Rallying Through the Ages: The

History of Badminton
 Outcomes: Upon completion of this module, the student shall
have:
1. Identify key figures and events in the history of badminton;
2. Explain the evolution of badminton from its ancient origins to a
modern Olympic sport.
3. Develop a creative project (e.g., timeline, presentation, or short
film) showcasing the history of badminton.
A Brief History of Badminton

Badminton is a sport that has evolved significantly over

centuries. Its roots can be traced back to ancient civilizations,
and it has become a global phenomenon today.

Ancient Origins
The earliest forms of badminton can be found in ancient
Greece, China, and India. These cultures had games involving
hitting a feathered object with a racket or paddle.
The Birth of Modern Badminton
The game we recognize today emerged in the 19th century.
British army officers stationed in India encountered a similar game
called poona. When they returned to England, they introduced the
game to the wider public.
The sport's name comes from Badminton House, the estate of
the Duke of Beaufort in Gloucestershire, England, where it became
popular in the 1870s.
Global Expansion and Recognition
Badminton popularity extended beyond the British Empire,
captivating nations worldwide. Asia, particularly Malaysia, Indonesia,
and China, embraced the sport with fervor.
A pivotal moment was the establishment of the International
Badminton Federation (IBF) in 1934, later renamed the Badminton
World Federation (BWF). This governing body standardized rules
and propelled the sport onto the global stage.
The pinnacle of recognition arrived in 1992 when badminton
made its Olympic debut at the Barcelona Games, solidifying its
status as a major international sport.
Modern Badminton
Today, badminton is a globally popular sport with millions of
players and fans. Technological advancements have led to improved
equipment, and the level of competition has reached new heights.
For a more in-depth look at the history of badminton, please refer to your modules or access the provided
links below.
● Badminton - an overview and history of the sport - Badminton - factfile - GCSE Physical Education
Revision - WJEC - BBC Bitesize. (2023, January 16). BBC Bitesize.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/z37j2p3/revision/1
● Hinder, G., & Hinder, G. (2024, August 20). OLYMPIC BADMINTON – History. - National Badminton
Museum. National Badminton Museum - the Museum for Badminton.
https://nationalbadmintonmuseum.com/olympic-badminton-history/
● https://olympics.bwfbadminton.com/history/
● Hinder, G., & Hinder, G. (2024a, August 1). The History of Reinforced Shuttlecocks Ltd – RSL -
National Badminton Museum. National Badminton Museum - the Museum for Badminton.
https://nationalbadmintonmuseum.com/the-history-of-reinforced-shuttlecocks-ltd-rsl/
● Hinder, G., & Hinder, G. (2024a, May 18). The Racket that Changed Badminton - National Badminton
Museum. National Badminton Museum - the Museum for Badminton.
https://nationalbadmintonmuseum.com/the-racket-that-changed-badminton/
The Complete Guide to Badminton
Equipment
 Outcomes: Upon completion of this module, the student shall
have:
1. Recall the basic components of badminton equipment;
2. Identify the components of badminton equipment; and,
3. Explain the purpose of each piece of badminton equipment.
The Badminton Court
Service Lines:
● Short service line: 1.98 meters (6.5 feet) from the net.
● Long service line: 0.72 meters (2.36 feet) from the baseline.
Service Courts:
● Each service court is 3.96 meters (13 feet) long and 2.59 meters
(8.5 feet) wide.
● There is a center line that divides the court into left and right
service courts.
● Doubles matches have a doubles service line 0.76 meters (2.5
feet) in from the baseline.
Additional Notes:
● The court is divided into two halves by a net.
● The area between the net and the short service line is known as
the service zone.
Badminton Net
An Olympic badminton net is 1.55m (5 feet, 1 inch) tall at the
posts and 1.52m (5 feet) tall at the center of the court; it should
measure at least 6.1m (20 feet wide). The top of the net is edged
with approximately (3 inches) of white tape doubled over a cable.
The badminton net is a mesh of dark-colored cord and is held in
position by posts placed on the outer sideline (doubles sideline).
Badminton Court Dimensions
A badminton court is rectangular in shape. The dimensions vary
slightly between singles and doubles matches:
● Singles: 13.41 meters (44 feet) long and 5.18 meters (17 feet)
wide.
● Doubles: 13.41 meters (44 feet) long and 6.10 meters (20 feet)
wide.
Net Height:
● 1.55 meters (5 feet 1 inch) high at the ends.
● 1.52 meters (5 feet) high in the middle.
The badminton racquet or racket, which is the official
term adopted by the Badminton World Federation
(BWF), is a simple to handle, light piece of equipment
which forms the basis of the sport.

While there are multiple lengths and sizes of the

badminton racket for kids, adults, and casual use,
professional badminton players have to use rackets of a
certain specified length and width.

Let’s take a look at the specifications set by the BWF.

The badminton racket has five major parts to it – the
stringed area, the head, the throat, the shaft, and the
handle. The racket in its entirety is called a frame.

