SPORTS: AN INTRODUCTION

Sports Icon
Michael Jordan is considered by many basketball fanatics
and expert as the greatest basketball player of all time. But
before he reached where he is right now, he went through one
of his life’s lowest times. He was cut from varsity basketball team.
He pushed himself to be better by practicing harder to improve
his skills and understand the game better. The rest is history as he
dominated the highest level of professional basketball and went
on to become a sports icon.

TYPES OF SPORTS

Sports is an activity that requires physical actions and skills where individuals
or teams compete under a set of rules. It is classified into individual, dual, or team
sports. Individual sports are played by one participant on each competing side,
dual sports are played by two competing pairs, while team sports are played with
three or more players.

Some of the popular individual and dual games include badminton, bowling,
boxing, lawn tennis, track and field, table tennis, skating, swimming, and beach
volleyball. Team sports include basketball, football, softball, and volleyball.
However, there are some individual and dual sports that can be played in teams,
depending on the tournament and sponsoring sports organizations. (see Table 1.1).
Some sports can also be played indoors, outdoors, or both.

SPORT Individual Dual Team

It is necessary to learn the
Badminton • • •
basics of each sports to properly
Basketball • play the game. Nonetheless,
Bowling • • understanding how the game is
Boxing • • played is most essential.
Football •
Lawn Tennis • • • In whichever sports, the benefits
Track and Field • • of participating in physical
Table Tennis • • • activity is the most significant.
Skating • • •
Softball •
Swimming • •
Volleyball •
Volleyball (beach) •

Table 1.1. Examples of Sports

1
 What is the difference of individual/ dual sports vs team sports?

Individual sports foster a higher amount of discipline, self- confidence, focus,

and passion. The individual player is solely responsible for winning or losing,
succeeding of failing.
In team sports, many variables are considered to determine the success or
failure of the team. Although individual qualities and skills are helpful, performance
will not rely on a single talent. A team’s performance or success depends on the
collective effort of all its players.

What does one need to know in playing sports?

Individual sports rely on the individual while team sports rely on teammates. In
playing any type of sports, it is important to have focus, clear understanding of the
game, and work ethics in mastering the skills.

Some of the important aspects to consider in learning a sport are:

1. History – the inventor of the sport, country of origin, and development of the
game.
2. Court Dimensions/Venue – where the games are played (indoor, outdoor, or
both), size, different design for male or female, and safety procedures for the
players.
3. Equipment and Gear- proper protective gears, uniforms, and outfits which
also involve safety of players and the officials.
4. Technical and Tactical Skills – technical skills are the basics of playing the
game (e.g., basketball- dribble, shoot, pass) while tactical skills are the
strategies to take advantage during the game.
5. Rules of the Game – set of rules on how the game is played, violations,
penalties, how to score points, how many players are allowed, etc.
6. Officiating – officials of the game, their duties, and responsibilities of calling
for violations, penalties, points, etc. and regulating fair play.

TECHNICAL AND TACTICAL SKILLS IN PLAYING SPORTS

In playing any sport, learning, and developing skills help athletes improve in
the game. These skills involve physical training and game strategies.

Technical Skills
These are basic or fundamental skills needed to play the game. These are
required in all sports. It advances in degrees or levels as a player’s practices or gets

2
used to doing the skill. Examples of these are dribbling, passing, and shooting in
basketball, and ball reception, attacking/ spiking, and setting in volleyball.

Tactical Skills
These are the decision-making skills or strategies used in different situations
during the game. These may vary depending on the trainer or coach, skill level of
an athlete, or the strength and weakness of the opposing team. A basic example is
the use of quick pass and movement against a taller but slower opponent in
basketball. The use of tactical decision during a game is called game sense.

In planning a training/practice, an individual must consider the following:

1. Preparation/planning
➢ Date, time, and duration of training / practice
➢ Objectives/goal
➢ Equipment needed during training / practice.
2. Training Proper
➢ Warm – up /stretching.
➢ Teaching new skills / practice of previously taught skills
➢ Scrimmage / Practice game
➢ Cool down and assessment.

