The most common are listed below:
- If the team that serves does not take the steering wheel well over the net. In badminton, you only get one shot at each serve. The only exception is if your team gets a "let" or replay. This occurs when the shuttle hits the net and lands on the opponent's court. In this case, you have a second chance.
- If you hit the shuttlecock against or under the net at any point in the game.
- If the steering wheel hits you.
- If you hit the steering wheel and it falls out of bounds.
- If you hit the shuttlecock and it lands on your side of the field.
- If the server fails to remove the wheel due to not being in the correct service area.
For more advanced players, a foul may also be considered when the server hits the shuttle higher than the waist or when the head of the racket is held above the hand. If you are a beginning player and you are going to play by these rules, you may want to play short games or the game will get tedious
Step 5. Learn the basic ways to hit the shuttlecock
The standard badminton racket is 66 centimeters (26 inches) long and weighs 127 to 156 grams (4.5 to 5.5 ounces). Most of these rackets are made of metal and nylon. When playing badminton, you will need to use enough energy to hit the shuttlecock effectively with this lightweight racket. The main blows are forehand and backhand (as in tennis). You will need a quick and light wrist to effectively hit the steering wheel. When hitting the steering wheel, you must take into account the following points:
- The success of this game lies in the scrolling. Look at the steering wheel and take small steps to get into the correct position. This way, you can hit the steering wheel with ease instead of having to reach for it.
- You will have to practice the backswing or arm building, the forward movement, the stroke and the trajectory to follow the movement to hit the shuttlecock effectively. You should hit the round center of the shuttlecock, not the feathers.
- Perfect your clearance. This blow is the most common and its objective is to hit the shuttlecock in such a way that your opponent moves away from the net. This will give you time to prepare your next shot.
- Practice your drop off. To perform this shot, you will have to slowly hit the shuttle so that it falls close to the net. Your opponent will have a hard time reaching the wheel, no matter how fast he runs.
- Finish off the steering wheel. This is a powerful shot that you can make to get the shuttle over the net. You will need to lift the racket behind your back, as if you were going to scratch it. Anticipate the path of the steering wheel and hit it hard, as if you were going to break it.
- Practice the flat shot. This blow can be forehand or backhand. This blow will cause the shuttlecock to move parallel to the ground, just barely above the net. In this way, you will complicate your opponent, since he will not be able to anticipate or return the wheel.
Part 2 of 3: Master the punches
Step 1. Master the grip
Grip, the way you hold your racket, will affect every hit you make. There are two basic grips in the game, a forehand and a backhand. You must take into account the following points:
- The right grip. Hold the racket with your non-playing hand, pointing the handle towards you and with the face of the racket perpendicular to the ground. Put your hand on the handle as if you were shaking hands. Form a V with your thumb and index finger. Gently grip the handle with your fingers for added flexibility. Shorten your grip and take the racket closer to the shaft for greater control when hitting the shuttle from the front and center of the field.
- The backhand grip. Hold the racket equal to your forehand grip. Then turn the racket counterclockwise so that the V that you made with your fingers turns to the left. Place your thumb on the rear bezel of the grip for added strength, while lightly holding the racket with your fingers.
Step 2. Master the high and low serve
There are many ways to serve in badminton, from high serve to backhand serve. Here are some ways to serve the shuttlecock:
- High service. This is a great serve that will make your opponent move backwards in singles matches; this serve is a bit more difficult in double matches. For this type of serve, you will have to perform a forehand under the hand. Relax, bend your knees and stand 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 centimeters) behind the short serving line. Put the opposite leg forward next to the racket and the other leg behind. Bring the racket back, almost to your back, and then swing it forward. Hold the ruffle of the feathers and let it drop slightly in front of you. Hit the shuttlecock with the flat face of the racket and follow the movement until the racket reaches the side (opposite of the racket) of your head.
- Low service. This service is used more in double games. For this movement you can use a forehand or backhand blow.
- For the forehand serve, stand 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 centimeters) behind the service line, bring the racket to your waist, and wave your hand forward. Hold the shuttlecock by the feathers and carry it so that it collides with the racket instead of dropping it. Hit the shuttlecock with the face of the racket at the highest point, but below your waist, making the shuttle pass close to the webbing.
- For the backhand serve, put the leg opposite the side of the racket forward and the other leg behind; both legs should be pointed at your opponent. Perform an arm build and bring the racket forward, holding the shuttlecock by the feathers at your waist. Then, hit the shuttlecock with the face of the racket, making it pass close to the webbing. Shorten your grip for more control.
Step 3. Master the flick and drive on the serve
To do this, you should know the following:
- The flick in service. Use this move for quick service, but do it in moderation. Position yourself to hit forehand or backhand and act like you're going to serve low, but instead use your wrist to quickly hit the shuttlecock.
- The drive in service. This is a perfect attack service for singles or doubles. This movement will cause the steering wheel to travel at a flatter angle and at a faster pace. Perform a forehand move below the shoulder, standing further away from the service line. Put the leg opposite the side of the racket in front and position the racket slightly below your waist in a parallel way. Move the racket forward and follow the movement while dropping the shuttle slightly to the side. Hit the shuttlecock and make it pass over the net parallel to the ground.