The frame can have a maximum length of 680mm while

the overall width is restricted to 230mm.

Stringed area
This is quite self-explanatory – the stringed area is the
netted part of the badminton racket with which the
player intends to hit the shuttlecock.
 The BWF rules stipulate that the stringed area should be flat, and the
pattern of cross strings should be alternatively interlaced where they
cross with each other.

The string pattern is advised to be uniform in nature and not dense –

more amount of string means lesser string tension - at any part of the
stringed area. The overall length of the string should not exceed 280mm
while the overall width needs to be maintained within 220mm.
The head
The area which bounds the stringed area is called ‘the head’ of the
badminton racket.
Now, the shape of the head is generally oval – which is used by
professional players who usually prefer more power on their shots.
However, there is also another shape called the ‘isometric head’ – which
means that the racket is broader at the top.
The wider nature means that there is a bigger ‘sweet spot’ – the part
of the racket which meets the shuttle best - allowing players more
chances of hitting the shuttle better. However, this is generally used by
amateur badminton players and not by pros.
The throat
This is the part of the racket which supports the head by providing a
steady base and connects the head to the shaft. This is an optional part,
as some badminton rackets directly connect the head to the shaft.
In rackets that have no throat, the stringed area can be extended.
However, the extended limit can have a maximum width of 35mm while it
should simultaneously ensure that the overall length of the stringed area
does not exceed 330mm.
The shaft
The shaft is the part of the racket which links the handle to the head, or in
some cases the throat of the badminton racket.
There are no specifications stated for the length or width of the shaft.
The handle
The bottom-most part of the racket gripped by the player, the handle
is arguably the most important cog. The ease of grip on the handle for a
player often determines how comfortable the player is with the racket and
can decide the performance on the day of professional players. There are
no specifications for the length or width of the handle, with each player
customising it to their needs.
 Apart from these, the BWF laws also state that the racket should not
have any attached objects and protrusions other than to prevent wear and
tear of the racket, applying short tape to the stringed area for example, to
distribute weight or to secure the handle by a cord to the player’s hand,
provided such measures are reasonable in size and placement.

The badminton racket should also be of a fixed, elongated shape and

should not be attached with any devices that can materially change the
shape of the racket.
The shuttlecock
The birdie, also referred to as the shuttlecock, is
badminton’s unique ‘ball’.
The cone-shaped projectile is formed using
feathers or a synthetic material which are attached to a
cork or rubber base. The birdie’s shape means it will
always fly cork-first once struck, and remain so until hit
again.
Made up of 16 feathers, the birdie is between 62-
70mm long and weigh between 4.74 and 5.5g. The tip
of the feathers should create a circle with a diameter
from 58-68mm, with the cork/rubber base 25-28mm in
diameter and rounded at the bottom.
A badminton shuttlecock, also known as a birdie, is composed of the
following parts:
1. Cork Base: This is the heavy, rounded base of the shuttlecock.
It is typically made of cork or a synthetic material.
2. Skirt: This is the skirt-like part that surrounds the cork base. It is
made of feathers or synthetic material.
3. Plumage: These are the individual feathers that make up the
skirt. They are typically goose or duck feathers.
For a more in-depth look at the equipment used in badminton, please refer
to your modules or access the provided link below.
● Laws of Badminton. (n.d.). In Laws - Badminton.
https://system.bwfbadminton.com/documents/folder_1_81/Regulations/
Laws/Part%20II%20Section%201A%20-%20Laws%20of%20Badminton
%20-%20June%202016%20Revised%202.pdf
Building a Strong Badminton Foundation
 Outcomes: Upon completion of this module, the student shall
have:
1. Recall the names and purposes of the four primary grips in
badminton;
2. Identify the basic stance and footwork patterns used in badminton;
3. Recognize the correct form for basic strokes like the forehand
drive, backhand drive, and clear.
Grips in Badminton: A Guide
Grips are essential in badminton, as they directly influence
your control, power, and accuracy. The correct grip
ensures that you can execute various shots effectively.
Here are the four primary grips used in badminton:
1. Forehand Grip
Position: The strings face sideways.
Usage: Primarily for forehand shots, including drives,
clears, and dropshots.
Thumb: On the wide part of the handle.
Fingers: Wrapped around the handle, with a slight gap
between the index and middle fingers.
2. Backhand Grip
Position: The strings face upward.
Usage: Primarily for backhand shots, including
drives, clears, and dropshots.
Thumb: On the wide part of the handle.
Fingers: Wrapped around the handle, similar to
the forehand grip.
2. Bevel Grip
Position: The strings face slightly upward,
between the forehand and backhand positions.
Usage: Often used for backhand shots, especially
when the shuttle is behind you.
Thumb: On the bevel of the handle.
Fingers: Wrapped around the handle.
2. Panhandle Grip
Position: The strings face upward, with the
thumb on the side of the handle.
Usage: Generally not recommended for regular
play due to its limited control. However, it can
be used for certain shots, such as late
backhands or certain defensive situations.
The Stance
The stance in badminton is a fundamental aspect of the game,
affecting your balance, stability, and ability to execute various
shots. A strong stance provides a solid base for your movements
and helps you generate power and control.
Key components of a good badminton stance:
Feet:
● Shoulder-width apart or slightly wider.
● Toes pointed slightly outward.
● Weight evenly distributed between both feet.
Legs:
● Knees slightly bent.
● Avoid locking your knees, as this
can lead to injury.
● Maintain a low center of gravity.