CHOOSING A SPORT

An activity / sport should be chosen based on an individual’s preference

and lifestyle. Some of the considerations that will guide an individual in their
choice of sports include:
1. Weather extremities (hot or cold) for an outdoor sports activity.
2. Enjoyment derived from the activity.
3. Previous activities tried and enjoyed.
4. Financial capacity or budget. Activities like ice skating, gold, and scuba
diving require financial investment on equipment and actual activity.
5. State of health and level of fitness. Demands of physical activity may be
excessive from the body, having a condition is recommended.
6. Other alternative activities that will give motivation.

What are the safety measures to avoid unnecessary injuries in playing games or sports?

In taking part in physical activity, it is essential to first observe safety measures

to avoid unnecessary injuries. Although certain injuries. Although certain injuries may
not be avoided, most injuries can be prevented by observing good judgement. The
following are safety measures to avoid injuries:

3
1. Safety Equipment. Have the appropriate gears for the type of activity such
as clothing shoes, and protective gears that would prevent uneasiness
and harm. Also take into consideration the activity area.

2. Hydration. Keep your body hydrated with enough water or fluids during
exercise or activity especially during hot weather. Drink a cup of water
minutes before exercise and every 15 minutes during your exercise to help
your body replenish lost fluids.

3. Perform moderate – intensity physical activity. It is better to perform

physical activities with moderate intensity on q regular basis rather that
occasional strenuous activities. A vigorous workout will tire your body easily
and overstraining yourself can lead to injuries. It also causes nausea and
body pains that would not go away quickly. Maintain an exercise routine
within comfort. Forcing yourself with too much intensity just to attain goals
quickly is a mistake.

4. Weather Condition. Wear appropriate clothes for the weather. The

clothing you wear must make you feel a little cool at the start of exercise.
Wear light-colored clothes during sunny days as not absorb too much heat
and avoid overheating and put-on sun protection. During cold weather,
a thermal suit will help you keep warm. Avoid using thick clothes for it
constrains perspiration and can cause your body temperature to go up.

4
 Unit 1: BADMINTON

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
At the end of this unit, students should have:
• Recall where and when the game badminton originated
• Identify the different terms used in playing badminton
• Recognize the different equipment needed playing badminton

Let’s Activate: Sports Participation

Have you participated in any sports? If yes, list the sports and describe your
participation.

List of Sports Participated Describe your Participation in the Sports

Badminton
The game badminton is played over the net using a shuttlecock and a racket.
The shuttlecock is being struck before it lands on your court, back to the opponent’s
court. You need quick reflexes and a physically fit body to cope with the game. It
can be played by men and women of all ages, indoors or outdoors, in singles or a
doubles match.

History of Badminton Game

Badminton evolved from a similar game called battledore played in fifth-

century B.C. in China. The people in China then played a game called ti jian zi. A
direct translation from this
word 'ti jian zi' is kicking the
shuttle. As the name suggest,
the objective of the game is
to keep the shuttle from
hitting the ground without
using hand. Whether this sport
has anything to do with the
History of Badminton is up for
debate. It was however the
first game that uses a Shuttle.

5
 About five centuries later, a game named Battledore and Shuttlecock was
played in China, Japan, India and Greece. This is a game where you use the
Battledore (a paddle) to hit the shuttlecock back and forth. By the 16th century, it
has become a popular game among Children in England. In Europe this game was
known as jeu de volant to them. In the 1860s' a game named Poona was played in
India. This game is much like the Battledore and Shuttlecock but with an added net.
The British army learned this game in India and took the equipment back to England
during the 1870s.

The game we all know as badminton began in the 19th century (1870) and
was named by the Duke of Beaufort after Badminton House in Gloucestershire. The
International Badminton Federation now has its base in Gloucestershire.

In England, there had long been a children's game known as "battledore and
shuttlecock". Players used a paddle, called a battledore, to keep a cork stuffed with
feathers, called a shuttlecock, in the air for as long as possible. This game had been
popular since medieval times. The modern version had migrated somehow to India
and then back again.
England played the same badminton rules as India until 1887. The Bath
Badminton Club standardized the rules and regulations, making the game more
inclined towards the English ideas of how the game should be played. The
Badminton Association of England published the first set of rules in line with the new
regulations in 1893 and officially launched the game of Badminton. The All England
Open Badminton Championships began in 1899 and were the world's first
badminton competition.

