BB.lv: How did badminton come about?

Recognized sport

The first badminton rules were written in 1873, and the first competitions were held the same year. As badminton developed, its popularity in Britain grew, and in 1893 the world’s first Badminton Association was created – the English Badminton Association. Six years later, the first English Open Championship was held, although only two pairs competed.

And soon badminton reached the international level – the first international tournament was played between the team – the trendsetter of badminton fashion and the team of Ireland and took place in Dublin. And in 1934, 9 countries joined the International Badminton Federation – England, Holland, Denmark, Ireland, France, New Zealand, Wales, Canada and Scotland.

In 1992, badminton made its debut at the Summer Olympics in Barcelona.

Nuances and rules

This fascinating game, despite its apparent simplicity, at least for those who do not play it professionally, is one of the most difficult (among game sports) in terms of physical exertion. Not to mention all the other actions performed on the court, during just one game, participants can run regarding one and a half kilometers, and their pulse can reach 150 to 180 beats per minute. That is why badminton is considered one of the universal means in the fight once morest physical inactivity and excess weight. Although inexperienced players should not overexert themselves.

The rules of this game vary depending on how many players are on the court – singles, doubles or mixed doubles.

The playing area is always limited to the same size – 5.18 m wide and 13.40 m long. The height of the net through which serves are made must be 155 cm. A badminton shuttlecock consists of 16 feathers and weighs from 4.74 to 5.5 g. Professional players’ shuttlecocks are always made of feathers, while plastic ones are more suitable for amateurs. As for rackets, their design must take into account at least three characteristics – rigidity, control and energy.

The first is responsible for the flexibility of the rod during impact, the second – for the behavior of the rod at the moment of its twisting during impact, the third – for the force of impact on the shuttlecock. Rackets made for professionals are made of high-quality graphite and weigh, as a rule, from 90 to 95 g, and in general their weight can vary from 85 to 150 g. Racket strings vary in thickness, which is from 0.66 to 0.85 mm. The thinner it is, the better it is to play with, although the more often it is necessary to tighten it.