Complete Badminton Handbook: Rules and Skills

Posted on May 14, 2026 in Physical Education

History of Badminton

The concept of playing with a shuttlecock dates back approximately 2,000 years. Archaeological evidence, including cave drawings, suggests that a similar sport was played in ancient India. During the Middle Ages, the game gained popularity among the aristocracy, though it declined in the early 19th century due to social and economic reforms.

The modern game was rediscovered by the English in the late 19th century and named Badminton. In 1869, English officers observed a game called ‘Poona’ in India, which closely resembled modern badminton. They introduced the concept to England, and the first competitions were held at ‘Badminton House’. The first official organization was founded in 1893 in Great Britain, and the sport made its Olympic debut in Barcelona in 1992.

Court Dimensions

The court is rectangular and divided by a net. It is marked for both singles and doubles play. While the length remains 13.40 meters for both, the width varies:

  • Doubles court: 6.10 meters wide.
  • Singles court: 5.18 meters wide.

The net height is 1.55 meters. Service courts are defined by a center line and a service line located 1.98 meters from the net.

Competition Categories

  • Singles: Individual competition.
  • Doubles: Played in pairs.
  • Mixed Doubles: Teams consisting of one man and one woman.

Basic Vocabulary

  • Match: A full contest.
  • Game: A single segment of a match.
  • Shuttlecock (Shuttle/Birdie): The projectile used.
  • Bounds: The limits of the court.
  • Court: The playing area.
  • Rally: The duration of a point.
  • Forehand: A shot hit from the dominant side.
  • Backhand: A shot hit from the non-dominant side.

Scoring System

A set is played to 21 points. If the score reaches 20-20, a two-point lead is required to win. If the score reaches 29-29, the first player to reach 30 points wins the set.

Equipment

  • Racquets: Lightweight, typically weighing 70–95 grams.
  • Strings: Tension ranges from 80 to 160 N. Recreational players often use 80–110 N, while professionals prefer 110–160 N.
  • Grip: Used to adjust handle thickness and comfort.
  • Shuttlecock: A conical-shaped projectile.

The Handshake Grip

The most common grip is the ‘handshake grip’. Hold the handle as if shaking hands, ensuring a ‘V’ shape forms between your thumb and index finger.

Techniques

Basic Position

Keep feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and the racquet held in front of your body with the head up.

Serves

  • High Serve: Used in singles to force the opponent to the back line.
  • Low Serve: Used in both singles and doubles to land near the service line.
  • Flick Serve: A deceptive doubles serve that uses a quick wrist snap to surprise the opponent.

Service Rules

  1. Contact must be made below the waist.
  2. The racquet head must be below the grip at contact.
  3. Both feet must remain on the floor.

Shots

  • Clear: A high shot landing at the back of the opponent’s court.
  • Smash: A powerful, downward attacking shot.
  • Drop: A deceptive shot that lands just over the net.
  • Drop Net: A delicate shot played close to the net.
  • Drive: A flat, fast shot hit at hip height.
  • Lob: A defensive shot used to regain control.

Speed and Agility in Sports

Speed is the ability to move in the shortest time possible, governed by the neuromuscular system. Factors limiting speed include genetics, body composition, and event duration.

Types of Speed

  1. Reaction Speed: Responding to a stimulus.
  2. Movement Speed: Moving a body part quickly.
  3. Travel Speed: Covering distance rapidly.

Related Abilities

  • Agility: The ability to change direction and speed efficiently.
  • Power: The combination of strength and speed (e.g., a smash).