In 1934 the International Badminton Federation (IBF), which is now known as

the Badminton world Federation' was established. England, France, Canada,
Denmark, Netherlands, New Zealand, Ireland, Scotland and Wales were the first
members. In 1936 India joined as an affiliate. Globally the Badminton World
Federation (BWF) governs and promotes the sport.

The history of badminton in the United States began with the first Badminton
club, the Badminton Club Of New York, founded in 1878. The game flourished in the
1930s when places such as the YMCA and educational institutions began offering
badminton instruction. Badminton became a popular pastime for many Hollywood
stars including James Cagney, Bette Davis, Ginger Rogers and Douglas Fairbanks,
which also helped to promote the sport in the 1930s.

The different badminton groups throughout the United States got together to
standardize the rules and regulations of the game in 1936. The United States singles
player, David Freeman, won the All-England World Championships in 1949, while the
All England World Championship doubles were won the same year by American

6
players Clinton and Patsy Stevens, although the All-England Championships were
considered the unofficial world championships until 1977.
Between 1949 and 1967 the United States won 23 world championships and
much acclaimed success in world rankings.

Although the history of badminton originated in England this international

sport has largely dominated by Asian countries and Denmark over the last few
decades. Countries including South Korea, Malaysia, China, and Indonesia have all
produced world class players. China is currently the strongest badminton country,
winning many major championships consistently over the last few years.

Nature and Purpose of the Game

Badminton is a racket game played by two (singles) or four (doubles) players

on a rectangular court. The object is to serve the shuttle strategically and thereafter
direct it with speed or accuracy to an unprotected point on the opponent’s court
so that the opponent is unable to return the shuttle across the net or into the proper
boundaries of the court area. Likewise, the opponent attempts to prevent the
shuttle from falling to the court on his side of the net and to return it to an
unprotected spot in his opponent’s court.

Badminton Terminology
1. Ace - a good serve that the opponent is unable to hit or touch with his
racket.

2. Backhand – any stroke made on the side of the body opposite the racket
side.
3. Birdie – the shuttlecock
4. Clear – a high shot which falls close to the backline. Another terms for lob
5. Drive – hard horizontal stroke that is straight and close to the net.
6. Drop – a low shot close to the net made from the back court that falls or
drops sharply immediately after crossing the net.
7. Fault – any infraction of rules resulting in loss of the server or the point.
8. Forehand – any stroke made on the racket side of the body.
9. Hand-Out – Loss of service
10. In side – team serving
11. Let – a bird which touches the top of the net and falls in the proper side of
the court.

7
 12. Match – consist of three games, unless otherwise agreed.
13. Net Fight– a shot in which the bird several times or the continuous stroking of
the bird back and forth across.
14. Out side – the team receiving

15. Rally – heated return of the bird several times or the continuous stroking of
the bird back and forth across.
16. Serve - to put the bird in play.
17. Side out – loss service

18. Odd and Even Courts – In singles: At the beginning of the game and when
the score is even, the server serves from the right service court. When it is odd,
the server serves from the left service court. If the server wins a rally, the server
scores a point and then serves again from alternate service court. If the
receiver wins a rally, the receiver scores a point and becomes the new server.
19. Rounded Head Stroke – a high stroke over the head to hit a bird on the
offhand sides.

20. Setting the Game – chasing how many points to play when the score
becomes tied as in 13-all or 14-all.

Equipments

1. Rackets and Shuttles

Any racket can be used for beginner or school groups. The more rackets you
have in a session the better — one per person is ideal but not necessary. Make sure
the players take care of your equipment as badminton rackets can break easily. For
small children there are also available shorter handled rackets to assist with hitting
the shuttle. Lighter rackets are easier to use for all levels and tighter strings will help
with the power.

8
 There are two types of shuttles — plastic and feather. The plastic shuttle is
heavier, flies differently but lasts a lot longer than the feather, ideal for school
groups, outside use and beginners. Can also be used for training sessions if feather
shuttles are hard to come by or conditions are better suited. The feather shuttle is
used for most official tournaments. It is much lighter, and players can hit a wider
range of shots, but the feathers break easily, and the shuttle won’t last as long as
the plastic.

2. Court and Net

Court Size: 20 feet wide by 44 feet long for doubles, 17 feet wide by 44 feet
long for singles. Service court being 6 ½ feet from net.

