As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Badminton is the quickest racket game, with shuttles reaching over 200mph. Top players must be flexible and quick; they can run up to a mile during a badminton match since they usually use light equipment. This speed may leave you wondering, what equipment is needed for badminton?
Contents
What Equipment Is Needed for Badminton?
A badminton court is a place of play where two players battle it out by using rackets, shuttlecocks, and a net. The rules state that the net should be 1 inch tall on both ends but 5 feet high in the middle of your playing area or court.
Though the materials used to build a badminton racket can vary, manufacturers make most modern rackets from carbon fiber composites. The shuttlecock features an elastic circle covered with leather or other suitable material; this is what gives it its bounce when struck by another player’s racquet.
Apart from rackets, shuttlecocks, and a net, other equipment adds to the game’s experience. These items (including the three) have particular specifications and are used for certain tasks.
Badminton Net
The net that separates the two sides in badminton is 5 feet high at each end and 1 inch taller in the middle. This slight slope makes it easy to hit over this low-lying barrier with a shuttlecock flying up steeply from below.
The badminton net is a vast one. It’s 2 feet 6 inches in diameter and has an incredible gap between its bottom and the ground. You should set the net poles above the doubles sidelines even for a single match.
Badminton Rackets
A badminton racket features a 68cm frame with a head 28 centimeters long and 22 centimeters wide. The strung area of the racket is located in the head. At the bottom is the handle, where the players hold the racket.
A racket costs between $10 and $25 and may be purchased at any badminton store or warehouse. The shuttlecock bounces off the racket nicely due to its tight strings. Badminton rackets of high quality weigh between 0.15 and 0.20 pounds.
Badminton Shuttlecock
Plastic and feathered shuttlecocks are the two types available on the market. Compared to the feathered shuttlecocks that are commonly used, plastic shuttlecocks are significantly more robust.
Plastic shuttlecocks, nevertheless, are only advised for beginners who are just getting started. You can use this shuttle if you are learning to play badminton. Feathered birdies are expensive and easily torn, especially when handled incorrectly.
As a result, plastic shuttlecocks are an excellent teaching tool for novices. The heavier weight of the plastic shuttles makes them a better option for players transitioning to feathered ones, as you can still practice your strokes with this type.
Badminton Shoes
Manufacturers design badminton shoes to provide more grip so that you can stop in time and hit back a shot. They should also be light, cushioned with heel cups for the extension life of your sport-specific equipment. You can wear volleyball shoes for badminton, but do make sure to wear indoor shoes for indoor courts.
Wearing jogging shoes is not recommended because they usually lack grip. If you don’t stop in time to receive a drop shot, you can end up falling through the badminton net. Only wear your badminton shoes on badminton courts if you want to get a good grip on them.
The shoes will no longer be functional on the court after the grip is gone. If you start to feel pain in your heels and knees after landing hard on the ground after jumping, your shoes’ cushioning has probably worn out.
Badminton Attire
For casual to non-competitive badminton players, a pair of shorts and a wool or dry-fit t-shirt will do. However, for those who want more protection, there are hand grips that you can use and wrist bands that may help protect your ankles from getting hurt if you land poorly.
All the accessories add up to make a great outfit. When it comes to badminton equipment, choose what is necessary before focusing on looks.
Badminton Court
Badminton courts are 44 feet long and 20 wide, with a 22-foot by 1.85 square feet area on each side. I mark the outline of this badminton court by boundary lines that create service zones for singles games and sidelines in doubles matches.
The outer boundary line is marked one and a half feet from the doubles sideline. The short service lines are marked on the court six and a half feet from the centerline.
The left and right sides of the court are separated by a center line that runs from the short service line to the back boundary line.
Badminton Tracker
Most badminton players aspire to be superstars on the court, even though this requires a great deal of patience, focus, and effort. To guarantee that your hard work does not go to waste, you may require a badminton tracker to assist you in improving your game.
Badminton trackers are little devices that link to your smartphone and give individualized training and coaching in real-time.