Step 4. Master the forehand
If you see the shuttle coming down and towards you, you must hit it right in order to beat your opponent. This is what you should do:
- Bring the racket back and point it down. Make sure to carry the racket on your back.
- Keep your knees bent and ready to move.
- Move forward with the leg on the side of the racket.
- Keep your arm almost straight as you swing the racket, bending your wrist in the last second before hitting the shuttlecock.
- Correctly position the face of the racket and move the racket up to generate momentum.
- Continue the movement until the racket reaches your opposite shoulder.
Step 5. Master the backhand
For this, you have to wait for the shuttlecock to approach your backside. This is what you should do:
- Step forward with your left foot and keep your right foot in front of your body (in case you are right-handed and do the backhand from the left side). Your right shoulder should be in front of the net.
- Bend your right elbow and bring your right hand closer to your body to be ready to swing the racket. Shift your weight onto your left foot so that your right foot is loose and agile.
- Now shift your weight to your front foot and straighten your elbow as you move the racket forward until the face of the racket hits the shuttlecock. Continue the movement until the racket rises higher than your right shoulder.
Step 6. Learn to hit with spin
The spinning strike may slow the steering wheel or change its direction. This is a more advanced skill that will complicate the game for your opponent. Your opponent will not know where the steering wheel is going and will be confused when wanting to return it. This is what you can do:
- Give effect to your net shots. Start with a forward motion as usual and then swing the racket inward to hit the center of the shuttle in a perpendicular fashion. This move will cause the shuttlecock to spin into the opponent's court rather than just swinging the racket forward so your opponent knows what to do.
- Give effect to your dropouts. Hit the racket only, moving it perpendicular to the center of the shuttle while it is still in the air. This movement will decrease the speed of the shuttlecock, causing it to land quickly in the opposite field close to the net.
Step 7. Learn to hit high hand
This move, also known as a spike, allows you to use your strength and hit the shuttlecock at the top of its arc. To do this, point your free hand close to the shuttlecock and swing the racket over your head with the other hand. You must hit the center of the shuttle before it falls, directing it towards the opposite field.
It is important to lead. Try to steer the shuttlecock towards a place that your opponent cannot reach
Step 8. Identify some of the obvious mistakes that are made during the service that may (and may not) be considered a foul
- Serves must make the shuttle go over the net when hit. If the shuttlecock is not struck during service, a foul cannot be charged. These things happen to even the best.
- If the shuttle remains on the racket during the stroke or is hit twice, this will be considered a foul.
Part 3 of 3: Master the Strategy
Step 1. Make sure to always return to "alert posture" after each hit
This means that you must return to your starting position; you must stay light on your toes and be prepared for the next blow. If your opponent makes you move to an extreme, that will give him a large area to throw the shuttle without you being able to return it. For this reason, you should return to your starting position as soon as possible.
- This pose means that your feet should be in line with your shoulders and parallel. Your toes should point to the net.
- Keep your knees bent and the racket in hand with your arm in front of your body.
- Don't stand normally or your body will be too stiff to move quickly.
Step 2. Stay alert to move in any direction at any time
Get ready to sprint to the net, sprint to the ends of the field, back up to the service line, or reach for the wheel in any position. In this game, the element of surprise is important, so be careful with your opponent's tricks.
Step 3. Finish off as many times as possible
The spike is the most powerful move in this game, as it allows you to hit the shuttle as hard and fast as you can. Finishing will make it difficult for your opponent to return the shuttlecock. Look for opportunities to finish when the shuttlecock approaches you at considerable height.
Step 4. Keep your opponents running
Do not return the shuttle directly to your opponent each time it is your turn to hit or they will return it with force. Your goal should be to get your opponent or opponents moving all over the field so that they get tired and out of breath and not have a chance to properly return the shuttlecock.
Step 5. Have a strategy
It is not enough to steer the wheel and wait for your opponent to fail. You have to have an idea of where to hit, how to hit and why you are going to hit that way. If you hit the steering wheel without thinking, you won't get very far.
Step 6. Alternate
While it's good to hit a forehand spike or cross shot because it's your best move, if you always do the same thing, your opponent will know your move in no time. It is important to maintain the surprise factor so that your opponents lose focus and do not know where to move when they play with you.
This includes where you serve, what moves you prefer, and where you tend to steer the wheel
Step 7. Exploit your opponent's weaknesses
If you want to win, then you must be superior to your opponent and make him as uncomfortable as possible. If your opponent has a weak backhand (as most beginners do), hit the shuttlecock into his backhand several times. If your opponent is slow on his feet, have him move all over the field. If you like to play close to the net, hit the shuttle hard and steer it back. If he likes to do spikes, don't point the shuttlecock into the air. You must know the strengths and weaknesses of your opponent so that you can win easily.
It is important to watch your opponent closely. It doesn't matter if they'll be playing a game or just passing the wheel around for fun, you need to observe your opponent's strengths and weaknesses as quickly as possible
Advice
- Follow the rules and enjoy badminton.
- Stay focused when you play.
- Jump if necessary.
- Learn to do different movements to improve your game in badminton.
- Keep alert.