Net Height: 5 feet high and 5 feet 1 inch at post net line marks the middle of
the court where the net is placed, creating 6.1 meters by 20 feet area on each
side of the net.

9
 Most of the time, nets and posts are not be available. This isn’t a problem;
many basic lessons and techniques can be done without nets. But you can
compromise by using other materials e.g., a rope across the whole area tied to
the wall.

General Rules / Regulations

1. Serving
a. The server must keep both feet in contact with the floor at the time of the
serve.
b. The bird must be contacted below the waist.
c. The racket head must be below the server’s wrist.
d. The server should not serve until the receiver is ready; the opponent is
deemed ready if a return is attempted.
e. Partners of the server and receiver may stand anywhere on the court
providing they do not obstruct the opponents view.
f. A bird that touches the net on the serve and goes into the proper service
court is legal.
g. If the server misses the bird on the serve attempt, it still counts. In singles
and doubles the serve would go to the opponent. The serve is lost to the
opponent.
2. Serving Order Singles
a. The first serve of the game and all following serves, when the serves score
is an even number, are made from the right service court.
b. All serves, when 101, the serves score is an odd number, are made from
the left service court.
c. When a rally is the receiving player becomes the server and scores a
point.
3. Serving Order — Doubles
a. There is only one server in doubles.
b. At the beginning of the game and when the score is EVEN, the server
serves from the RIGHT COURT. When the score is ODD, the server serves
from the LEFT COURT.
c. If the serving Side Wins a rally, the serving Side scores a point, and the
same person serves again from the alternate court.
d. If the receiving side wins a rally, the receiving side scores a point. The
receiving side becomes the new serving side.

10
 e. The players do not change their respective service courts until they win a
point When side is serving. You only change sides of the court, from left to
right when your team scored while serving.
4. The winners of the first game serve first in the next game.
5. Birds falling on the lines are considered good.
6. During a rally, a bird that touches the net and goes over is in play.
7. A fault (violation of rules) occurs if:
a. On the service, any part of the racket head is higher than the server’s
wrist and contact made above the waist.
b. The service fails to cross the net or go into the proper service court.
c. The feet of the server and receiver are not in the proper courts at time of
service.
d. The server hesitates or stops (feint/balk) the service motion or misses the
bird.
e. The improper receiver returns the bird on the serve.
f. A bird hit into the net, under the net, against the wall or ceiling is out-of-
bounds.
g. A player hits the bird before it crosses the net.
h. The bird touches a player or clothing.
i. The player touches the net while the bird is in player.
j. The bird is hit twice in succession by one/both partners.
k. The bird is held, caught, or carried on the racket when struck.
l. A player obstructs an opponent.
8. Let (a play allowed to be replayed)
a. The bird becomes caught in or on the net after passing over the net.
b. The bird hits the basketball supports of net.
c. The following situations occur before the next serve and if the offending
side wins the rally:
c.1. The correct server serves from the wrong court.
c.2. The wrong server serves from either the correct/incorrect service
court.
c.3. The correct receiver receives in the wrong court.

11
Scoring Games
Since January 2006, World Badminton Federation changed the scoring
system so now points are scored after all rallies. Games are played to 21 with
advantage of 2 and breaks are only at 11 or 21. Below is a basic explanation for
the new scoring system.

Simplified New Rally Points Scoring System

Scoring System
1. A match consists of the best of 3 games of 21 points.
2. The side winning a rally adds a point to its score.
3. At 20 all, the side which gains a 2-point lead first, wins that game.
4. At 29 all, the side scoring the 30th point, wins that game.
5. The side winning a game serves first in the next game.
Intervals and Change of Ends
1. When the leading score reaches 11 points, players have a 60 second
interval.
2. A 2-minute interval between each game is allowed.
3. In the third game, players change ends when a side scores 11 points.
Singles
1. At the beginning of the game and when the score is even, the server serves
from the right service court. When it is odd, the server serves from the left
service court.

2. If the server wins a rally, the 'server scores a point and then serves again from
alternate service court.

3. If the receiver wins a rally; the receiver scores a point and becomes the new
server.
Doubles
1. There is only one serve in doubles.
2. At the beginning of the game and when the score is even, the server serves
from the right court. When it is odd, the server serves from the left court.
3. If the serving wins a rally, the serving side scores a point, and the same server
serves again from the alternate service court.
4. If the receiving side wins a rally, the receiving sides scores appoint. The
receiving side becomes the new serving side.

