First Author: Shannon G.

Badminton Equipment 

The basic equipment needed to play the game of Badminton is:^[1]

     -racquet

     -birdies/shuttles

     -net

     -shoes

 Racquet

-Racquets are usually made of aluminum, graphite and other synthetic materials. 

-The frame including the handle cannot exceed 28.75 inches long and 9 inches wide.

-The hitting surface must have a consistent pattern of criss-crossed strings and must be flat attached to the frame.

-The hitting/strung surface must not exceed 11 inches long and 8 5/8 inches wide.^[2]

-The efficiency of the racquet depends on the ability and skill of the player.

Birdies/Shuttles

-The shuttle can be made of either snythetic or natural materials, plastic being a cheaper material.

-Feathered shuttlecocks have a cork base fixed with 16 feathers around.

-Feathers in a birdie can be anywhere from 2.5 inches to 2.75 inches, but must be consistent within the shuttle.

-Proper feathered shuttlecocks should have feathers that form a circle with a diameter 2.25 inches to 2 5/8 inches.

-The shuttles base should be rounded, covered by leather and be 1 inch to 1 1/8 inches across.

-Shuttlecocks should weigh 4.74 to 5.50 grams allowing it to reach speeds up to 200mph.

-All standards for feather shuttles apply to synthetic plastic shuttles.^[3]

There are three different degrees of shuttlecocks:

Red-faster (heavier head), are for more advanced players and used in cold conditions.

Blue-medium (medium head), are for average skilled players and used in normal conditions.

Green-slow (lighter head), are for beginners and used in warm conditions.^[4]

Net

-The Badminton net measures 5ft 2in at the edges and 5 ft high in the center.

-Posts for the net should be at the doubles side lines even if it is a singles match.^[5]

Shoes

-Badminton shoes provide no lateral support.  Badminton shoes should provide forefoot support and flexibility, along with good grip and cushioning for the athlete.

-In order to preserve the grip of badminton shoes, do not wear them for any other activity such as jogging or playing other sports.

-Heel cups are very beneficial and may even prolong the life of badminton shoes along with protecting your feet.

-It may be time to purchase a new pair of badminton shoes if the knees and heels hurt after landing hard after a jump while playing badminton.^[6]

A Little Taste of the Intensity of Badminton