Have you ever wondered how to get really good at badminton? Well, this guide shows the basic skills and habits you need to adopt.
What Even Is Badminton?
To begin, Badminton is a type of racquet sport that originated in British India in 1873. In order to play, you need a racquet stick and a birdie, also known as the shuttlecock in other parts of the world.
Badminton might look easy, but it takes consistent practice and precise focus. Beginners often make mistakes like serving wrong or bad footwork, but with practice and guidance, anyone can improve.
What are the rules of badminton?
Badminton is always played between two to four players. The goal of the game is to hit the shuttlecock over the net so it lands inside the other opponent’s court to score a point.
- Each game is played until a player reaches 21 points.
- Matches are best of three games. A player must win by at least two points with a maximum of 30.
- The shuttlecock must be served below the waist and diagonally.
- It counts as an “out” if the shuttlecock lands outside the court lines or does not manage to cross the nets.
Start Early
Starting young helps build strong technique because your bodies and minds tend to adapt faster. Most players begin at around ages 6-9 years old and practice a few times a week. Over time, this builds strong habits. Starting later is alright, but developing high level technique takes longer to master. According to The Padukone School of Badminton, “Any and all levels of excellence are built on a strong technique. This takes years to learn.”
Even if you start later, consistent practice is key.
Where to Practice
You can practice at home like 11th grader Francisca Gao, who ties a shuttlecock to a string on the ceiling to improve her control and timing. 11th grader Jason Situ, who started playing at 6, works on his form and reaction time at home as well.
Open gyms are also great for practice. Beginners can hit the shuttlecock as much as possible to improve their skills. A simple, affordable racket from Amazon is enough to get started.
Links to badminton courts in New York
- Alfred E. Smith Recreation Center- (80 Catherine St, New York, NY 10038)
- MANHATTAN BADMINTON CLUB – Humanities HS gym ( Humanities HS gym, 351 W 18th St, New York, NY 10011)
- Chelsea Recreation Center ( 430 W 25th St, New York, NY 10001)
- Brooklyn Badminton Club ( 14 Woodward Ave, Ridgewood, NY 11385)
- Tiger Badminton Training (97-30 Queens Blvd, Rego Park, NY 11374)
Common Mistakes
- Overhand serving is common but often inaccurate. Backhand Serve – A step-by-step guide EVERY BADMINTON PLAYER NEEDS!
- Underhand serving can be tricky to learn but is important. How To Underarm Serve || Badminton
- Copying others without learning the right technique can slow progress, which is why Situ says, “Focus on your own form first.”
Tips to Improve
- Learn the basics: Work on grips, footwork, and different shots like clears, drops, and smashes.
- Be flexible: Adjust your practice if you’re tired or notice something isn’t working.
- Think ahead: Watch your opponent and plan your shots.
- Get fit: Exercises like lunges, sprints, and core workouts help to improve your speed and stamina.
Becoming skilled at badminton takes time and practice. By learning the basics, avoiding common mistakes, practicing regularly, and staying fit, beginners can improve quickly and enjoy the game even more.
