Introduction:

Badminton is a popular and physically demanding game with an interesting history. Like most
sports, it requires that players be physically fit and alert. The game demands intense playing time on the
court. In fact, games can last anywhere from thirty to ninety minutes.

Badminton is considered a good sport to build and maintain overall fitness. During an average
game, players jump, run, turn, and twist in many different directions. In fact, a top-level amateur
badminton player runs more in a badminton game than a football end does during a one-hour football
game. A badminton player also uses his/her arms more than a pitcher does in the average one-half hour
baseball game. In short, badminton is great aerobic exercise. It’s fun sport and is also a means to better
physical fitness.

BRIEF HISTORY

The history of badminton can be traced back to the games of battledore and shuttlecock which
were played in Ancient Greece over 2000 years ago. The game we all know as badminton began in the
19th century (1870) and was named by the Duke of Beaufort after Badminton house in Gloucestershire.
The International Badminton Federation now has its base in Gloucestershire.

In England, there had long been a children’s game known as “battledore and shuttlecock. Players
used a paddle, called a battledore, to keep a cork stuffed with feathers, called a shuttlecock, in the air as
long as possible. This game had been popular since medieval times. The modern version had migrated
somehow to India and then back again.

England played the same badminton rules as India until 1887. The Bath Badminton Club
standardized the rules and regulations, making the game more inclined towards the English ideas of how
the game should be played. The Badminton Association of England published the first set of rules in line
with the new regulations in 1893 and officially launched the game of Badminton. The All England Open
Badminton Championships began in 1899 where the world’s first badminton competition happened.

In 1934, the International Badminton Federation (IBF), now known as the Badminton World
Federation, was established. England, France, Canada, Denmark, Netherlands, New Zealand, Ireland,
Scotland and Wales were the first members. In 1936, India joined as an affiliate. Globally, the Badminton
World Federation (BWF) governs and promotes the sport.
 Meanwhile, the history of badminton in the United States began with the first badminton club,
the Badminton Club of New York, founded in 1878. The game flourished in the 1930s when places such
as the YMCA and educational institutions began offering badminton instruction. Badminton became a
popular pastime for many Hollywood stars include James Cagnet, Bette Davis, Ginger Rogers and Douglas
Fairbanks, which also helped to promote the sport in the 1930s.

The different badminton groups throughout the United States got together to standardize the
rules and regulation of the game in 1936. Consequently, 1937 saw the first ABA championships, which a
year later became a member of the International Badminton Federation.

The United States singles player, David Freeman, won the All-England World Championships in
1949, while All England World Championship doubles were won in the same year by the American
players Clinton and Patsy Stevens, although the All-England Championships were considered the
unofficial world championships until 1977.

Between 1949 and 1967, the United Stated won 23 world championships and much claimed
success in world rankings

Although the history of badminton originated in England, this international sport has been
largely dominated by Asian countries and Denmark over the last few decades. Countries including South
Korea, Malaysia, China, and Indonesia have all produced world class players. China is currently the
strongest badminton country, winning many major championships consistently over the last few years.
BADMINTON IN THE PHILIPPINES

Badminton was not born yesterday in this county. Perhaps for many of our veteran badminton
players, the recent boom in the sport has been long awaited. As early as the 1950s, the International
Badminton Federation (IBF) already recognized Philippines as its 21st member country. Since then,
Filipinos have been swinging their rackets in international tournaments. Let’s take a trip down memory
lane, and take a look at the milestone in Philippine badminton.

1920 – British and American expatriates introduced badminton in the Philippines

1950 – Philippines became the 21st county to join the International Badminton Federation (IBF)

1952 – Philippine Badminton Association (PBA) became the first national badminton group. It was
organized by 28 badminton clubs.

1962 – Johnny Yan and Stephen Cheng were the country’s first double champions at the Hong Kong
Open.

1979 – Philippine team first joined the World Badminton Championships at Hang Chou, China. Out of 66
participants, Errol Chan landed in 16 in the men’s singles event.

1981 – Philippine badminton team participated in the Southeast ASEAN (SEA) Games for the first time.
The country hosted the event.

