TOPIC 1: BACKGROUND, HISTORY OF BADMINTON

INTRODUCTION
Badminton is a historically popular and highly skillful racquet game. It is played with a
shuttlecock on a rectangular court. Like tennis, the game can be played as singles or
doubles – with one person on each side, or two.

Players dart around the court, putting their reactions and reflexes against the
opposition. Four miles can be travelled by a player in the duration of a match, so
fitness is paramount.

The shuttlecock flies through the air in amateur and professional games alike, giving
the feathered (usually plastic) projectile its affectionate nick name of the ‘bird’. In fact,
a powerful smash or serve in badminton regularly beats the top speeds of those of a
world class tennis player – up to around 260 kph for world class badminton players,
compared to Andy Roddick’s world-record serve of 246 kph. As such, badminton is
arguably the world’s fastest racquet sport.

HISTORY
Badminton was first played in ancient Greece and Egypt, when players hit an early
version of the shuttlecock, made of bird’s feathers, with racquets. It is thought to have
been developed from a game called ‘battledore and shuttlecock’, a favorite among
children.

A version of the game reached India in the 1700s, where it was called ‘poona’. The
British army brought this game to Britain, after being stationed in India in the
nineteenth century. It became known as badminton after a party hosted by the Duke
of Beaufort in 1873, at his Gloucestershire abode, Badminton.

Badminton in Britain
After being introduced to Britain, badminton became popular among elite circles. The
Bath Badminton Club formed and drew up a list of rules which clarified and simplified
the rules of the Indian game, which had been followed since its introduction to Britain.
The new rules were drawn up in 1887. In 1895, the Bath Badminton Club, which was
the first such organization in Britain, was superseded by the Badminton Association of
England. The Association again reviewed and standardized the regulations, and has
governed the rules ever since.

The popularity of the sport in Britain has continued to increase since its introduction.
There were about 300 badminton clubs in Britain in 1920. This grew to over 9,000
shortly after World War II.

World Domination
The sport continued to spread throughout the world and, in 1934, the International
Badminton Federation (IBF) was founded by nine member countries – England,
Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France, Denmark, Netherlands, Canada and New Zealand. In
1981, the IBF became badminton’s international governing body. The International
Badminton Federation was renamed the Badminton World Federation in 2006.
Badminton in the Philippines
In Philippines, it was in the 1920 when British and American expatriates introduced
badminton in the country. As early as 1950's, the International Badminton Federation
(IBF) recocognized the Philippines as its 21st member country. Since then, Filipino's
have been playing badminton in international tournaments. In 1949 national rangkings
produced Adriano Torres, first national Men's single champion. In 1952, the Philippine
Badminton Association (PBA) was created and became the first national badminton
group, organized by 28 badminton clubs. Johnny Yan and Stephen Cheng were the
countries first doubles champions at the Hong Kong Open held on 1962. In the 1966
Triagular Meet in Vietnam, the Philippine team achieved its first team championship in
the Men's division namely Amando Yanga, Conrado Co, Jaime Gapas, Renato Navarro,
and Danny So. In 1981, the Philippine badminton team participated in the Southeast
Asian (SEA) games. The country hosted the event. In 1984, the Philippines made its
first appearance in the Thomas Cup tournament. The eighties to the mid-nineties saw
a new crop of luminaries in the game - Renato Reyes, Jessie Alonzo, Salvador
"Badong" Banquiles, Antonio "Jojo" Mance, Jr. and Naresh Ramnani. And in 1992 Melvin
Llanes became the first Philippine champion at the Prince Asian Juniors Championship
for the 16-under age group. It was in 1992 when the Philippines first played in the
Uber Cup games, resulting in a victory over Tanzania. It was duplicated in 1998 when
the Philippine ladie's team defeated Mauritius at the Uber Cup Asian Zonal
Championship.

In 1995 Australian International Champioships (IBF-sanctioned international

tournament), Weena Lim and Kennie Asuncion were the first Philippine entry (ladies
double) to win a gold medal, and in 1996 Atlanta Olympics, Weena became the first
Philippine badminton player to qualify and participate in the prestigious game.
In 1997 SEA games in Jakarta, Weena Lim and Kennie Asuncion were the first bronzr
medalist in the women's doubles event.