12
 5. The player of the receiving side who served last stays in the same service
court from where he served last. The reverse pattern applies to the receiver’s
partner.
6. The players do not change their respective service court until they win a
point when their side is serving.
7. If players commit an error in the service court, the error is corrected when
the mistake is discovered.

Safety / Etiquette

1. Keep a firm grip on the racket.

2. Be careful not to hit your pattern with the racket.
3. Stay in your own court to avoid the possibility of collision with other players.
4. Stop play if other players enter you court.
5. Wait until there is a stop in the action to retrieve a bird from another court.
6. Be aware of the walls and the net posts.
7. Before play, agree on the boundaries and determine the first server.
8. Players call their own lines; replay the point if in doubt.
9. Shake hands after the game / match.

Badminton is an extremely demanding sport. At an elite level, players are often

required to perform at their limits of speed, agility, flexibility, endurance and
strength. On top of all of this, players must maintain a high state of concentration in
order to meet the tactical / mental demands of dealing with their opponents. The
varied potential stresses of competitive play are considerable. It is therefore
essential that everyone involved with the modern game ought to be familiar with
the fitness (physiological) requirements of the game and how ‘Badminton fitness’
can be enhanced.

Enrichment:
• The History of Badminton - https://youtu.be/4cZIKm0bjc4
• The Rules of Badminton - https://youtu.be/UyLIi-TbcFc

13
Application:
1. Draw the Badminton court. Show the proper dimensions and boundaries for
single and double match.
2. Give a one -paragraph history or origin of the game Badminton.
3. Describe the following equipment:
a. racket
b. shuttlecock
c. net
4. List 5 situations on when can a player earn points in the game Badminton?
5. Give situation with which a player gets the service for the game.

Evaluation:
1. The game of Badminton originated in what country?
a) United States c) China
b) England d) India
2. The winner of men’s singles, men’s doubles, or women’s doubles, is the first to
_____ points?
a) 15 c) 11
b) 21 d) 10
3. The winner of a women’s singles game is the first to _____ points?
a) 15 c) 11
b) 21 d) 10
4. If the shuttle hits the net on a serve and goes over, landing in the appropriate
service court, it is called a ___________?
a) Fault c) Miss
b) Point d) Let
5. Which service court do you serve/receive from when the server has an even
score (0, 2, 4, etc.)?
a) Right service court c) Both A and B
b) Left Service court d) Only B

14
6. What is the width of the doubles service court?
a) 20 feet c) 17 feet
b) 15 feet d) 22 feet
7. Which one of these are not parts of a racket?
a) Throat c) Grip
b) Cheeks d) Net
8. These are the different names of badminton except:
a) Poona c) Pingpong
b) Wiffwaff d) gossima
9. How many feathers do the shuttle have?
a) 20 c) 25
b) 18 d) 16
10. When is the sport badminton played in English
a) 1885 c) 1888
b) 1886 d) 1887
11. The International Badminton Federation (IBF) established in what year?
a) 1931 c) 1932
b) 1933 d) 1934
12. A point is awarded when the returner:
a) Hits the shuttle out-of-bounds c) Commits a fault
b) Fails to return the shuttle over the net d) All of the above
13. The height of a regulation net in the middle of the court is what?
a) 4 feet c) 5 feet, 4 inches
b) 4 feet, 6 inches d) 5 feet
14. If a game is tied at 14 points, the first team to reach 14 may:
a) Set the game at 3 more points.
b) Decide to just play to 15
c) Both A and B are correct
d) None of the above are correct

15
15. Which of the following is considered a fault?
a) Striking the shuttle above the head on a return.
b) Striking the shuttle above the waist on a serve.
c) Striking a shuttle that is going out of bounds.
d) Striking a shuttle in a downward motion on a return.
16. A point is scored on every volley, no matter who served.
a) True b) False
17. The doubles court is shorter than the singles court.
a) True b) False
18. Any portion of the shuttle may be struck during a serve.
a) True b) False
19. In doubles play, no receiver may receive 2 consecutive serves.
a) True b) False
20. If the shuttle lands on a boundary line it is considered a fault
a) True b) False

16