Badminton

Badminton is a game that involves the use of a net, lightweight rackets, and a shuttlecock. Two or four players play it, which is played indoors, on a marked-out area 44 ft (13.41 m) long by 17 ft (5.18 m) wide for the two-player game and 20 ft (6.10 m) wide for the four-player game. A net is fixed across the middle of the court, with the top of the net set at 5 ft (1.52 m) from the ground at the centre and 5 ft 1 in (1.55 m) at the posts. The players hit the shuttlecock back and forth over the net with the rackets. Only the serving side can win a point. A game is played to 15 points.

Techniques

Some basic skills that are needed to be a successful are:

Ð'* A good grip

Ð'* A good serve

Ð'* A good variety of shots which includes:

Smash, drop shot, overhead clear (forehand & backhand)

Ð'* The ability to judge your opponents next shot and how you deal with it.

Grip

Forehand

The correct forehand grip can be achieved by using the left hand to hold the racket shaft so that the racket head is vertical to the floor. Then use the right hand to hold on the grip like holding a knife. Make sure the thin side of the grip faces up, not the wide side. Let the rest of the fingers fall into place naturally. Always remember that it is unnecessary to grab the racket all the time. Holding your racket tight during impact gives you much more flexibility and saves you more energy.

Backhand

Backhand grip requires a turn of the racket. Placing your thumb on the wide side of the grip will support your racket and provide power to your shots. It is important to have the right grip from the start. Once a bad habit is formed, it is hard to get rid of it. The proper grip may seem uncomfortable at first, but it will be one of the most important aspects in developing your skills.

My Grip

The grip that I use for my forehand is called the "Chinese Grip", and for my backhand I use the standard backhand grip. Different players have different grips. Aggressive players have different grips to the soft player! Some coaches try to force their own theories on the pupil, but some discover for themselves

Backhand Grip

Chinese Grip

Movements/Stance

As you improve your badminton game, your strategy will naturally mature. However, beginners should have a basic strategy of alternating clear and drop shots, adding smashes and drives. Try to keep your opponent on the defensive and remember the following simple points:

1. Always return to the "stance of readiness/ready position" position after each shot.

2. Be prepared to move in any direction at all times.

3. Hit every possible shot overhead.

4. Move the shuttlecock around the court to keep your opponents running.

5. Have a purpose with each shot.

And, finally, and perhaps most important in any game of skill and strategy, discover your opponents weaknesses and play to it as much as possible.

Areas of the body

WRIST - A stiff wrist, as used in tennis, is not used in badminton. Cock the wrist with the head of the racket back. If a shot is made without a swishing sound, the wrist is probably locked and will result in lost force of the racket head.

ARMS - The majority of strokes use the full length of the arm, particularly overhead clears, smashes and drops, drives and many net shots.

FOOTWORK (LEGS) - Footwork is the most important factor in getting the body in position to make the correct stroke. Forehand and backhand strokes hit underhand at the net should be made with the right foot forward. All overhead forehand strokes should be made with the left foot forward, while backhand strokes should be made with the right foot forward (reverse for left handed players). Starting and turning quickness are more important than straight away speed; short steps are better than long strides. Avoid stroking with both feet directly facing the net.

Movements

The purpose of working on footwork is to enable you to get in position to hit the shuttle effectively. The ready position is an important part of footwork. If you are balanced with your knees bent and your weight on the balls of your feet, it is easier to start to move. The ready position is usually taken 2 to 3 feet behind the short service line a little to your "non-racket" side.

This location helps protect backhand and also helps the player move to the front corners of the court. A high clear shot is necessary for the opponent to get to the back corners and then, of course, the shuttle flight will give you more time to get to the back corners. The racket is normally held about waist high with its head up and square to the net just to the backhand side of your face. A good drill for footwork practice is to rally with another player trying to hit the shuttle to the four corners-no kill shots. After each hit you should always try to return to the ready position.

In order to develop fast movements around a badminton court it is important to have minimum foot and floor contact time in order to develop speed.

Timing

Timing is everything. It's the difference between making and missing the smash. If you're not hitting the shuttle in the sweet spot of your racket, you end up using more energy to clear, and will get less power out of your smashes.

Improvement of timing will come with experience and practice. One way to tell whether you're hitting the sweet spot is to check the wear on your strings - they should be fraying the most around the centre of the racket head.

Warm-up

It's also important to warm up. Stretch your calves and groin. You'll be reaching out for shots, and the last thing you want is to pull a muscle.

Do some stretches on your arms, especially your shoulder and forearm. Get someone to give you a gentle hit-up before you start the game.

A rally can vary in