Competition History
In 1899, a men’s tournament was arranged in England – the first of its kind. The
following year, a woman’s tournament was arranged. Both of these competitions were
unofficial – official all – England matches did not begin until 1904.
The IBF held the first international badminton competition after World War II, during
the 1948-9 season. The Thomas Cup, named after the federation’s president, Sir
George Thomas, was solely a competition for male players. It was not until the 1957-
57 season that the ladies’ tournament, the Uber Cup, was introduced.

There are now numerous international competitions, and badminton was played in the
Olympic Games for the first time in 1992, when Barcelona was the host city.
VALUES AND BENEFITS

 A game for all ages

 Social Events
  Body Building
 Reduce Blood Pressure and risk of heart disease
 Increase bone density and prevention of osteoporosis
 Cholesterol balance
 Weight loss
 Improve mental health
 Decrease diabetes
 A good fun to play

OBJECTIVE
The objective of the game is to hit the shuttle over the net to your opponent’s court
before it can be returned.

The shuttle can be hit fast, slow, high, flat or low. You can use the most delicate touch
shots or smash it with maximum power.
When the shuttle is returned, a “rally” is started. Rallies can vary in length from two
shots to as to many as a hundred.

Each rally begins with stroke known as the serve. This gets the shuttle into play, and
from then on you will be engaged in a battle to outwit your opponent by using strokes
which aim to increase your chances of winning that rally. We’ll look at the different
techniques a little later.

The most common ways for you to win the rally are:
 You hit the shuttle onto the ground in your opponent’s court.
 Your opponent makes a mistake and hits the shuttle out of it.
 Your opponent hits the shuttle into the net.

TOPIC 2: FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT

FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT

The Court
A badminton court is rectangular, with clearly marked white or yellow lines dividing it
into different sections. These different lines show where a long service and a short
service should be taken, and there are also side lines and a center line from one end
of the court to the other.

On each side-line is pole, 1.55m in height, which holds the net through across the
center of the court. The net itself is made of dark mesh, clearly visible to the players.
White tape runs across the top of the net, which stands in the center at 1.524m from
the ground, and 1.55m from the ground at each pole.
 Figure 1 – The Court. The different measurements and lines name

You will see that the court is marked out for both doubles and singles play. The singles
game uses the whole length of the court, but the side tramlines are excluded. Note
how the shuttle can go right up to the outside edge of the back boundary line during a
singles service.

During normal play in the doubles game, the whole court, including the side tramlines,
is used. However, the area between the back tramlines is “out” during service.

In all games, the area between the net and the front service line is “out” for service
but “in” at all other times during the game. Of course, you don’t know for certain
whether a service would be “in” or “out” unless it touches the ground: judging
whether to leave a marginal service is one of the key skills of the game.

The Shuttlecock
A shuttlecock can be made from natural or synthetic material, or a mixture of the two.
There are around 14 ‘feathers’ which span out from the rounded base, which was
originally made of leather-covered cork. The feathers are all the same length, and
must be between 64mm and 70mm. the diameter of the feather tips is 58mm to
68mm wide. The shuttlecock weighs approximately 5g – much lighter than a tennis
ball and, subsequently, potentially capable of travelling at a higher speed when hit.

Shuttlecocks come in three speeds – slow, medium and fast. Try medium until you are
more familiar with the game, when you can experiment with how the different speeds
affect your play. Plastic shuttlecocks are cheaper than those made of natural fibers,
and are ideal for those new to the sport.

Figure 2 – The Shuttlecock. The different parts and composition of shuttle.

The Racket
A badminton racket is lightweight and has a round head. The racket is flat, and the
strings are crossed in a uniform pattern all over the head, with no variation. The racket
cannot be longer than 680mm, and the width of the head should be 230mm or less.
The length of the head should be 290mm or less.

Rackets are made from lightweight materials, and they vary in price considerably. For
beginners, it is often best not to spend too much on a racket while you are getting
used to the sport. You should be able to pick one up for as little when choosing a
racket, make sure you feel the grip, and compare a few before you buy.

Figure 3 – The Racket. The different parts of the racket.

TOPIC 3: BASIC SKILLS
FUNDAMENTALS

The Basics
Before a game begins, a coin is tossed to decide which player or players serve first
and which end they stand. Unless otherwise stated, players run the best of three
games. Players change ends of court at the beginning of the second game, and, if a
third game is played, at the beginning of this game too.

