Badminton is a racket game similar to tennis, played with a feathered ball called a shuttlecock. The aim is to hit the shuttlecock over the net into the opponent's court and to return it before it touches the floor on your side.
Badminton is easy to learn and one of the few sports that men and women of all ages, from 7 to 77, can play.
- Played at any age
- 7–77
- Events: singles, doubles, mixed
- 5
- Olympic sport
- 1992
- Professional smash speed
- 300+ km/h
Why badminton?
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For all ages
It can be played and enjoyed at any age and level without overstraining the body.
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Low risk of injury
The players are separated by a net, each plays in their own half, and the shuttlecock is harmless.
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Speed and reflexes
The shuttle changes direction quickly, sharpening reflexes, hand-eye coordination and decision-making.
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Fencing-like footwork
With its footwork and lunges, badminton is often compared to fencing.
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Fitness
Short, intense rallies build cardiovascular endurance and agility.
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On your own or with a partner
Play one-on-one in singles, or with a teammate in doubles and mixed doubles.
How is it played?
Players stand on either side of the court, separated by the net. Each rally starts with a serve and lasts until the shuttle hits the floor or a fault is made. The side that wins the rally scores a point and serves next.
- The first side to reach 21 points wins the game; at 20-all a two-point lead is needed.
- A match is the best of three games.
- The serve is played underarm and diagonally into the opposite service court.
See the Rules page for details.