The Rules and History of Badminton

By Blake Roberts Founder & Editor in Chief Updated: 02 July 2024

Blake Roberts Founder & Editor in Chief

Blake Roberts is the founder of Betting.US and is currently heading the creative team as Editor in Chief. Born and raised in Morgantown, West Virginia, Blake is a great sports fan, with football and basketball being his favorite. He’s our trusted voice for all betting-related matters.

See Full Bio

Twitter X

History of Badminton

• An Introduction to Badminton Rules
• Badminton Facts & Trivia
• Tracing the Origins of Badminton
• Essential Badminton Equipment
• Mastering Basic Badminton Techniques
• Top International Badminton Tournaments
• Legendary Badminton Players

In today’s blog, we’ll dive deep into the history of badminton, as well as the rules, tournaments, and best players of the game. From exploring the game’s origins to looking at the world’s biggest badminton legends, this blog aims to cover it all. So, whether you’re a seasoned player or a curious beginner, let’s get started!

An Introduction to Badminton Rules

Badminton is a racquet sport played by either two players (singles) or two pairs (doubles) on a rectangular court divided by a net. The objective is to strike the shuttlecock, also known as the birdie, over the net and into the opponent’s court in such a way that the opponent cannot return it.

Players must serve diagonally across the net to their opponent’s service court. The server and receiver alternate until a fault is made or the rally ends. Points are scored only by the serving side when the opponent fails to return the shuttlecock or commits a fault.

A match consists of the best of three games, with each game being won by the first side to reach 21 points. If the score reaches 20-all, the game continues until one side gains a two-point lead or the score reaches 30-29, at which point the side with 30 points wins.

While this blog focuses primarily on the history of badminton, don’t forget to check out our top online sportsbooks with badminton!

Badminton Facts & Trivia

Badminton is a sport rich in history and fascinating facts. Did you know that the origin of badminton was in ancient Greece and Egypt, where a game called “battledore and shuttlecock” was played? However, the modern story of badminton traces its roots back to the mid-19th century in India, where British army officers stationed in Pune played a game they called Poona.

The name “badminton” comes from Badminton House in Gloucestershire, England, where the sport was formally introduced and the first official rules were established in 1873. Since then, badminton has grown in popularity, becoming an Olympic sport in 1992.

One of the most interesting badminton facts, in our opinion, revolves around the shuttlecock itself. Made from 16 overlapping feathers, usually goose or duck, and weighing between 4.74 to 5.50 grams, the shuttlecock is designed to fly with incredible speed and precision.

In fact, the fastest recorded smash in badminton history was delivered by Malaysia’s Tan Boon Heong, who hit the shuttlecock at a staggering speed of 493 km/h during a 2013 tournament!

Badminton is also known for its intense rallies and the lightning-fast reflexes of players. The record for the longest badminton rally in a competitive match is held by Naoko Fukuman and Kurumi Yonao of Japan, who engaged in a 256-shot rally during the 2017 Japan Open.

Another of the most interesting badminton facts is that badminton is the second most popular participation sport in the world, with an estimated 220 million people playing regularly. It is particularly popular in Asia, with countries like China, Indonesia, and South Korea consistently producing world-class players and winning major international tournaments.

Tracing the Origins of Badminton

Where was badminton invented? Well, as mentioned, British army officers stationed in Pune began playing a game they called Poona, which involved hitting a shuttlecock back and forth over a net using racquets. The game was brought back to England by these officers, where it gained popularity among the upper classes.

In 1873, the Duke of Beaufort introduced the game to his guests at his estate, Badminton House in Gloucestershire, England. It was here that the first official Badminton rules were established, and the sport was given its current name.

As the sport gained popularity in England, badminton clubs began to form, and the Badminton Association of England was founded in 1893, becoming the world’s first national badminton organization. The first unofficial All-England Badminton Championships were held in 1899.

Badminton continued to spread throughout the British Empire and beyond. In 1934, the International Badminton Federation (IBF) was established, with nine member nations: Canada, Denmark, England, France, Ireland, Netherlands, New Zealand, Scotland, and Wales. The IBF was responsible for organizing international tournaments and developing the sport globally.

One of the most significant milestones in badminton’s history was its inclusion as a demonstration sport at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich. This exposure helped to increase the sport’s popularity and led to its official inclusion as an Olympic sport at the 1992 Games in Barcelona.

Today, badminton rules are well-established, and the sport has gained large-scale popularity in other countries, particularly those in Asia.

Essential Badminton Equipment

To play badminton, you’ll need the right equipment to ensure the best possible experience on the court. Essential badminton equipment includes a badminton racquet, shuttlecocks, and appropriate footwear and clothing.