After the toss, the server stands on the right hand side of the court, hitting the bird
diagonally over the net into the left hand side of the opposition’s half. The server and
the player receiving the serve must have some part of both feet on the ground within
the correct area to serve, or to receive the serve. A foot on the boundary line – the line
at the back of the court – is considered out of play.

The serving player loses the right to serve if a fault is made, and the opponent then
takes on this advantageous role. A player should not serve until their opponent is
ready. If the opponent attempts to return the shuttlecock, he or she cannot claim they
were not ready to receive the serve.

After the initial serve, if the shuttlecock is not returned, or if the opposition makes a
fault, the server scores a point. This is the only way points are scored. The sole aim of
the player receiving the serve is to prevent the server from scoring.

Doubles

In a doubles game, the receiver must alternate with each serve. If the other doubles
player touches the shuttlecock, the serving side is rewarded a point. If a fault is made
by the serving side, the right to serve is lost, because only one of the doubles pair
beginning the game can serve.

During the first innings (section of play, before the first point has been scored), serves
must be made by the same player. In following innings, the doubles pair serves
consecutively in each innings. The winning pair of players serves first in the next
game, but either of the losing pair can receive the serve.

In both singles and doubles games, the first serve of each innings is made from the
right hand side of the court. After a serve, the shuttlecock is in play until it touches the
ground, or a fault or a let occurs.

BADMINTON GRIP

Starting with a correct Badminton Grip is the foundation of Playing Badminton.

Holding the racket wrongly will decrease your stroke’s power accuracy. Your shots will
be limited and therefore you will not enjoy the game as much let alone improve.
You will need to learn how to change grip quickly during games. Below are the two
basic types of Badminton Grip.

Mechanics:
 This grip is used to hit shots that are on the forehand side of your body and around
the head shots.
 Hold the racket head with your non-playing hand so that the handle points towards
you.
 Your racket face shall be perpendicular to the floor.
 Place your playing hand on the handles as if you are shaking hands with it.
 There shall be a V shape in between your thumb and your index finger.
 The racket handle shall rest loosely in your fingers for greater flexibility.
 Can try shortening your grip and place it nearer to the shaft to increase control and
accuracy when serving and hitting from the forecourt and midcourt.
Mechanics:
 This grip is used to hit shots that are on the backhand side of your body.
 Hold the racket as you would on a forehand grip.
 Turn the racket anti-clockwise so that the V shape moves leftwards.
 Place your thumb against the back bevel of the handle for greater leverage and
power.
 The racket handle shall also rest loosely in your fingers.
 Can try shortening your grip and place it nearer to the shaft to increase control and
accuracy when serving and hitting from the forecourt-and midcourt.

Possessing a correct Badminton Grip is like having a good head start in a race. Don’t
lose out and make every effort to improve your game.

Why are grips important?

If you don’t hold the racket correctly, you will never produce good badminton strokes.
Grips are the basis for all racket skills.
Using a good grip is the first step to mastering badminton. Here are some benefits of
using a good grip:
 More powerful smashes
 More accurate net shots and serves
 Stronger smash defense, and ready for both sides
 Deceptive strokes

Using incorrect badminton grips will cripple your skill development. Here are some
common problems caused by incorrect grips:
 Clears are too short; smashes are weak
 Limited choice for the direction of your strokes
 Difficulty coping when opponents hit towards your body
 Obvious strokes that your opponents can predict

BADMINTON FOOTWORK
Badminton footwork is the most fundamental skill that you need to possess in order to
become a successful Badminton player.

Your opponent will most certainly try to play every shot away from you and the only
way to reach the shuttle is to have a good footwork.

So how to define what good footwork is?

Good badminton footwork is simply having the ability to reach the shuttle early while
on balance. You can skip, shuffle, bounce, glide, chasse step or lunge on court.

So long as you reach the shuttle fast, depriving your opponents of time, you can use
all the above movement that suits best to you depending on the situation.

Although there are no fix movements on performing the badminton footwork, there
are some basic things to remember.

Bent your knees slightly with your feet shoulder width apart. Stay on the balls of your
feet and hold your racket up in front of your body. This is the ready position you shall
assume in the center of the mid-court area.

