What are some of the basic skills and rules in badminton? Is this what you want to know? Well, this article will help you understand some seminal factors regarding the game and some more. Stick around to know more.
History Of The Game: Badminton
Not many people know this, but badminton was the first ever racket sport. Now that I have your attention, it is a lie. In fact, both racket games have similar origin stories and became popular during a similar time frame. Still, there are several stories regarding the origin of the two racket-based games.
Badminton is essentially a lawn game that became popular during the late 1800s. As per historical annals, Badminton was first played in Gloucestershire, England. Later, it became popularised and spread to different parts of the planet.
Years before the game made its way to England, it was played in the Indian subcontinent. Officers of the British East India Company devised this game in order to combat boredom. The first-ever badminton tournament was held in 1899. By the 1900s, the game became popular, and an organizing body named the Badminton World Federation was established to regulate the game.
Hence, badminton came a long way to become one of the most popular racket-based games of all time.
Know Your Equipment
I need to familiarize you with the game and the pieces of equipment before I can start discussing the Basic Skills In Badminton. Racket-based games can become really technical. As a result, you need to familiarize yourself with the equipment.
In this section, I will extensively talk about four fundamental pieces of equipment for badminton. These pieces of equipment include the shuttlecock, the racket, the shoes, and some more ancillary pieces of equipment.
Racket
Rackets are an integral part of the game. It is used to hit the cock and keep the game flowing. Several different things decide the quality of a racket. These include the kind of string used, the frame material, the grip of the badminton, the overall weight, and malleability. Hence, you need to look for several different things in order to decide the right kind for you. As a beginner, you must go for a basic racket with nylon string and steel frame.
Shuttlecock
Earlier, shuttlecocks were only made using goose feathers. However, the game became so popular that manufacturers experienced a supply chain disruption. As a result, nylon shuttlecocks became a popular alternative. Still, professional players prefer feather cocks over nylon cocks. Firstly, feather cocks are more aerodynamic. Secondly, they offer more versatility. As a result, feather cocks are a popular alternative to nylon cocks. Still, you can go for a nylon cock if you are looking for a cheaper alternative.
Shoes
Shoes are probably the most integral part of any physical sport. This rings true for badminton as well. Badminton requires lightning-fast reflexes and movement speeds. As a result, you need to find the right shoe for you. The correct show can help you deal with pain and soreness. Get yourself a pair of shoes that have great arch and ankle support. Otherwise, your movement speeds will be hampered to a great extent.
More
Badminton requires three primary pieces of equipment. However, professional players go the mile and incorporate other elements as well. These include wristbands, caps, specialized briefs, sports bras, etc. Even though these pieces of equipment sound optional, professional players might disagree. However, you can ignore this section if you are at a beginner level. But intermediary and professional players should never overlook these components.
Basic Skills In Badminton You Need To Know ASAP
Now that you are up to speed on the history and equipment requirement list, I guess you are ready to learn more about some of the most basic skills in badminton. In this section, I will help you learn more about some of the primary skills in Badminton. These include racket handling, gripping, serving, strokes, stances, etc. Let us dive right in without further ado.
Handling The Racket
The first and foremost thing you need to learn is handling the racket. Even though this skill seems simple, I think that many people still struggle to master it. As a result, I decided to include this in my list of some of the basic skills of badminton.
Proper handling will decide the speed and the direction that the cock will travel. Therefore, it is vital for a player to know about the correct racket handling. I think holding the racket effectively is equivalent to a firm handshake. It should not be too tight or too loose. The grip must be firm but flexible enough.
The Grip
After racket handling comes the gripping of the racket. If you are a beginner at badminton, you need to understand the right kind of grip that offers flexibility and strength. Grip the racket firmly but not too tight. Tightness reduces flexibility, and loseness reduces control. Your aim is to find the middle ground. As a beginner at the game, you need to know two primary variations of the grip. The first is the forehand grip, and the next is the backhand grip.
Forehand Grip
The easiest way to explain the forehand grip is to equate it with a handshake. As a result, this grip is also called the shakehand grip by many players. I prefer this grip because of its simplicity and reliability. It offers me the right control and flexibility. The index finger plays a major role in this form of grip. It helps control the direction of the racket and the speed of your shot.