1992 – Melvin Llanes became the first Philippine champion at the Prince Asian Juniors Championship for
the 16-under age group. It was 1992 when the Philippines first played in the Uber Cup games, resulting
in a victory over Tanzania.

1995 – Australian International Championship (IBF-sanctioned international tournament), Weena Lim

and Kennie Asuncion were the first Philippine entry (ladies doubles) to win a gold medal.

1997 – three-star Vietnam Open (IBF star event), Weena Lim and Kennie Asuncion were the first
Philippine entry (women’s doubles) to reach quarterfinal Jakarta SEA Games, Weena Lim and Kennie
Asuncion were the first Philippine bronze medalists in the women’s doubles event individual event.

2001 – Bangkok Open, Kennevic Asuncion became the first bronze medalist in the men’s single and
mixed doubles individual event with siter Kennie.
FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT

1. COURT AND COURT EQUIPMENT

1.1 The court shall be a rectangle marked out with lines 40 mm wide.
1.2 The lines marking out the court shall be easily distinguishable and preferably be colored
white or yellow
1.3 All the lines shall form part of the area which they define
1.4 The posts shall be 1.55 meters in height from the surface of the court and shall remain
vertical when the net is strained as provided in Law 1.10.
1.5 The posts shall be placed on the doubles side lines irrespective of whether singles or doubles
is being played. The posts or its supports shall not extend into court beyond the side lines.
1.6 The net shall be made of fine cord of dark color and even thickness with a mesh of not less
than 15 mm and not more than 20mm.
1.7 The net shall be 760 mm in depth and at least 6.1 meters wide.
1.8 The top of the net shall be edged with a 75 mm white tape doubled over a cord or cable
running through the tape. This tape shall rest upon the cord or cable.
1.9 The cord or cable shall be stretched firmly, flushed with the top of the posts.
1.10 The top of the net from the surface of the court shall be 1.524 meters at the center of
the court and 1.55 meters over the side lines for doubles.
1.11 There shall be no gaps between the ends of the net and the posts. If necessary, the full
depth of the net at the ends shall be tied to the posts.

2. RACKET
A badminton racket is lightweight and has a round head. The racquet is flat and the
strings are crossed in a uniform pattern all over the head, with no variation. The racquet
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 racquet while you are getting used
the sport.

3. SHUTTLECOCK
A shuttlecock shall have 16 feathers fixed in a cork base covered in kid leather.
Interestingly, the best Badminton Shuttlecocks are made from feathers from the left
wing of a goose.

The feathers shall be measured from the tip to the top of the base and each shuttle shall
be of the same length. This length can be between 62mm and 70mm. The shuttle shall
weigh between 4.74 to 5.50 grams.
TERMINOLOGIES

1. Alley – side extension of the court by 1 ½ feet on both sides that is used for doubles play.
2. Black alley – area between the back boundary line and the long service line for doubles.
3. Backcourt – the back third of the court in the area of the back boundary lines.
4. Baseline – back boundary line at each end of the court that runs parallel to the net.
5. Bird or Birdie – another name for the shuttlecock
6. Carry – an illegal tactic, also called a sling or throw, in which the shuttle is caught and held on the
racquet and then slung during the execution of a stroke.
7. Center line – line perpendicular to the net that separates the left and right service courts.
8. Clear – a shot hit deep to the opponent’s back court
9. Court – area of play, as defined by the outer boundary lines.
10. Drive – a fast and low shot that makes a horizontal flight over the net.
11. Drop – a shot hit with finesse to fall rapidly and close to the net on the opponent’s side.
12. Fault – a violation of the playing rules, either in serving, receiving, or during play
13. Flick – a quick wrist and forearm rotation that surprises an opponent by changing an apparently
soft shot into a faster passing one; used primarily on the serve and at the net.
14. Kill – fast, downward shot that cannot be returned; a “put away”
15. Let – a legitimate cessation of play to allow a rally to be replayed.
16. Long service line – in singles, the back boundary line; in doubles, a line 2 ½ feet inside the back
boundary line. The serve may not go past this line.
17. Match – a series of games (at U.S. Olympic Festival ’93 it is three out of five), to determine a
winner.
18. Net shot – shot hit from the forecourt that just clears the net and drops sharply
19. Racquet – instrument used by player to hit shuttlecock. Weight about 3 ounces. Lengths: 27
inches. Made of: Ceramic, Graphite or boron frame; beef-gut string.
20. Rally - occurs when the players hit the bird back and forth several times before one side scores a
point.
21. Serve or Service – players put the shuttlecock into play for points by “serving” it to opponents,
hitting it over the net into a special part of the court near their opponent.
22. Service court – area into which the serve must be delivered. It is different for singles and doubles
play.
23. Short service line – the line 6 ½ feet from the net which a serve must reach to be legal.
24. Shuttlecock – the name for the object that players hit, made of a ball or cork or rubber with a
crown of feathers in an open conical shape.
25. Smash – when a shuttle is floated high into the air, a player has time to unleash a powerful
overhand shot straight to the floor of the opposing court.
SERVICE RULES

