Badminton can be played in either singles or doubles.

The side that has to serve is

called the “in” side and the side receiving the serve or the opposition is called the “out” side. The
objective of the game is to hit the shuttlecock or bird before it falls down the ground and return it
to the opponent over the net.

Badminton was first originated in India centuries ago where it was known as Poona. The
British army officers were very much fascinated by the game, and so they introduced it in
England sometime between 1870 and 1880. The game was not met with enthusiasm, however,
it started to become popular when the Duke of Beaufort launched the game at a garden party in
his country estate at Badminton, Gloucestershire where it got its name.

In the 1890s, The game found its way to Canada, and shortly thereafter to the United
States at the turn of the 19th century. It did not really become popular and widespread until after
World War II.

Along with some minor sports, the game of badminton was introduced by the Americans
in our country. This game can be played indoor and outdoor and is a good recreational activity
for people of all ages. It can be played in backyards, schools and clubs and there is a variety of
competitions for all players.

● ACE - A good serve that the opponent in unable to hit or touch with his racket

● BACKHAND - Any stroke made on the side of the body opposite the racket side

● BIRD - The shuttlecock

● CLEAR - A high shot which falls close to the backline

● DRIVE - hard horizontal stroke that is straight and close to the net

● DROP - A low shot close to the net made from the back court that falls or drops sharply
immediately after crossing the net.

● FAULT - Any infractions of the rules resulting in loss of the serve or the point.

● FOREHAND - Any stroke made on the racket side of the body.

● HAND-OUT - The loss of the serve.

● LET - A bird which touches the top of the net and falls on the proper side of the court.

● MATCH - Consist of three games, unless otherwise agreed.

● NET FLIGHT - A shot in which the bird follows the net in a short flight.

● RALLY - A heated return of the bird several times or the continuous stroking of the bird
back and forth across.
 ● ROUND-THE-HEAD STROKE - A high stroke over the head to hit a bird on the offhand
side.

● SERVE - To the bird in play.

● SETTING THE GAME - Chasing how many points to play when the score becomes tied
as in 13-all or 14-all.

According to Point of Contact Between Bird and Racket

1. The Forehand Stroke – Used when returning the bird from the right side of the body.
2. The backhand stroke – Used when returning the bird from the left side of the body.
3. The overhead stroke – Used when returning a high shot and in which the aim and the
shoulder are fully extended.

According to Bird Flights

1. Clear of Lob – A defensive shot used to drive opponent away from the net when caught
off balance or out of position or when in doubt as to what the shot should be played.
2. Smash – An attacking shot made with all the power and speed one can put into it.
3. Drive – A flat shot that is kept as low as possible to have the opponent run from side to
side.
4. Drop shot – Any shot that drops immediately after crossing the net. The overhand is the
easiest stroke to use.
5. Net shot – A drop shot that is played close to the net.

Three Possible Service Flights

1. Low short serve – Bird should just clear the net and fall an inch or two beyond short
service line of opponents’ court.
2. Long high serve – Bird travels above the receiver’s reach and falls within six inches of
rear boundary line.
3. Drive Serve – Made by a quick flip of wrist and bird travels in a directline to the desired
spot.