This center area which can be referred as your base is not fixed. It is an area where
you are in your position and can possibly reach all shots hit towards your court.
Position your base accordingly after considering yours and your opponent’s strength
and weaknesses.

Let say that you are strong and good at hitting shots from the back court. You may
consider positioning your base slightly nearer to the service fault line to gain an
advantage. If you are not certain where your strength lies yet, just make your base on
the center of the mid court area. You won’t go too wrong from there.

For all shots that are played in the frontcourt, take a small step first followed by a
bigger step, extending your racket leg to reach the shuttle. The bigger step performed
is known as lunge. The timing of the shot will be improved if the landing of your racket
leg is simultaneous with the shot.

For all shots that are played in the midcourt, extend your racket leg to reach shuttle
that are hit towards your racket side of your body. Extend your racket leg or non-
racket leg to reach shuttle that are hit towards your non-racket side of your body.

For all shots that are played in the backcourt, rotate your hips and shoulder and move
back far enough so that your body is behind the falling shuttle. This will increase the
power and variety of your stroke. If you can’t get back fast enough, you will most likely
be forced to hit a weak clear.

Below is a diagram showing you the direction and area that you have to cover during
play.
Unless you are confident where your opponent will play the next shot, try to return to
your base every time after you make a shot. Always be ready to react quickly and be
alert.

Remember… Badminton Footwork is the most fundamental skill in Badminton. You

must master it to progress further…

SHOTS IN BADMINTON
Like tennis, there are several standard shots which, once perfected, allow you to
attack anything that comes at you with confidence. Being competent at the following
will mean you have plenty of options up your sleeve and will not find yourself
frustrated.

Serve

This is the most important shot of your game. With a strong serve, you can win points
and keep control of the game. Vary between short and long serves to keep control of
the game. Vary between short and long serves to keep your opponent on his toes.
Keep the shuttlecock low and close to the net for a short service, forcing the
opposition to move close to the net for the return. A higher, faster serve should fall
further from the net on your opposition’s side, driving him back to make the return. A
combination of short and long serves will keep you opponent guessing. When serving,
the racquet should hit the shuttlecock below your waist.

TYPES OF SERVICE
Mastering various types of Badminton Serve is essential if you want to improve your
game. Serving is the starting of a point. Use it not merely as “just serve” but a weapon
during games.

Always remind yourself not too cheaply lose points because of bad service, especially
now with the new scoring system. Be familiar with the Badminton Service Rules as
well.

1. HIGH SERVE

Use this badminton serve during singles play to move your opponent as far back in
court as possible, thus opening up his court. Be more cautious if you use this serve
during doubles.

Opponents with strong attacking abilities will work this serve to your disadvantage.

Mechanics:

 Played with a forehand underarm action.

 Stand two to three feet behind the short service line.
 Relax your body and bent your knees slightly.
 Lead with your non-racket leg and place your racket leg behind.
 Bring your racket back to almost your shoulder level then swing it forward following
the rhythm of the stroke.
 Hold the shuttle by the feathers and let it drop slightly in front of you.
 Hit it with the flat face of your racket and follow through until your racket reaches
the non-racket side of your head.
2. LOW SERVE

Use this badminton serve when you want your opponent to lift the shuttle. It is
commonly used during doubles, but you can use it during singles too if your
opponent’s attack is too strong. You can use either forehand or backhand to play this
serve.

FOREHAND

Mechanics:
*Stand two to three feet behind the short
service line.
*Relax your body and bent your knees
slightly.
*Lead with your non-racket leg and
place
your racket leg behind.
*Bring your racket back to your waist level
then start your forward swing.
 *Hold the shuttle by the feathers and bring it
closer to meet the racket instead of
dropping it in front.
*Contact the shuttle at a higher point but still
below your waist line.
*Push the shuttle with the racket face and try
to make the shuttle skim the tape of the
net.

If you normally use high serve during singles, mix the low serve in occasionally. You
might be able to catch your opponent off-guard if you can execute it well.

BACKHAND

Mechanics:
*Stand in a comfortable and balanced
position with your racket hand in front.
*Lead with your racket leg and place
your
non-racket leg behind with your feet
pointing towards your opponent.
*Carry out a short back swing then bring
the
racket forward.
*Hold the shuttle on the tip of the
feathers
in front of your waist level.
*Push the shuttle with the racket face and
try to make the shuttle skim the tape of
the net.
*You can try to shorten the grip for a
better
control of the racket.
*Beware of breaking the Service Rules.
3. Flick Serve

Use this badminton serve when you are under pressure from a rushing opponent. It is
a rather useful tool during doubles. However, you might be left exposed if your
opponent anticipated it. So, use it sparingly and keep your opponent guessing.

