History of Badminton

FGH Badminton has its origins in ancient civilisations in Europe and Asia.  The ancient game known as battledore (bat
or paddle) and shuttlecock probably originated more than 2000 years ago.

In the 1600s battledore and shuttlecock was an upper class pastime in England and many European countries.
Battledore and shuttlecock was simply two people hitting a shuttlecock backwards and forwards with a simple bat as
many times as they could without allowing it to hit the ground.

Modern badminton can be traced to mid-19th century British India. It was created by British military officers
stationed there.  A net was added to the traditional English game of  battledore and shuttlecock. As it was popular in
the British garrison town of Poona, the game came to be known as "Poona" or "Poonai" Initially, woollen balls were
preferred by the upper classes in windy or wet conditions, but ultimately shuttlecocks took over the role of a "ball."
This game was taken by retired officers who got back to England. It was introduced as a game for the guests of the
Duke of Beaufort at his stately home 'Badminton' in Gloucestershire, England where it became popular. Hence, the
origin of the name "Badminton."

In March 1898, the first Open Tournament was held at Guildford and the first 'All England' Championships were held
the following year.

The International Badminton Federation was formed in 1934 with nine founder members,  England, Wales, Ireland,
Scotland, Denmark, Holland, Canada, New Zealand and France.  India joined as an affiliate in 1936.

The first major IBF tournament was the Thomas Cup (world men's team championships) in 1948. Since then, the
number of world events has increased with the addition of the Uber Cup (women's team), World Championships
(individual events), Sudirman Cup (mixed team), World Junior Championships and the World Grand Prix Finals.

Badminton is a relatively new Olympic sport. It was a demonstration sport at the  1972 Munich Olympics. Badminton
eventually became an Olympic sport in Barcelona in 1992. Only the singles and doubles were introduced for the first
time in the Olympic Games. Mixed doubles was included in the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games and badminton is the
only sport that has mixed doubles event in the Olympics.

Only five countries have won gold medals at the Olympics since badminton was introduced in 1992 -  China, Indonesia
and Korea, England and Denmark.

Susi Susanti from Indonesia won the women's singles in Barcelona, becoming Indonesia's first medallist after forty
years participating in the Olympics. Ironically, Susi's future husband, Alan Budi Kusama won Indonesia's second
goldmedal in the men's singles.

Gonzalo, Iris Yvonne A.

G11 HUMSS-E
 EQUIPMENTS OF BADMINTON
Although it wouldn’t hurt to have chic shoes and smart looking attire, you should be looking for function over
aesthetics when it comes to your badminton equipment.

In this article, we cover the four basic equipment and gear required for a game of badminton.

1. Badminton Racket

Badminton rackets can be made from several types of materials. Depending on the material selection, this
can result in different combinations of racket weight, balance points and string tensions. With so many
different combinations, it will take time to decide which is most suited for your playing style.  

Instead of making purchases online, pop by a badminton shop. Ask for assistance and select a racket that
you feel comfortable with. Swing the racket around to get a good feel of its overall weight and grip.

Some popular badminton brands are Yonex, ProKennex, Wilson, ProTech and Li-Ning. For more detailed
information you can refer to “How to choose your badminton racket”.

2. Shuttlecock

There are two types of shuttlecocks - plastic and feathered shuttlecocks.

Plastic shuttlecocks are far more durable compared to the feathered types which are commonly used.
However, plastic shuttlecocks are only recommended for beginners who are just starting out. This is
because feathered shuttlecocks are expensive and fray easily especially if the wrong technique is used.
Hence, plastic shuttlecocks are good for beginners to use for training. Plastic shuttlecocks are usually used
by young children who play badminton for recreation.

Plastic shuttlecocks tend to travel shorter distances as they are heavier. Hence, they are good for building
strength as you make the transition to feathered shuttlecocks. Most people will progress to using feathered
shuttlecocks as they are used at all competitive tournaments. 

3. Badminton Shoes

Badminton shoes are designed to give you better traction and grip to stop in time to return a shot. They
should also be lightweight have good cushioning to absorb impact when you jump or land.

Regular players will find heel cups useful to prolonging the lifespan of your shoes.

Do not wear jogging shoes as they usually lack grip and traction. You might end up crashing through the
badminton net if you are unable to stop in time to receive a drop shot.  

4. Badminton Attire

For casual to non-competitive players, a comfortable pair of shorts and cotton or dri-fit t-shirt is sufficient.
Some players may want to equip themselves with hand grips, wrist bands and ankle guards.

Each of these items serve a purpose and might also add a dash of color to the entire get-up.

When it comes to badminton equipment, select what is appropriate before turning your attention to aesthetic

Gonzalo, Iris Yvonne A.

G11 HUMSS-E
 RULES OF BADMINTON

Individual Sport
Each organization is allowed 1 singles and 1 doubles team. A student may compete in both.

RULES

 A player must wait until his opponent is ready before serving. If the opponent attempts a return then he is ruled
having been ready.
 The feet of both players must remain in a stationary position until the serve is made. Your feet can not be
touching the line at this time.
 It is not a fault if you miss the shuttle while serving.
 The shuttle cannot be caught and slung with the racket.
 A player cannot hold his racket near the net to ward off a downward stroke by his opponent or to interfere with
his racket.

Faults

 The shuttle, at the instant of being hit is higher than the servers waist or the head of the racket is higher than the
servers racket hand.
 The shuttle does not land in the correct service court.
 The server's feet are not in the service court or if the feet of the receiver are not in the court diagonally opposite
the server.
 The server steps forward as he/she serves.
 Any player balking or feinting his opponent before serve or during serve.
 A serve or shot that lands outside the court boundaries, passes under or through the net, touches any other
obstructions or a players body or clothing. The boundary and service lines are considered in play.
 The shuttle in play is struck before it crosses the net to the striker's side of the net. You may follow through
over the net.
 A player touching the net or its supports with his body or racket while the shuttle is in play.
 Hitting the shuttle twice in succession by a player or team.

Scoring System

o A match consists of the best of 3 games of 21 points.

o Every time there is a serve – there is a point scored.
o The side winning a rally adds a point to its score.
o At 20 all, the side which gains a 2 point lead first, wins that game.
o At 29 all, the side scoring the 30th point, wins that game.
o The side winning a game serves first in the next game.

Singles

o At the beginning of the game (0-0) and when the server’s score is even, the server serves from the right service
court. When the server’s score is odd, the server serves from the left service court.
o If the server wins a rally, the server scores a point and then serves again from the alternate service court.
o If the receiver wins a rally, the receiver scores a point and becomes the new server. They serve from the
appropriate service court – left if their score is odd, and right if it is even.

Doubles

o A side has only one ‘set’.

o The service passes consecutively to the players as shown in the diagram.
o At the beginning of the game and when the score is even, the server serves from the right service court. When
it is odd, the server serves from the left court.
o If the serving side wins a rally, the serving side scores a point and the same server serves again from the
alternate service court.
o If the receiving side wins a rally, the receiving side scores a point. The receiving side becomes the new serving
side.

The players do not change their respective service courts until they win a point when their side is serving.

Gonzalo, Iris Yvonne A.

G11 HUMSS-E