9.1 In a correct service.

9.1.1 neither side shall cause undue delay to the delivery of the service once the server and the receiver
are ready for the service. On completion of the backward movement of server’s racket head, any delay in
the start of the service (Law 9.2) shall be considered to be an undue delay;

9.1.2 the server and the receiver shall stand within diagonally opposite service courts without touching
the boundary lines of these service courts;

9.1.3 some part of both feet of the server and the receiver shall remain in contact with the surface of the
court in a stationary position from the start of the service (law 9.2) until the service is delivered (law 9.3)

9.1.4 the server’s racket shall initially hit the base of the shuttle;

9.1.5 the whole shuttle shall be below the server’s waist at the instant of being hit by the server’s racket.
The waist shall be considered to be an imaginary line round the body, the level with the lowest part of
the server’s bottom rib’

9.1.6 the shaft of the server’s racket at the instant of hitting the shuttle shall be pointing in a downward
direction;

9.1.7 the movement of the server’s racket shall continue forwards from the start of the service (law 9.2)
until the service is delivered (law 9.3);

9.1.8 the flight of the shuttle shall be upwards from the server’s racket to pass over the net so that, if not
intercepted it shall land in the receiver’s service court (i.e. on or within the boundary lines); and

9.1.9 in attempting to serve, the server shall not miss the shuttle.

9.2 Once the players are ready for the service, the first forward movement of the server’s racket head
shall be the start of the service.

9.3 Once started (law 9.2), the service is delivered when the shuttle is hit by the server’s racket or, in
attempting to serve, the server misses the shuttle.

9.4 The server shall not serve before the receiver is ready. However, the receiver shall be considered to
have been ready if a return of the service is attempted.

9.5 In doubles, during the delivery of service (Law 9.2, 9.3), the partners may take up any positions
within their respective courts, which do not un-sight the opposing server or receiver.

SINGLES

10.1 Serving and receiving courts

10.1.1 The players shall serve from, and receive in, their respective right service courts when the server
has not scored or has scored an even number of points in that game.
10.1.2 The players shall serve from, and receive in, their respective left service courts when the server
has scored an odd number of points in that game.

10.2 Order of play and position on court

In a rally, the shuttle may be hit by the server and the receiver alternately, from any position on that
player’s side of the net, until the shuttle ceases to be in play.

10.3 Scoring and serving

10.3.1 If the server wins a rally, the server shall score a point. The server shall then serve again from the
alternate service court.

10.3.2 If the receiver wins a rally, the receiver shall score a point. The receiver shall then become the
new server.

DOUBLES

11.1 Serving and receiving courts

11.1.1 A player of the serving side shall serve from the right service court when the serving side has not
scored or has scored an even number of points in that game.

11.1.2 A player of the serving side shall serve from the left service court when the serving side has
scored an odd number of points in that game.

11.1.3 The player of the receiving side who served last shall stay in the same service court from where he
served last. The reverse pattern shall apply to the receiver’s partner.

11.1.4 The player of the receiving side standing in the diagonally opposite service court to the server
shall be the receiver.

11.1.5 The players shall not change their respective service courts until they win a point when their side
is serving

11.1.6 Service in any turn of serving shall be delivered from the service court corresponding to the
serving side’s score, except as provided in Law 12.