Badminton racquets come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, each designed to suit different playing styles and skill levels. Beginners often start with a lightweight, alloy racquet with a larger head size for improved control and forgiveness. As players advance, they may opt for a more specialized racquet made from high-quality materials like carbon fiber, which offers better power and precision.

When choosing a racquet, consider factors such as grip size, weight, balance, and string tension. A properly fitted grip will allow you to maintain a comfortable and secure hold on the racquet, while the weight and balance affect your swing speed and maneuverability.

Shuttlecocks, also known as birdies, are another key component of badminton equipment. Feather shuttlecocks are the most common choice for matches as they offer superior aerodynamics and durability compared to synthetic options. Feather shuttlecocks are made from 16 overlapping goose or duck feathers, carefully selected and attached to a rounded cork base.

Synthetic shuttlecocks, made from plastic or nylon, are more affordable and durable than feather shuttlecocks, making them a good choice for casual play or practice sessions. They are also less affected by temperature changes, which can impact the performance of feather shuttlecocks.

Proper footwear is also something you won’t want to skip when gearing up to play badminton, as the sport involves quick movements, jumps, and changes of direction. Look for shoes designed specifically for badminton or other indoor court sports, which provide good traction, support, and cushioning.

Avoid running shoes or cross-trainers, as they may not offer the ankle support you need, and can even damage the court surface.

Mastering Basic Badminton Techniques

To be able to enjoy badminton, you’ll need to get to grips with the basic techniques that form the foundation of the game. These techniques include the grip, stance, footwork, and various shots, such as the serve, clear, drop, smash, and net shots.

The grip is the way you hold the racquet, and it plays a crucial role in executing shots with power, control, and precision. The most common grip in badminton is the forehand grip, which involves placing your thumb and index finger on the handle’s bevel. This grip allows for flexibility and quick transitions between forehand and backhand shots.

Maintaining a proper stance is key to balance, stability, and readiness on the court. The basic stance involves standing with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and weight evenly distributed. This position allows you to move quickly in any direction and react to your opponent’s shots.

Footwork is another critical aspect of badminton, as it enables you to cover the court efficiently and position yourself for shots. Mastering the lunge, chassé, and split step will help you navigate the court with speed and agility. Practice drills that focus on these movements to improve your footwork and court coverage.

The serve is the shot that starts each rally and can set the tone for the point. There are four main types of serves: low, high, flick, and drive. Low serves are used to keep the shuttlecock close to the net, while high serves aim to push the opponent towards the back of the court. Flick serves are used to surprise the opponent with a sudden change in direction, and drive serves are fast, flat shots aimed at the opponent’s body.

Other shots include the clear, which is a high, deep shot used to push the opponent back; the drop, a soft shot that falls just over the net; the smash, a powerful overhead shot used to win points; and net shots, which are played close to the net to keep the shuttlecock low and force the opponent to lift it.

Top International Badminton Tournaments

Badminton brings together players from all around the world – and the game has a fantastic international tournament scene. Some of the most notable tournaments include:

Other notable tournaments include the BWF World Tour Super 1000, 750, and 500 events, such as the Indonesia Open, China Open, and Malaysia Open, as well as continental championships like the European Championships and the Pan Am Championships.

Legendary Badminton Players

Throughout badminton’s history, certain players have left a significant mark on the game, thanks to their exceptional skills, achievements, and contributions. These players have not only dominated the court but also inspired countless aspiring badminton players around the world.

One of the most renowned badminton players of all time is Lin Dan of China. Often referred to as Super Dan, he has won two Olympic gold medals, five World Championship titles, and numerous other international tournaments. Known for his powerful smashes and on-court agility, Lin Dan’s rivalry with Malaysia’s Lee Chong Wei has been a defining feature of men’s badminton in the 21st century.

Speaking of Lee Chong Wei, the Malaysian legend is another player who has left an undeniable mark on the sport. With three Olympic silver medals and numerous BWF World Tour titles, Lee Chong Wei’s speed, precision, and never-say-die attitude have made him a fan favorite and a formidable opponent on the court.

Indonesia’s Taufik Hidayat is another legendary player known for his unique playing style and on-court charisma. With an Olympic gold medal and numerous BWF World Tour titles, Hidayat’s backhand abilities and deceptive shots have earned him a place among badminton’s all-time greats.

In women’s badminton, China’s Li Lingwei stands out as one of the greatest players of all time. With three Olympic medals (two gold and one silver) and numerous World Championship titles, Li Lingwei’s elegance, grace, and tactical brilliance have set a high standard for women’s singles play.

Other notable legends include Denmark’s Poul-Erik Høyer Larsen, China’s Gao Ling and Zhang Jun, Indonesia’s Rudy Hartono, and Malaysia’s Wong Peng Soon.