How To Buy Badminton Equipment

Badminton, formerly known as Battledore, Shuttlecock and Poona, has been a game that has been enjoyed by millions for many years. The sport was brought to England by English Army Soldiers stationed in India. We supposedly owe the name badminton to the Duke of Beaufort, named after his country estate in Gloucestershire in the late 1800s after introducing the game to his elitist friends. In 1934 the British formed the International Badminton Federation. The group made new rules and regulations that guide the game today.

Now that you have some history, here are some tips on how to purchase badminton materials.

Badminton rackets have a long handle and the head is smaller than a tennis racket. It should be light weight and the strings should be really tight and durable. For the badminton novice, synthetic strings are most preferred. For the competitive side of the sport, more natural strings are preferred. Rackets can be purchased at most sporting goods stores and advanced rackets can be purchased online. For fun, recreation in the backyard, rackets can cost as little as $10 (titanium or noncarbonated). For the more serious minded player, prices range from $30 to $50 (steel and aluminum). More competitive minded players pay $90 to $200. These types of rackets generally are made from 100% graphite carbons. The heavier the racket, the more power behind the shot. Rackets that have an even balance are more controllable but do not allow power shots over the net. There are isometric and square shapes that are becoming increasingly popular, but the round shape is still the shape preferred. Never store your racket in high temperatures or humidity.

Birdies, shuttlecocks, or shuttles, whatever your preference, are mostly made of plastic. Competition shuttles have real feathers.

Badminton shoes should be soft soles with a good grip, especially if playing indoors.

Nets come in different types; inexpensive ones will usually do the trick. What's important is the set up. The badminton net should be 5ft in the middle and 5ft and 1in on the sides.

The court should measure 17x44 feet for singles games and 20x44 feet for doubles. Marked much like a tennis court, the serving lines are 6' 6" for the short serve and the backline is the boundary of the court.

A badminton game is played best out of 3 games. 21 points wins the game.