11.2 Order of play and position on court

After the service is returned, in a rally, the shuttle may be hit by either player of the serving side and
either player of the receiving side alternately, from any position on that player’s side of the net, until the
shuttle ceases to be in play
11.3 Scoring and serving

11.3.1 If the serving side wins a rally, the serving side shall score a point. The server shall then serve
again from the alternate service court.

11.3.2 If the receiving side wins a rally, the receiving side shall score a point. The receiving side shall then
become the new serving side.

11.4 Sequence of serving

In any game, the right to serve shall pass consecutively:

11.4.1 from the initial server who started the game from the right service court

11.4.2 to the partner of the initial receiver

11.4.3 to the partner of the initial server

11.4.4 to the initial receiver, and

11.4.5 to the initial server and so on.

11.5 No player shall serve or receive out of turn, or receive two consecutive services in the same game,
except as provided in Law 12.

11.6 Either player of the winning side may serve first in the next game, and either player of the losing
side may receive first in the next game.

SERVICE COURT ERRORS

12.1 A service error has been made when a player:

12.1.1 has served or received out of turn; or

12.1.2 has served or received from the wrong service court;

12.2 If a service court error is discovered, the error shall be corrected and the existing score shall stand.

FAULTS

It shall be a “fault”:

13.1 if a service is not correct (Law 9.1);

13.2 if, in service the shuttle:

13.2.1 is caught in the net and remains suspended on its top;

13.2.2 after passing over the net, is caught in the net; or

13.2.3 is hit by the receiver’s partner;

13.3 if in play, the shuttle:

13.3.1 lands outside the boundaries of the court (i.e. not on or within the boundary lines);

13.3.2 passes through or under the net;

13.3.3 fails to pass over the net;

13.3.4 touches the ceiling or side walls;

13.3.5 touches the person or dress of a player;

13.3.6 touches any other object or person outside the court;

13.3.7 is caught and held on the racket and then slung during the execution of a stroke;

13.3.8 is hit twice in succession by the same player. However, a shuttle hitting the head and the stringed
area of the racket in one stroke shall not be a “fault”;

13.3.9 is hit by a player and the player’s partner successively; or

13.3.10 touches a player’s racket and does not travel towards the opponent’s court;

13.4 if, in play, a player:

13.4.1 touches the net or its support with racker, person or dress;

13.4.2 invades an opponent’s court over the net with racket or person except that the striker may follow
the shuttle over the net with the racket in the course of a stroke after the initial point of contact with the
shuttle is on the striker’s side of the net;

13.4.3 invades an opponent’s court under the net with racket or person such that an opponent is
obstructed or distracted; or

13.4.4 obstructs an opponent, i.e. prevents an opponent from making a legal stroke where the shuttle is
followed over the net;

13.4.5 deliberately distracts an opponent by any action such as shouting or gestures;

13.5 if a player is guilty of flagrant, repeated or persistent offenses under Law 16;
RULES OF THE GAME

Toss – Before commencing the play, the opposing side shall toss and the side winning the toss shall
exercise the choice either;

a. To server or received first

b. To start at one end of the court or the other. The side losing the toss shall then exercise the
remaining choice

1. Both opponents begin the game serving from the right court with zero or love-all. Anytime you
are serving from the court in which you started, your score should be eve. The illegal serve
results in loss of serve and a point for your opponents.
2. Hit the serve diagonally across to your opponent. The feet of the server must be in the proper
court and in contact with the floor until the serve is made.
3. When the receiver is ready to server has only one attempt to put the shuttle into play with an
underhand (below the waist) serve.
4. The receiver can stand anywhere in the proper court but must keep both feet in contact with the
floor until the serve is delivered.
5. The first serve (singles or doubles) is always made from the right side. This because the server’s
score or serving team’s scores is zero, which is an even number. Any time after the beginning of
the game that the server’s score or serving team is even (2, 4, 6, 8 and so on), the service is
delivered from the right side. If a point is made and a score is odd (1, 3, 5, 7, and so on), the
server servers from the left side. The server’s score dictates which side he or she serves from.
6. In doubles, one partner starts on the right side and one partner starts on the left side. Where
you start is your even court. If the score is odd, partner should be opposite of where they
started. If a point is made, the server changes courts and serves diagonally across to the other
side.