You can use either your forehand or backhand to perform this serve. Give the
impression that you are going to push the shuttle as in the low serve, but instead use
your wrist to flick the shuttle over. Wrist action is the key to executing this serve well.

4. Drive Serve

Use this badminton serve to add some variation to your serving game. This is
considered an attacking serve and can be used in singles and doubles. The shuttle will
travel at a flatter angle pass the net with pace.

It may win you points outright or force a poor service return if your opponent is
unprepared. However, make sure you contact the shuttle below your waist and not
make a service fault.

 Played with forehand underarm action.

 Stand in a comfortable and balanced position, a bit further from the service line.
 Lead with your non-racket leg and place your racket leg behind.
 Place your racket a bit below the waist level and bring it back parallel to it.
 Swing the racket forward following through. Hold the shuttle by the feathers and let
it drop slightly sideways to your body.
 Hit the shuttle and let it pass the net at a flatter angle.
All these Badminton Serve have its own purpose in different situations against
different type of opponents. Try to master it and use it accordingly. Remember that
Practice Makes Perfect.

DROP SHOTS

A good drop shot will go just over the net, landing close to the net. If the shot is played
fast enough, it will supposedly not allow the opponent to hit it back. They also should
be able to, if the opponent hits it, give you the mid and back-court space to exploit.

Drop shots can be fast or slow, the former travelling faster and further, the slow drop
travelling a short distance at slow speed.

This shot should not be overused, because, like any shot in badminton, it is most
effective when it surprises the opposition. The idea is to drop the shuttlecock softly
very close to the net on your opponent’s side of the court, making him run and stretch
to make the return. If he does manage to return your shot, you will still have the upper
hand in the rally.

The key to this shot is to make sure you keep it low, so that the opponent is not able
to smash the shuttlecock back at you. Hit the shot when you are at the back of the
court. Keep it low, so that the shuttlecock drops just over the net on your opponent’s
side of court. This will draw him into the net and should set up a possible smash or
drive for your next shot.
This shot can be almost unreturned when executed accurately and with sufficient
force. It requires practice, as you risk focusing too much on the power of the shot
rather than placing the shuttlecock exactly where you want it. It is very easy to be too
enthusiastic and smash the shuttlecock out of play.

The smash is used to end the point, and to assert your control over the game. Hit the
shuttlecock hard and fast, when it is approaching you high in the air. If you are very
confident in this shot, smash it right at your opponent, although there is the risk that
he reads your play and reacts accordingly. Otherwise, try to aim at the side of the
court, away from the opposition. Again, this requires accuracy to make sure the
shuttlecock remains in play.

DRIVE

The drive is hit from a point between shoulder height and waist height to near the
opponent’s back line, the special characteristics of the shot being that the shuttlecock
travels fast and close to the net.

The drive requires similar accuracy and power to the smash, but is aimed closer to the
net rather than down to court. It is usually hit directly at your opponent, and when the
shuttlecock is out in front of your body. Strike with power, and keep your racquet up to
make sure the shot is as precise as possible. It should go horizontally over the net. The
strength of the shot and position of the shuttlecock should make it difficult to return.

Clear
This is a very useful shot to regain positional control. Keep your elbow high and hit the
shuttlecock when it is still rising towards you in the air, and strike it hard towards the
back of your opposition’s court space. This takes some practice, to ensure you do not
overshoot and hit the shuttlecock out, clearing the back line.

The clear should give you a chance to return to your best central court position, as
your opponent has to scramble back to make the return, which is likely to be weak.
Try varying between high clears and attacking clears. You can use the high clear
defensively, hitting it deep into your opponent’s court space, while an attacking clear
is typically lower and flatter.

TYPES OF CLEAR

Badminton 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.

Use the clear to move your opponent to the backcourt. It will create space in the
frontcourt for you to exploit.
It will also give you more time to go back to your base. The optimum hitting zone is
located somewhere above the central area of your racket.

