Badminton is a lawn game which is played with light rackets and shuttlecock. The name originated from country estates of Beaufort in England where it was first played in 1873. It is the fastest of all the racket sports played in the world. A high level of fitness and skill is required to play badminton. You will easily find all the equipment required to play this outdoor sport.
There are some basic rules of this game which are not difficult to inculcate. In this guide, you will be getting a glimpse of the basic rules as well as various playing surfaces.
Basic rules of badminton
You should have some basic ideas regarding the rules of the game if you want to build your career as a player. The basic rules you should keep in mind are:
- Every game of badminton starts with a toss. The toss enables the winning player to choose the side he wishes to serve.
- Normally, the game is decided after playing three games. In men's the first side to score 15 points wins the game. For women's, it takes 11 points to declare the winner.
- Your body or racket should not touch the net. Crossing sides is strictly banned in badminton.
- The shuttlecock should always be hit from below and you shouldn’t step on the lines.
- You can’t move your feet away if you are a receiver and once your opponent hits the shuttle then make your move.
Apart from these basic badminton rules, there are guidelines for singles and doubles game too. In the singles game, the server serves from the right side of the court. When scores are odd he serves from the right and changes direction when the scores are even. This even-odd rule is also applicable in the double's game.
Types of badminton courts
There are different types of badminton courts and playing surfaces. Each court requires you to wear specific shoes which make it convenient to play.
1) Synthetic Surface courts
It is the most commonly found badminton court surface around the world. All the major championships are held in these courts. These courts are anti-slippery and are structured on a wooden base. You get a good bounce which reduces your chances of injury.
2) Wooden courts
Many badminton venues support the wooden surface courts. These courts are greasier than synthetic courts and the players have a tendency to slip.
3) Cement surface courts
This surface is mostly used for playing outdoor badminton for recreation. These were used earlier and were installed on parks. This type of surface is not recommended for high-intensity games as it might lead to injuries.
4) Acrylic Surface courts
These are similar to the PVC synthetic surfaces but the shock absorption is not at all good in these surfaces. These surfaces have exceptional durability and last for a long time.
Shoes for Badminton
The shoes for badminton needs to chosen carefully so as not to hurt your soles. There are various non- marking shoes available for PVC surfaces which have a thin sole.
Badminton is a fast and unpredictable game. It is also a sport which requires you to have high endurance levels. Once you start playing you will definitely enjoy the game not only as sports but also as a fun activity.
