Badminton is the fastest racket game in the world. This sport can be played with two or four people, and the objective of the game is simple: score as many points or scores as possible and more than your opponent by hitting the shuttlecock over the net. Although similar to tennis, the rules of badminton are distinctly different and need to be understood before you can start playing. If you want to play badminton like a pro or just to impress others, read the guide below.
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Part 1 of 3: Learning the Rules of the Game
Step 1. Understand the purpose of the game
Like tennis, badminton is a racket sport played by two or four players (two versus two). The object of the game is that you or your team must score 21 points before the opposing team. You earn points each time you land the shuttlecock into your opponent's area or when your opponent commits a foul which means the opponent fails to hit the shuttlecock back into your playing area.
- To win the game, you must first get 21 points and be two points away from your opponent. This means if in the game the points of both parties are 20-20, it means you have to win by 22-20 points, and so on.
- If you or your opponent cannot win by a difference of two points until the points of both players reach 29-29, then the player who reaches 30 points first is considered the winner.
- Generally, the team or player that manages to win two games is considered the winner of the match.
Step 2. Get to know the badminton court
The badminton court is 13.4 meters long and 6.1 meters wide. If you play singles, the valid playing area is 13.4 meters long, but only 5.18 meters wide. The badminton net is installed across the length of the court and has a height of 1.5 meters from the ground. When playing in doubles, a 46 cm wide area on the side of the court is considered a valid area to serve and hit back. Here are some other things you need to know.
- Each side of the field has a right and left service area. The player carrying the serve must serve in the direction of the opponent's serve area that crosses his position. In other words, if a player takes the serve from the right area, then he must hit the serve to the opponent's left area.
- For singles, when serving, a player may hit the serve towards the opponent's diagonal service box as well as the back single line on that side, but not towards the side line of the doubles court.
- For doubles, when serving, a player may hit the serve diagonally towards the opponent, including the double court side line, but not towards the single court serve line.
- So, in singles the serve area will be longer and narrower, while in doubles, the serve area will be wider, but shorter.
- After a successful serve, the entire court of each team may be used. The shuttlecock only needs to be within the doubles or singles court boundaries.
- Players can score points if their opponent commits a foul. If the player serving forces his opponent to commit a foul, points will be awarded to the serving provider. Otherwise, the opponent will get a point as well as the right to serve in the next game.
Step 3. Understand the basics of the game
Here are some off-court information and points rules you need to know before you start playing:
- Toss a coin or have a small contest to determine who serves first and chooses the side of the court.
- The first service in badminton always starts from the right.
- If the serve made violates the rules, then the opponent gets a point and is entitled to serve. The right to serve always goes to the player or team that scores points.
- To make it easier for you to know which side you should bring the service to, remember this simple rule: if the points of the player who brought the service are odd, then he must serve to the left of the service area. If even, on the right.
- For doubles, if for example you are the one who brought the first service, then lose points (and service rights), but then manage to score points and reclaim service rights, then the player who served is your teammate. If after that your team scores points again, the player who brought the service remains your teammate. You will only do service if you lose service rights and then reclaim it.
- After the end of the match, each team or player switches sides of the court, and the team or player that won the previous game is entitled to serve first in the next game.
Step 4. Know when a player commits a foul
There are several conditions that are declared as violations, namely:
- When serving, the shuttlecock must be hit at a point higher or equal to the bat's waist, otherwise it is a foul. If any part of the racket is not higher than the bat's hand on serve, this is also a foul.
- If the serving team fails to pass the shuttlecock over the net. The shuttlecock can only be hit once by the same player to be declared valid in badminton. In badminton a player has only one chance to serve. Unless the shuttlecock hits the net and falls into the opponent's court. In this case, the player will be given the opportunity to serve again.
- If a player hits the shuttlecock towards or under the net during play.
- If the shuttlecock hits the player's body.
- If a player hits the shuttlecock out of bounds or over the side or bottom of the net to the player on the opposite side of the court. A shuttlecock that falls above the boundary line may be considered entered.
- If a player hits the shuttlecock on his own court or who has crossed the longest service line, this is a foul.
- If the player serving does not succeed in bringing the shuttlecock to the correct opponent's side of the court.
- If a player tries (whether successful or not) to block his opponent in any way, this is considered a foul.
- All players' feet must be in the service area during play. Otherwise, it can be called a violation.
- If a player can touch the net with any equipment, including clothing or limbs, this is considered a foul.
- A feint move that confuses the opponent before or during the service is also considered a foul.