Scoring System

1. To win a match, you have to win 2 out of 3 games.

2. To win a game, you have to score 21 points
3. If a score becomes 20-20, the side which scores 2 consecutive points shall win that game.
4. If the score becomes 29-29, the side that scores the 30th points shall win that game.
 5. There are no “service over”, meaning you can score a point no matter who serves. (Rally point
system).
6. The side winning the game serves first in the next game.

Simplified New Rally Points Scoring System

You win the rally and a point if your opponents (common faults in playing badminton):

1. Fails to deliver a legal serve;

2. Fails in attempting to return a legal serve;
3. Hits the shuttle outside the proper boundary line;
4. Hits the shuttle into the net;
5. Hits the shuttle two or more times on a return;
6. Touches the net with his or her body or racket while the shuttle is in play;
7. Let’s the shuttle hit the floor inside the court;
8. Deliberately carries or catches the bird on the racket;
9. Does anything to hinder or interfere with your return;
10. Encroaches under the net with his or her feet, body, or racket;
11. Reaches over the net to hit a return;
12. Touches the bird anything other than the his/her racket; or
13. Fails to keep both feet in contact with the floor while serving or receiving.

BASIC SKILLS

Grip

Starting with a correct badminton grip is the foundation of playing badminton. Holding the racket
wrongly will decrease your strike’s power and accuracy. Your shots will be limited and therefore you will
not enjoy the game as much let alone improve.

Forehand Grip

1. This grip is used to hit shots that are on the forehand side of your body and around the head
shots.
2. Hold the racket head with your non-playing hand so that the handle points towards you.
3. Your racket face shall be perpendicular to the floor.
4. Place your playing hand on the handle as if you are shaking hands with it.
5. There shall be a V shape in between your thumb and your index finger
6. The racket handle shall rest loosely in your fingers for greater flexibility
7. You can try shortening your grip and placing it nearer to the shaft to increase cFontrol and
accuracy when serving and hitting from the forecourt and midcourt
 Backhand Grip

1. This grip is used to hit shots that are on the backhand side of your body
2. Hold the racket as you would on a forehand grip
3. Turn the racket anti-clockwise so that the V shape moves leftwards
4. Place your thumb against the back level of the handle for greater leverage and power
5. The racket handle shall also rest loosely in your fingers.
6. You can try shortening your grip and placing it nearer to the shaft to increase control and
accuracy when serving and hitting from the forecourt and midcourt.

FOOTWORK

Badminton footwork is the most fundamental skill that you need to posses 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 do we define good footwork?

Good badminton footwork is simply having the ability to reach the balance. You can skip, shuffle,
bounce, glide, chase 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 ready
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.

Unless you are confident where your opponent will play the next shot, try to return to your base after
you make a shot. Always be ready to react quickly and be alert.

SERVE

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 a serve” but a weapon during games.
Types of service

a. 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.

Play with a forehand underarm action.

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

b. 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.

c. Forehand
1. Stand two to three feet behind the short service line.
2. Relax your body and bent your knees slightly.
3. Lead with your non-racket leg and place your racket leg behind.
4. Bring your racket back to your waist then level then start your forward swing.
5. Hold the shuttle by the feathers and bring it closer to meet the racket instead of dropping it
in front.
6. Contact the shuttle at a higher point but still below your waist line.
7. 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

d. Backhand
1. Stand in a comfortable and balance position with your racket hand in front.
2. Lead with your racket leg and place your non-racket leg behind with your feet pointing towards
your opponent.
3. Carry out a short back swing then bring the racket forward.
4. Hold the shuttle on the tip of the feathers in front of your waist level.
5. Push the shuttle with the racket face and try to make the shuttle skim the tape of the net.
6. You can try to shorten the grip for a better control of the racket.
7. Beware of breaking the Service Rules.
e. 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.

f. 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.

1. Played with forehand underarm action.

2. Stand in a comfortable and balanced position, a bit further from the service line.
3. Lead with your non-racket leg and place your racket leg behind.
4. Place your racket a bit below the waist level and bring it back parallel to it.
5. Swing the racket forward following through.
6. Hold the shuttle by the feathers and let it drop slightly sideways to your body.
7. Hit the shuttle and let it pass the net at a flatter angle.