Usually played indoors, badminton is a popular summer sport. Badminton tournaments are held in many countries. There are numerous clubs in most regions. The sport is also popular in Indonesia and Malaysia. The sport is considered a lighthearted activity. In recent years, China has been the world’s top badminton competitor.
Badminton is a sport that requires the use of a shuttlecock, a rubber cork-like ball that is a half round shape at the bottom. The shuttlecock is also called a birdie. The birdie is made of 16 feathers that form a cone-shaped projectile. A player can score a point by landing the birdie inside the opponent’s court. The player can also score a point by hitting a birdie twice in a row.
The badminton court is rectangular, measuring about 44 feet long and 5 feet high. There is a net, which is about 5 feet high in the middle of the court. The court is divided into three areas: the forecourt, midcourt and rearcourt. Most basic badminton strokes are played from the midcourt. The forecourt is the part of the court closest to the net. The rearcourt is the part of the court farthest from the net.
The badminton serves are usually a low serve, but some players use a “flick serve.” This is used sporadically throughout the game. A low serve requires the player to go across the court to the opponent’s left hand. A backhand is used as a last resort, but it should be used only when necessary.
The basic strokes of badminton are divided into drives, midcourt strokes, smashes and volleys. Drives are played with the shuttle near the net, while midcourt strokes are played with the shuttle slightly higher than the net. Drives are usually played with speed into the opponent’s midcourt. Midcourt strokes are played with the shuttle in the same position, but with less speed.
Smashes are also powerful strokes. A smash is a powerful shot that travels steeply downwards into the opponent’s midcourt at a high speed. A smash can be hit with either a backhand or forehand, but the forehand provides greater control. A smash will usually finish a rally, but it can be hit with a backhand as well. A smash can also be used to block a shuttlecock or to return it. A smash is most commonly played in response to a push or a midcourt stroke.
The badminton racket is a stringed racket that is typically 21 gauge. Most badminton strings are strung at a tension of about 80 to 130 newtons. A higher tension generates more power, while a lower tension provides more control. This helps light hitters, which are rewarded with a trampoline effect.
A player’s footwork is essential to their position in badminton. The player should have excellent footwork and control, especially when approaching the net. The player should also learn how to strike smashes carefully. The player’s best position is at the middle of the court, which allows him to have the best chance of meeting the next opponent’s shot. A player should also know when to play a net drop shot. This is a very hard shot to return, especially in the crosscourt.