Step 5. Learn the basics of hitting the shuttlecock
A standard badminton racket is usually about 66 cm long and weighs between 4.5 and 5.5 ounces. Most racquets are usually made of iron and nylon, and you will need strength to produce an effective shot with this lightweight racket. Like tennis, the basic strokes in badminton are forehands and backhands, and you need strong wrist muscles to hit well. Here are some things you need to know:
- The key factor when hitting is foot position. Pay attention to where the shuttlecock is pointing, then step as efficiently as possible so that you are in a position where your racket can reach and hit the shuttlecock easily without having to run and stand directly at the shuttlecock.
- In order to make an effective and powerful shot, you need to practice swinging the racket and hitting the shuttlecock often. Hit the tail of the shuttlecock, not the feathers.
- Practice your stomach punch. This stroke will take the shuttle far into the back of the opponent's court, giving you time to improve your position and prepare for your next attack or stroke.
- Practice your drop shots. This blow will make the shuttlecock fall into the area in front of the net, making it difficult for the opponent to reach.
- Practice your smash. This stroke is usually hard and is made when the shuttlecock is at a higher height than the net. To do a smash, you have to rock your racket behind your head, then hit the shuttlecock hard.
- Practice your drive shots. This shot can be done with both forehand and backhand. This stroke causes the shuttlecock to move parallel to the ground over the net, making it difficult for the opponent to anticipate and parry it.
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Understand that the player serving must be able to recognize when his opponent is ready to serve. The player serving the serve may not start if his opponent appears unprepared.
Both players must be within the court with their feet still and touching the floor until the service is given to the opponent. Even so, players may not stand on the line on the court because this area is considered outside the service area
Part 2 of 3: Mastering His Moves
Step 1. Master how to hold the racket
The way you hold the racket will affect your shot. There are two basic ways to hold a racket, one for the forehand, and another for the backhand. Here's what you need to know:
- How to hold the forehand. Hold the racket with your non-dominant hand at an angle, and point the handle toward your body. Then hold the grip of the racket as if you were shaking hands with a racket. To be more flexible, do not grip it too tightly. In this position, your thumb and forefinger should form a V. Adjust the position of your hands on the grip according to how you want to hit your shuttlecock.
- How to hold the backhand. Hold the racket like a forehand grip. Then, turn it counterclockwise so that the V shape of your hand shifts to the right. Place your thumb on the back bevel of the racquet handle for a firmer grip while the racquet is in the grip of your fingers. Again, use a longer grip for long games and a shorter grip for net play. Relax your thumbs and use your arm strength for long distance strokes as thumb length is very limited in short court backhand grips. Plus, you'll be better prepared for your backhand than a mid-court block or net kill, which means that thumb strength doesn't really matter.
Step 2. Master the long and short service
In badminton, there are several ways to serve, namely long and short services. Here are some ways of service that you need to know:
- Long service. This kind of service is great for getting your opponent to move backwards when playing singles, but a little more complicated when used in doubles. To perform this service, you must perform movements such as a forehand from below. Stand about 0.6 to 0.9 meters from the front line of the service area. Place your left foot in front, and your right foot behind. Lift your racket back at shoulder height, hold the shuttlecock by the feathers and drop it in front of you just before it hits the racket. Hit the shuttlecock on the surface of the racket and swing it.
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Short service. This service is often used in multiple numbers. You can use this service with forehand or backhand.
- For service forehands, stand 0.6 to 0.9 meters from the front line of the service area, position your racket at waist level, hold the shuttlecock by the feathers close to the racket surface and at almost waist level. Then hit the shuttlecock until it bounces slightly as if eroding the net.
- For backhand service, place your right foot in front and your left foot behind, with your foot pointing toward your opponent. Hold the shuttlecock by the end of the feather in front of the waist, then swing your racket lightly with the back of the racket surface.
Step 3. Master the flick and drive service
Here are some things you need to know:
- Service flicks. Use this gesture for quick service, but don't use it too often. Use a forehand or backhand motion as if you were going to make a short serve as usual, but then use your wrist to swing the racket up slightly so that your serve is slightly higher.
- Service drives. This aggressive service is good for doubles and singles. This kind of service will make the shuttlecock bounce horizontally quickly. Use a long serve, but instead of swinging the racket up, swing your racket forward slightly so the shuttle can bounce faster and lower.
Step 4. Master the forehand movement
When you see the shuttlecock coming low enough and in front of you, you need to hit it with a forehand move. Here's how:
- Position the racket slightly back and tilt down.
- Make sure your knees are ready to move.
- Step towards the shuttle with the right foot.