Backhand Grip
The next form of gripping is the backhand grip. Even though I prefer the forehand grip, the backhand grip is equally effective. The backhand grip can be best explained as a thumbs up. Unlike the forehand grip, the backhand grip uses the thumb to exert power and pressure. I do not prefer a backhand grip because I tend to grip the racket a bit too tightly with this grip. As a result, I lose my flexibility. Therefore, I am a team Forehand Grip all the way.
The Serve
The third most important and one of the most basic skills in badminton is serving. Serving decides the overall pace of a game. In fact, correct serving will effectively help you land some free points. Hence, it is an important skill to learn. As a beginner, you need to know about two basic forms of badminton serving. These include high-serving and low-serving. Here is a detailed rundown of these two basic forms of serving.
High Serve
The basic or the high serve is the most common form of serving. For high serving, you need to strike the shuttlecock downwards from a high point. A high serve will help you to aim for the back end of the court. I prefer aiming my strikes at the back end of the opponent’s backhand side of the court. In 90% of cases, your opponent will fail to connect with the cock and will not be able to take the shot.
The Low Serve
The next form of serving is the low serve. In this case, you will hit the cock from below to upwards. A low shot is aimed at the front end of the court. I prefer hitting my low shots in a way that they barely exceed the net line. This makes the shot harder to counter. Knowing your serves right will help you counter several challenges and shortcomings.
Basic Strokes
The right choice of stroke goes a long way. It can make or break a whole round. As a badminton player, one of the most basic skills in badminton is stroke selection. Choosing the right stroke for the right occasion is a mark of a great player. In this section, I will only talk about the two basic forms of stroke and their implication.
Forehand
Forehand strokes are perfect shots when the cock is on the side of your racket. Like the forehand grip, the index finger plays a major role. It helps to control the speed and the strength of your stroke. For added flexibility, learn to flick your wrist effectively. A well-powered forehand stroke can easily help you earn a cookie point. Therefore, use it more often and diligently.
Backhand
The next popular form of stroke is the backhand stroke. Like its predecessor, it is similar to its grip variant. Use your thumb to direct and assess the speed of your shot. Unlike the forehand stroke, this is primarily used in order to serve. I suggest that you keep your wrist and grip loose in order to effectively shift between grips and strokes. This will effectively enable you to improve your overall game.
Stances
The next important aspect of badminton basics is the stances. I feel that racket-based games require more agility than most other form of sports. As a result, you need to pick and choose your stances diligently. In fact, choosing your stance will also decide your playability.
Defensive Stance
As the name suggests, the defensive stance is more suited for the defensive form of playing badminton. This is the first form of stance that you need to master. Always remember that a good defense is a great offense. Time your shots effectively and play accordingly.
Net Stance
The next stance that you need to master is the net stance. This stance is perfect for players who are playing at the net. This is a focused form of stance. This allows a player to focus his or her power on a single, concentrated area. This is the most agile form of stance and requires advanced skills to master. Still, it is one of the most basic skills in badminton.
Attacking Stance
The final form of stance is the attacking stance. This is one of the most basic stances you need to master as well. You can not keep playing on a defensive foot all the time. You need to reach for excellence and aim to score some points. You need to keep your shoulders broad and keep your sectors open. This will maximize power and speed.
Footwork
Many people confuse footwork with stances. However, these are two very different yet connected aspects of the game. Always remember that your movement space is limited on the court. As a result, you need to understand that you have to decide the right footwork. I suggest that you keep shifting your footwork. This will help you to stay on your feet and keep your pace up. Some of the most common footwork strategies include side shuffle, jumping, smashing, lunging, etc. I prefer maintaining a static point of starting. This enables me to rotate and choke my opponent. Assess your opponent’s shot and stay in the zone.
Hand-Eye Coordination
Badminton is a game of speed and agility. Hence, it is crucial to have the right hand and eye coordination. As a badminton player, you need to be very sharp. You need to have proper hand-eye coordination in order to be at the top of your game. I suggest you try to do some sessions of juggling and similar exercises to enhance your hand and eye coordination. Also, try to improve your peripheral vision. This will help you to improve your racket skills.
Strategies
Last but not least, one of the basic skills in badminton is to have a proper strategy in place. Do not go blindly. Have a proper strategy that will help you to win a set. A word of advice: do not stick to a singular set of strategies. Keep rotating in order to choke your opponent.
The Final Thought
With that, you have reached the end of my article regarding the basic skills in badminton. While a professional player needs to look after several more factors, I think these will suffice for now. Keep following our page for more such sports-related content.
