Badminton is a racquet sport played either individually (singles) or in pairs (doubles), where players use racquets to hit a shuttlecock across a net. The objective is to score points by landing the shuttlecock in the opposing player’s court. The game is played on a rectangular court divided by a net, and the dimensions and height of the net differ between men’s and women’s events.
The shuttlecock is a unique projectile made from feathers or a synthetic material, which affects its flight. Badminton is known for its fastpaced play, requiring a combination of speed, agility, and strategic thinking. It is governed by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) and is played both recreationally and competitively worldwide, including at the Olympic Games.
Key aspects of the game include:
Scoring System: Typically, a match is played in a bestofthree games format, with each game played to 21 points. Points can be scored by either player or team, regardless of who served (rally scoring).
Equipment: Players use lightweight racquets and shuttlecocks, which are designed to be aerodynamically stable.
Court Dimensions: The court for doubles is 6.1 meters wide and 13.4 meters long, while the singles court is narrower at 5.18 meters.
Skills Required: Successful players need to exhibit excellent handeye coordination, footwork, and a deep understanding of tactics and strategy.
Badminton is popular in many countries, particularly in Asia, and has a dedicated following at both grassroots and competitive levels.