Badminton is distinguished from other racquet sports, all of which use a ball of some size, by two features: the use of a shuttlecock (birdie) and the fact the shuttlecock cannot touch the ground during a rally. It’s also considered the world’s fastest racquet sport since the shuttlecock (a small bouncy ball with a cone of feathers glued to it) can leave a player’s racquet at a mind boggling 200 miles per hour!
Competitive badminton is far different from the game played in the backyard at family gatherings. Similar to tennis, it is played with two to four players (singles or doubles). The shuttlecock is volleyed over a five-foot high, narrow net and only the serving team scores points.
The lightning-fast sport demands constant, highly concentrated actions: running, jumping, twisting, stretching, running backwards and striking. Besides explosiveness, quick reflexes and rapid hand-eye coordination, competitive badminton players must also possess superb aerobic endurance.
In a typical two-game singles match, top players will cover nearly every inch of the court and travel the equivalent of a mile. The flight characteristics of the shuttlecock and the pace created by constant volleying combine to make badminton one of the most exciting sports to play and watch.
According to most sources, badminton was first played 2,000 years ago in ancient Greeced, India and China. By the 1600s, it had become a genteel pastime practiced by noble classes in many European countries. Having been a demonstration and exhibition sport in 1972 and 1988 respectively, the sport was finally granted Olympic status for the 1992 Barcelona Games.
For those interested in something more than the occassional friend game, there are badminton clubs where enthusiasts can meet like-minded players and improve their skills. To find a club, visit USA Badminton
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