You can play two types of Badminton Clears, Attacking Clear and Defensive
Clear.
Attacking Clear has a trajectory that runs almost parallel to the ground. The shuttle
travels flat and fast towards your opponents back court. These badminton shots allow
less time to your opponent to get behind the shuttle, potentially causing weak returns.
The shuttle is hit square with your racket face.

Defensive Clear has a high and deep trajectory. These badminton shots give you more
time to return to your base and prepare for the next shot. The shuttle is hit with your
racket face leaning slightly backwards.

Forehand Overhead Clear

The forehand overhead badminton clear is similar to the action of throwing a ball. If
you can throw a ball well, you shouldn’t have problem playing this stroke. You can
always practice throwing with a shuttle first before stepping on to the court.

Here are some pointers for playing a forehand overhead clear:

 Stand squarely to the net.
 Bend your upper body sideways to your non-racket side as your arms come
through.
 Shift your weight on to your rear foot.
  Bend your elbow and lock your wrist preparing to swing forward.
 Raise your non-racket hand and point at the shuttle to improve timing and
balance.
 Contact the shuttle as high as possible and in front of your body using a strong
throwing action as if you are going to throw your racket high and forward through
the air.
 Straighten your elbow as you hit the shuttle.
 Let your wrist unlock with a whip action as you hit the shuttle.
 Follow through with your racket and shift your weight from your rear foot to your
front foot.
 Move back to your base position.

Around the Head Clear

This is actually a forehand overhead badminton clear played at the non-racket side of
your body. Try to use it whenever play permits as a forehand stroke is always better
and more accurate than a backhand.

The techniques for hitting these badminton clears are about the same as the forehand
overhead clears with only some minor adjustments.

Here are some pointers for playing a forehand around the head clear.
 Stand squarely to the net.
 Bend your upper body sideways to your non-racket side as your arms come
through.
 Shift your weight to your non-racket leg.
 Bend your elbow and bring the racket behind your head.
 As you swing forward, your forearm will brush the top of your head before
straightening.
 Transfer your body weight rapidly as your non-racket leg pushes your body back to
your base position.

An important thing to note here is that whether you are playing a badminton clear, a
drop shot or a smash, your wrist plays a key part in creating deception.

The basic preparations for these badminton shots are the same, only the angle of the
racket face, the speed of the racket head and the point of impact is different. Keep
your opponent guessing.

Underhand Clear
The underhand clear is usually played from the front court area to your opponent’s
back court. Whether to play it high and deep or a flatter, cross court clear will depend
on the situation at that time and your opponent’s positioning on court.

In any case, try to reach the shuttle as early as possible so that you can have various
shot options. Your wrist action is the crucial element in creating a deception for your
shots.

Here are some pointers for the underhand clear:

 Adopt the forehand grip for a forehand underhand clear or the backhand grip for a
backhand underhand clear.
 Extend and put your racket up when you go for the shot.
 The point of impact shall be well out in front of you and as high as possible with
your racket leg leading in a lunge position.
 Swing your racket upwards as the shuttle drops in the hitting area.
 Unlock your wrist as you contact the shuttle producing a whip action.
 Follow through with your racket in the direction of the shuttle’s trajectory.
 Push with both legs and move back to your base position.

NET PLAY is an important area that requires more finesse than power. A flick of a
wrist could send your opponent scrambling back.

A sudden change in angle of the racket face could send your opponent falling
desperately to the ground.

For me, winning a point from these types of badminton shots are more satisfying than
a point won from smashing. The feeling of being able to play delicate shots and
deceive your opponent is really pleasing. It is like winning a battle effortlessly.

3 Types of Net Play

1. Net shot
These shots are played from around the net area back to your opponent’s net area. It
can be played both on the forehand and backhand sides. The objective is to force your
opponent to hit a weak lift or hit shots that could not clear the net. These shots can be
played straight or cross court.

Execute the net shot well and you will have a tumbling shuttle falling into your
opponent’s court. It is a difficult shot to return by any standards.
Mechanics:
 Adopt the forehand grip for forehand shots or the backhand grip for backhand
shots.
 Must keep the racket up in front of your body.
 Lunge forward aggressively with your racket leg.
 Extend the racket arm and keep the racket high to ensure the shuttle is hit as early
as possible.
 The racket face shall be parallel to the floor and let the shuttle bounce off the
racket face.
 Your lunge movement and the parallel racket face will cause the shuttle to tumble
over the net.
 You can try to move the racket head slightly outwards to increase the tumbling
effect.
 Push back to your base position using both legs while ensuring your racket is still
up in front of your body.