Upper body:
● Shoulders relaxed.
● Back straight.
● Head up, looking ahead.
Why is a good stance important?
● Balance and stability: A well-balanced stance helps you
maintain control and prevent falls.
● Power generation: A strong stance allows you to generate
more power in your shots.
● Quickness and agility: A low center of gravity and flexible legs
enable quick movements around the court.
● Injury prevention: A proper stance can help prevent injuries,
especially to the knees and ankles.
Footwork in Badminton: The Key to Agility and Speed
Footwork is one of the most essential elements of badminton. It determines your
ability to position yourself correctly for shots, react quickly to the shuttle, and cover
the court efficiently. Good footwork can significantly improve your overall game.
Key components of effective footwork
● Quickness: Be able to move your feet rapidly in all directions.
● Agility: Change direction quickly and easily.
● Balance: Maintain your balance while moving.
● Timing: Position yourself correctly in relation to the shuttle.
Basic footwork patterns
● Forward steps: Used to move closer to the net for smashes and drop shots.
● Backward steps: Used to retreat to the backcourt for clears and lobs.
● Sideways steps: Used to move laterally, especially for backhand shots and
defensive play.
● Cross-steps: Used to change direction quickly, often when the shuttle is
unexpected.
Service in Badminton
Basic Strokes in Badminton
The basic strokes in badminton are the foundation of the game. Mastering
these strokes will allow you to play a variety of shots and compete
effectively.

Forehand Drive
● Used for: Offensive shots, especially drives and smashes.
● Grip: Forehand grip.
● Stance: Feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent.
● Movement: Step forward or sideways as needed.
● Technique: Swing the racket forward and downward, making contact
with the shuttle at a high point.
Backhand Drive
● Used for: Offensive shots, especially drives and smashes
● Grip: Backhand grip
● Stance: Feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent.
● Movement: Step backward or sideways as needed.
● Technique: Swing the racket backward and upward, making contact with
the shuttle at a high point.

Forehand Clear
● Used for: Defensive shots, sending the shuttle to the backcourt
● Grip: Forehand grip
● Stance: Feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent.
● Movement: Step backward as needed.
● Technique: Swing the racket upward and backward, hitting the shuttle
high above your head.
Backhand Clear
● Used for: Defensive shots, sending the shuttle to the backcourt
● Grip: Backhand grip
● Stance: Feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent.
● Movement: Step backward as needed.
● Technique: Swing the racket upward and backward, hitting the shuttle
high above your head.

Forehand Smash
● Used for: Offensive shots, attacking the opponent's court
● Grip: Forehand grip
● Stance: Feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent.
● Movement: Step forward as needed.
● Technique: Swing the racket downward with power, making contact with
the shuttle at a high point.
Backhand Smash
● Used for: Offensive shots, attacking the opponent's court
● Grip: Backhand grip
● Stance: Feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent.
● Movement: Step forward as needed.
● Technique: Swing the racket downward with power, making contact with
the shuttle at a high point.

Forehand Drop Shot

● Used for: Offensive shots, placing the shuttle just over the net
● Grip: Forehand grip
● Stance: Feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent
● Movement: Step forward slightly.
● Technique: Swing the racket forward with a soft touch, aiming for the
front of the court.
Backhand Drop Shot
● Used for: Offensive shots, placing the shuttle just over the net.
● Grip: Backhand grip.
● Stance: Feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent.
● Movement: Step forward slightly.
● Technique: Swing the racket forward with a soft touch, aiming for the
front of the court.
Mastering the Rules of Badminton
 Outcomes: Upon completion of this module, the student shall
have:
1. Recall the basic rules of badminton;
2. Appreciate the role of rules in fair play and sportsmanship; and,
3. Apply the rules to different playing situations.
For a more in-depth look at the rules in badminton, please access the
provided link below.
● Laws of Badminton. (n.d.). In Laws - Badminton.
https://system.bwfbadminton.com/documents/folder_1_81/Regulati
ons/Laws/Part%20II%20Section%201A%20-%20Laws%20of%20B
adminton%20-%20June%202016%20Revised%202.pdf

● Simplified Rules of Badminton. (n.d.).

https://www.badmintonwa.org.au/cproot/15/2/Simplified-Rules-of-Ba
dminton---Dec-2015.pdf
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