History:
The roots of the sport of badminton can be traced back thousands of years, although the exact origin is unknown. Games involving a racket and a shuttlecock were probably developed and played in Ancient Greece. The modern day title of 'badminton' first came into use in 1873. The game of 'Battledore and Shuttlecock' was frequently played at Badminton House, in Gloucestershire, England. A net was added to the classic game, and it was so popular here that it became known as "the Badminton game". The game soon became known as 'badminton'.
The first rules for the game of badminton were laid out in 1887 by the Bath Badminton Club. In 1893 the Badminton Association of England was established and published the first set of official rules and regulations. The first badminton competition was held in 1898 in Guildford.
Badminton worldwide is now governed by the Badminton World Federation (BWF). The popularity of badminton has continued to grow and there are now more than 150 members of the BWF. Badminton was finally granted Olympic status in 1992.
Rules:
For single matches, the basic badminton rules are:
- To win a match, you have to win 2 out of 3 games (sets).
- To win a game (set), you have to score 21 points.
- If a score becomes 20-20, a player must win by two points in order to win the game (set).
- If the score becomes 29-29, the side that scores the 30th point win that game (set).
- There are no "service over", meaning you can score a point no matter who serves.
The rules of badminton consider the following as faults:
- If the shuttle passes through or under the net, fails to pass the net, touches the ceiling or side walls, touches the person or dress of a player or touches any other object or person.
- If the shuttle lands outside the limits of the court. It is consider “in” if the shuttle hits the line.
- If a player touches the net or its supports with racket, or invades an opponent's court over the net with racket.
- If a player deliberately distracts an opponent by any action such as shouting or making gestures.
- If the shuttle is caught and held on the racket and then slung during the execution of a stroke.
- If the shuttle is hit twice in succession by the same player with two strokes.
Badminton shots
Smash
The smash is a shot hit with power and speed downward to your opponent's court. You can also jump and smash the shuttle at the same time to generate more power and create a steeper angle for the shot.
Net Shot
These shots are played from around the net area back to your opponent's net area. The objective is to force your opponent to hit a weak lift or hit shots that could not clear the net.
Net lift (Lob)
Net Lift is actually an underarm clear played from around the net area. Use this shot when you want to move your opponent to the back court or create more time for yourself.
Drop
These shots can be played both on the forehand and backhand sides. Use the badminton drop shot to move your opponent to the frontcourt.
Drive
These are attacking shots that cross the net flatly in a horizontal trajectory. It is an attacking shot that is usually played from the sides of the court.
Clear
Clears are the most common and important of all badminton strokes that can be played overhead or underarm. These shots can be played both on the forehand and backhand sides.