There are times when you could only reach the shuttle when it has fallen close to the
ground and near the net. A successful net shot from this difficult situation is called a
Hairpin Net Shot. It is so named because the flight path of the shuttle resembles an
inverted hairpin.

The techniques for hitting the hairpin net shot are about the same a s a normal net
shot. But because it is hit near the ground, you need to slice or lift your racket a bit.
Although it is a rather difficult shot to play, you will learn it with practice.

2. Net Kill
Net kill is a shot played when your opponent has played a loose shot over the net,
providing an opening to strike the shuttle down from the net area.

The basic preparation and movement for the net kill is the same as the net shot. The
only difference is that you need to hold the racket head high enough to take the
shuttle above the net level. The key is to be quick to the net.

As this shot is played with a tap action near the net, there is a risk of you hitting the
net. So make sure when you play this shot, use your wrist with little or no racket arm
movement. Once you make contact with the shuttle, let your racket rebound back to
ensure no follow through.

3. Net Lift
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. It can be played straight down the line or cross court. Hitting it higher or
flatter will depend on your opponent’s positioning.

A good way to deceive your opponent is to move forward and play a shot like the net
shot. Just before striking the shuttle, unlock your wrist and send the shuttle to your
opponent’s back court. Your opponent will have a hard time if you can disguise it well.

Here are some pointers for the Net Lift/Underarm Clear

 Adopt the forehand grip for forehand net lift or the backhand grip for backhand net
lift.
 Extend and put your racket up when you go for the shot.
 The point of impact shall be well out in front of you and as high as possible with
your racket leg leading in lunge position.
 Swing your racket upwards as the shuttle drops in the hitting area.
 Unlock your wrist as you contact the shuttle, producing a whip action.
 Follow through with your racket in the direction of the shuttle’s trajectory.
 Push with both legs and move back to your base position.

FAULTS
If a fault is made by the serving side, the side loses the right to serve. If it is made by
the opposition, the serving side scores a point.

The following is a list of the main faults. If you are aware of them from the day you
start to learn the sport, your game should develop at a faster pace:

 The server’s racket must make contact with the base of the shuttlecock before it
touches any other part – if not, a fault has been committed.
 It is also a fault if the shuttlecock is higher than the server’s waist when it is being
struck and if the head of the server’s racquet is higher than the hand holding the
grip – the head must be pointing downwards for serving.
 A fault is made by the server if the shuttlecock is not hit over the net, if it does not
fall in the opposite section of the court, or if it falls outside the boundary lines or
short of the service line.
 The serving player must stand in the correct right hand side of the court, and the
opposition player who is receiving the serve must stand in the diagonally opposite
side of the court until the shuttlecock is struck. If the serving player misses the
shuttlecock while trying to serve, a fault has been made.
 A let is given if both the server and the receiving player make a fault at the same
time – for instance, if the opposition moves before the service and the server has a
foot outside the service area. A let is also given if the shuttlecock is caught in the
net. When a let is given, the play since the last serve does not count and the point
is replayed.
 The shuttlecock must not be caught, held on a racket and slung by any player, or
be hit twice in succession by one player (or by one player and then his doubles
partner).
 It is a fault if, once the service has started, either side makes misleading moves or
starts to try to distract or mislead the opponent to get an unfair advantage. A
player must not obstruct an opponent.
 The shuttlecock must not touch any player, or player’s clothes. It must not touch
the floor, roof or wall or pass under or through the net, or fall outside the boundary
lines. Any of these instances constitutes a fault.

TOPIC 4: RULES OF THE GAME

BASIC RULES AND SCORING

The Basics
Badminton can be played either as a singles game or doubles game. All the equipment
needed by the players are a racket each and shuttlecock.

The Court
Badminton is played on a rectangular court that is 6.1m wide and 13.4m long. In a
doubles match the full width of the court is used but in a singles match the width of
the court is 5.18m. Marking lines down the length of the court indicate the boundaries
for singles game.

There is a horizontal line near the net on either side of the court which indicates the
start of the service area. In the center of this line begins a vertical line that extends to
the back of the court. This splits the service area into two boxes. At the back of the
court are two horizontal lines which indicate the end of the service area. The closer
one indicates the limit of the doubles service area, while the further one indicates the
limit of the singles area.

