Badminton Introduction

BADMINTON INTRODUCTION Badminton is a racquet sport played on a court either by two players or two opposing pairs. Instead of a ball, a shuttlecock is hit back and forwards. Speed, fast reactions, and stamina are all important if you want to be a successful player. The Net The net is made from cord with a mesh size of 15 to 20mm. It is tightly stretched to ensure that the top edge is horizontal and at the same height as the top of the posts supporting it. Scoring The aim of Badminton is to hit a shuttle, using a racquet, over the net onto the court area before the opposition player or pair can hit it back or to force the opposition into an error. The first player or pair to reach 15 points (11 points for women's singles) wins the game. After winning a point the same player serves again, and continues to serve as long as that player or team keeps winning points. If the non-serving team wins the rally, no point is scored but there is a change of server instead. HISTORY OF BADMINTON Badminton evolved from the ancient game of Battledore and Shuttlecock. It was named ‘Badminton’ after the home of the Duke of Beaufort in Gloucestershire where, in the mid nineteenth century, it was a pastime of the Duke's guests when driven indoors by bad weather. There are currently 146 nations in the World affiliated to the A Badminton racquet ruling body, the International Badminton Federation (IBF) from the late 1950s which was formed in 1934 with a total of nine member nations. Badminton was introduced to Australia in Fremantle, WA in 1905, with the Australian Badminton Association being formed in 1935. Since its beginning, the game has spread to all States and Territories. In 1936, Australia became the eleventh member association of the IBF. Victoria is now the stronghold of the sport in Australia with more than 50 per cent of the national total of registered competition players. Badminton at the Commonwealth Games Australia has competed in every Commonwealth Games since Badminton was admitted in 1966, with a gold medal for Mixed Doubles in 1982 to Mike Scandolera and Audrey Tuckey and, more recently, the 1994 Ladies Singles gold medal to Lisa Campbell. STARTING BLOCKS © State of Victoria, 2004 1 BADMINTON ABOUT BADMINTON Badminton is played in singles, doubles and mixed teams. To score a point, the players have to hit the shuttlecock with their rackets so that it lands on their opponents court – then a point is scored. To score a point, the players have to hit the shuttlecock with their rackets so that it lands on their opponent’s court – then a point is scored. In men’s competition, the first to reach 15 points is the winner, while eleven points is enough to win a women’s match. International Women's doubles match Types of Shots 1. Clear – powerful stroke that sends the shuttlecock from one end of the court to the other. 2. Drop Shot – a stroke that sends the shuttlecock just above the net. 3. Smash – very powerful stroke that send the shuttlecock down fast on the oppositions side of the court. 4. Lift – defensive – sends the shuttlecock to the back of the opponent’s court. 5. Drive – powerful straight stroke from shoulder height Smash shot STARTING BLOCKS © State of Victoria, 2004 2 BADMINTON BADMINTON EQUIPMENT Racquet The main parts of a racquet are called the handle, the stringed area, the head, the shaft, the throat and the frame. They are made of lightweight materials such as aluminium, graphite and titanium and weigh 85 to 100 grams. The frame of the racquet cannot exceed 680mm in overall length and 230mm in overall width. Racquet Shuttlecocks Must have 16 feathers fixed to the base. Feather lengths can be variable from 64mm to 70mm, but in each shuttle must be that of the same size. The shuttle must weigh between 4.74 and 5.50 grams. Shuttlecock Posts Height – 1.55m from surface of the court Net Height 1.524m at the centre of the court 1.55m over the side lines (doubles side lines) Depth – 760mm No gaps to between the ends of the net and the posts STARTING BLOCKS © State of Victoria, 2004 3 BADMINTON BADMINTON – EVENT INFORMATION The Badminton competition is to be conducted at the Events Melbourne Exhibition Centre (MEC) in a purpose-built temporary facility. Event Male Female The Badminton facility will comprise six competition and Singles two warm-up courts, with seating for approx 3 600 spectators. Doubles The Badminton competition will be held over the entire Doubles - Mixed eleven days of the Games (eleven days of competition). Teams - Mixed The 2006 Commonwealth Games competition will consist of singles, doubles and team events with a total of six gold medals to be awarded. Training will be conducted at the Altona Badminton Centre (Paisley Park). BADMINTON - DID YOU KNOW? Badminton is the world’s fastest racquet sport – the shuttlecock can reach speeds of up to 260 kilometres per hour. Badminton requires speed, agility and lightning-fast reflexes. The first Badminton racquets were made of wood. Today, materials such as aluminium, graphite and titanium are used. JOIN IN BADMINTON Players from all ages can become involved in Badminton. Badminton Australia logo A ten-week program for schools is available from Badminton Victoria (see below). To find out more about Badminton and where to take part, please contact: Badminton Victoria - www.badmintonvic.com.au Phone: (03) 96864777 Badminton Australia - www.badminton.org.au Phone: (03) 93974722 STARTING BLOCKS © State of Victoria, 2004 4 .

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