- Make sure your arms are almost straight when swinging the racket, and swing your wrists just as your racket is about to hit the shuttlecock.
- Swing the racket up to gain momentum in your stroke.
Step 5. Master the backhand
To hit a backhand, you must use it when the shuttle is pointing to the side of your backhand. Here's how:
- Step your right foot in the direction you will reach the racket (if you are right-handed and your backhand is on the left). Make sure your right shoulder is facing the net.
- Bend your elbows and arms across your body and get ready to swing the racket. Focus your weight on your left leg, and let your right leg off.
- Shift the focus of your weight onto the front leg, straighten your elbows and swing the racket to hit the shuttlecock. Continue by moving the racket over the right shoulder.
Step 6. Master the slicing punch
A stroke like this can decrease the speed of the shuttlecock or change its direction. This technique is a little difficult and makes it difficult for your opponent to guess where the shuttlecock is going from your shot. Here's how:
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Slicing net punch. Move forward, then move your racket as if slicing a shuttlecock and making it spin across the net.
If the service from the bat causes the shuttlecock to touch the net and then cross it, play must be stopped and then restarted. However, if the shuttlecock happens to touch the net and is subsequently hit again, this stroke will be permitted and the shuttlecock may continue to be played
- Drop shot by slicing. Just make a slicing motion when hitting the shuttlecock. This will make the shuttlecock become slower and fall quickly into the opponent's net.
Step 7. Master how to smash
This stroke allows you to make the shuttlecock glide very quickly. To do this, hold your left hand close to the shuttlecock in the air, then swing your racket when the shuttlecock is overhead.
For your smash to be effective, you need to be able to direct it into a position that is difficult for your opponent to parry
Step 8. Understand some of the errors in the service that can (and are not) considered a violation
- The player must be able to hit the shuttlecock with his racket. If the shuttlecock fails to hit during service, this can be considered a foul. Even the best players can experience this.
- If the shuttlecock sticks to the racket during a service stroke or is hit twice, this is also considered a foul.
Part 3 of 3: Mastering the Strategy
Step 1. Make sure you are always in and/or come back to the ready position each time you finish hitting
This means that you should always return to a position that is ready to reach out and parry your opponent's attacks. If your opponent forces you to move away from a ready position, it will create an empty area that is difficult to reach from your current position and will surely become the target of your opponent. So, always get back to your position as soon as possible and as quickly as possible.
- In this ready position, your feet should be in line with your shoulders and your big toes pointing toward the net.
- Make sure your knees are always bent and your racket is pointing forward slightly crossed.
- Don't stand up as you normally would, because it will make your body stiff and not ready to move properly and quickly.
Step 2. Always ready to move anytime and anywhere
Be prepared to move into the net area, backwards, or sideways to reach the incoming shuttlecock in any direction. Always ready to respond to surprise blows from your opponents.
Step 3. Aim for as many smashes as possible
Smash is a very powerful hit and difficult to parry, so it is the most effective hit to score points. Always look for opportunities to hit a smash when the shuttlecock coming towards you is high enough.
Step 4. Always force your opponent to move
Don't hit the shuttlecock at your opponent, as that will make him parry very easily. You should always be able to make your opponent move to parry your blow so that your opponent gets tired or opens a gap that you can then aim for.
Step 5. Know where to point the shuttlecock
Don't just hit the shuttlecock and expect your opponent to make a mistake. Decide where you are going to hit the shuttlecock, how to hit it, and why you want to hit it in that direction. If you just hit, you will be hard to win.
Step 6. Exploit your opponent's weakness
If you want to win, you have to be able to master the game and make it uncomfortable. If your opponent's backhand is weak, always hit the shuttlecock towards the backhand. If his footwork is slow, force him to keep moving throughout the field. If his smash hit is very strong and difficult to parry, try not to give it a high hit. Adjust your strategy to your opponent's strengths and weaknesses to increase your chances of winning.
Observing the opponent closely is important. Be it at the start or in the middle of a match, always pay attention to your opponent's strengths and weaknesses as soon as possible
Step 7. Vary your strokes
While it's always good to aim for smash opportunities or cross forehands, if you do the same thing over and over again, your opponent will be able to guess your game. After all, such an opportunity will not always come. Always surprise your opponent with a blow he doesn't expect so he must always be alert when facing you.
This includes having variety in serving, what kind of strokes you like, and which direction you tend to hit
Tips
- Master all kinds of strokes so you can play well.
- Always have more than one shuttlecock ready, especially if you are going to be playing for a long time or your game is quite intense. The feathers on the shuttlecock can be damaged quickly and make the shuttlecock move in the air improperly.