The 1.55m high net is hung over the center of the court from stands on either side.

Badminton can be played outdoors but in UK indoor courts are the norm. Any
competitive event will also be held indoors.

The Game
Before the start of a match the players should toss a coin. The winner in the coin toss
can either opt to serve or choose which side of the court to play on. Once they have
decided, the loser takes the discarded option.

Scoring
In a badminton match players aim to win the best of three games, each of which is
played to 21 points. Each time a side wins a rally they receive a point and the right to
serve for the next point. The first to reach 21 points wins the game.

Like sets in tennis, games must be won with a two-point lead. If a game is tied at 20-
20, the game continues until one side achieves a two-point lead or until one side
scores 30 points (30-29 is an acceptable score for victory).

Serving
To serve in badminton the server must hit the base of the shuttlecock in a single
stroke with their racket pointing downward. Neither the server nor the receiver can lift
a foot off the ground until the shuttlecock has been served. The shuttlecock has to be
below the server’s waist (defined as the lowest rib of the server) when it makes
contact with their racket.

The shuttlecock must make it past the receiver’s service line and stay within the court
boundaries; otherwise the serve is a fault, resulting in a point being awarded to the
receiver and service passing to them. There are no double faults in badminton.

In a singles match the player serving serves from the right if their score is even and
from the left if their score is odd. The receiving player stands in the court box
diagonally opposite to him. The server changes sides for each serve. The receiving
player cannot come forward of the service area.

In doubles the server stays the same throughout the game and follows the same
pattern. If the opposing team wins, the player on the right serves if their score is even
and the player on the left serves if their score is odd. When a team is receiving, the
player diagonally opposite the player must stay in the serving area. The other player
can stand anywhere they like on their half of the court so long as they don’t distract
the server. The same is true for the non-serving player in the serving team.

By tradition, in a mixed doubles game the serving team’s female player will make the
first serve of the match.

The Serve
The shuttlecock must make it over the service line when it is served, otherwise it is a
fault and the receiving team wins both a point and the serve.

After the serve a rally can take place anywhere within the court boundaries and a
point is scored when the shuttlecock hits the ground within these boundaries. If the
servers win the point they continue to serve. If the receivers win the point they
become the servers.

If the shuttlecock lands outside the court boundaries this is a fault and a point goes to
the receiver. Similarly if a player fails to get the shuttlecock over the net this is also a
fault. It is also classed as a fault it the shuttlecock hits the ceiling.

The shuttlecock can only be hit once in a rally. Though only the base can be hit in the
serve, the feathers of the shuttlecock can be hit during a rally.

Let
Rallies can be replayed if something disturbs its flow, for example, people wandering
across the court or anything landing on the court. This is known as let. In a
competitive match these will be at the umpire’s discretion, and in a friendly game at
the player’s direction.

If one player serves before the receiver is deemed ready an umpire may give a let and
ask the server to replay the serve. This cannot happen if the receiver returns the
serve.

References:
BOOKS:
Take Up Badminton. New Delhi: Learners Press

ELECTRONICS:
http://www.badminton-information.com/badminton-court.html

http://www.talkbadminton.co.uk/guides/introduction to badminton.html.
http://www.topendsports.com/sport/badminton/terms.htm

http://www.victorsport.com/coach_detail_17.html

www.Xbadmintontricks.com/2010/10-reason-why-you-should-play-badminton/

http://www.answers.com/Q/History_of_badminton_in_the_Philippines

INDIVIDUAL RECORD FORM

NAME: __________________________________ DATE: _____________

INSTRUCTOR: ____________________________ SECTION: __________

SCORE EQUIVALENT GRADE

 WRITTEN
EXAM

PRACTICAL 1

BALL SCORE EQUIVALENT GRADE

CONTROL

FOREHAND

BACKHAND

PRACTICAL 2
SERVICE SCORE EQUIVALENT GRADE

SHORT

LONG

AGUSAN DEL SUR STATE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND TECHNOLOGY

SAN TEODORO, BUNAWAN, AGUSAN DEL SUR

PHILIPPINES

MO
LE
PH
 C

NAME: ________________________________

COURSE & YEAR: ________________________