How to Choose a Badminton Racket
The racket is the most significant piece of badminton equipment. The sort of racket you select should be appropriate for your level of play. When it comes to selecting the best racket for you, there are four things to keep in mind:
- Weight – The weight of the badminton racket is commonly indicated by the letter “U”; the lower the number, the heavier the racket. An excellent badminton racket weighs between 0.15 pounds and 0.20 grams.
- Balance point – Aside from weight, rackets are classified by their balance point or the spot on the racket where most of the weight is placed. Place your finger below the head of the racket to examine which way the racket tilts to establish the type of balance it possesses.
- String tension – By squeezing your palm against the strings and seeing how far it sinks, you may determine the tension of a racket. The appropriate tension for most players is the strings’ 1mm recessed depth.
- Grip size – If a badminton racket’s grip size is chosen incorrectly, it can be a problem. There is a standard measurement for determining the circumference of the grip, and it ranges from G1 to G8. Choosing a smaller size, such as the G3 or G4, is a smart idea.
- Shaft flexibility – When delivering tactics of varied strengths, the flex of a shaft dictates how much repulsion you can acquire in exchange for consistency. A bending badminton racket is excellent for repulsion; it serves as a spring, allowing you to smash the ball further when swinging the racket.
Importance of Buying the Right Badminton Equipment
| Equipment | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Good shoes | Prevents leg and feet injuries and improves mobility |
| Good racket | Prevents hand injuries and improves agility |
| Good shuttlecock | Improves accuracy |
Investing in quality badminton gear might make the difference between becoming a good player and being the best badminton player you can be.
Proper badminton equipment can enhance your play style, push your game to the next level, and prevent unnecessary injuries by covering the most often used parts of the body. It also saves players money in the long term.
Amplifying Your Play Style
The phrase “play style” refers to how a badminton player prefers to play the game. Offensive (or power) players, defensive (or control) players, and all-around players are the most common play styles.
Badminton equipment is designed to take your game to the next level, or to put it another way, to amplify your game style. Some rackets allow you to hit the ball harder because their strings provide you the most control over your shuttle, and grips allow for excellent racket control.
These attributes should guide you when choosing the badminton equipment to use.
Preventing Unnecessary Injuries
I can all agree that injuries are unpleasant since they create pain. They can keep me from doing things I enjoy (like playing badminton). They can also be costly if you need rehab, physiotherapy, or an operation in the worst-case scenario.
Using the proper badminton equipment can prevent you from dislocated ankles, rotator cuff tears, and swelling in the wrist and shoulder.
Saving Money in the Long Run
If you have been playing badminton for a long time, you’ve probably seen how expensive it can be. It’s certainly misleading, as the only necessary equipment is a racket, shoes, and shuttles.
However, badminton equipment, particularly shuttlecocks and strings, is extremely delicate. Choose goose-feather or synthetic shuttles, as well as an exact string and tension selection, to save money.
Related Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about badminton equipment
What Makes Badminton Equipment Unique?
The shuttlecock in badminton is a gear that can only be found in that sport, nowhere else. Another unique piece of equipment for badminton is the shoes you wear. These should be specifically made for badminton, after all, the game frequently requires you to stop quickly to avoid hitting the net.
How Much Does a Complete Badminton Set Cost?
This is dependent on where you live; after all, costs might fluctuate. However, a complete badminton set costs around $40 on average.
You should also keep in mind that, in most circumstances, the greater the price, the higher the quality of the product. As a result, you should not be bound by this figure while purchasing badminton equipment.
How Many Items Are in a Badminton Kit?
This depends on the kit, however, a good badminton kit should have two rackets, a set of shuttlecocks, a pair of shoes, sports clothing, and accessories. These accessories can be knee pads, headbands, and wristbands.
Final Thoughts
When selecting the best badminton equipment, I recommend prioritizing functionality before appearances. Each piece of equipment listed above plays a crucial function in badminton; however, you will determine what works best for you with time.
