Badminton

Badminton is named after a country estate in Gloucestershire, England.

It was first played in 1873. It is preceded by Battledore. (a game very similar that has been played for over 2000 years!)

Its origins can be traced to India, China, and Ancient Greece.

The first badminton championships were held in England for men in 1899.

In 1900 the first women's tournament took place.

Badminton has taken place in the Olympics officially since 1992 for singles. Doubles started in 1996.

A game can consist of doubles (2 vs 2) or singles (1 vs 1).

It is predominantly played indoors.

To score a point the shuttlecock must hit within the lines of the opponent's court.

If the shuttlecock hits the net or lands out then a point is awarded to your opponent.

Players must serve diagonally across the net to their opponent. As points are won then serving stations move from one side to the other. There are no second serves so if your first serve goes out then your opponent wins the point.

A serve must be hit underhand.

If a player touches the net with any part of their body or racket then it is deemed a fault and their opponent receives the point.

A game is played to 21 points. The leading player must win by 2 points.

For SINGLES: The court is 44 feet (13.4 metres) long and 17 feet (5.2 metres) wide.

For DOUBLES: The court is 44 feet (13.4 metres) long and 20 feet (6.1 metres) wide.

The net is 5 feet (1.5 metres) high stretches across the width of the court at its centre.

The line 6 feet from the net is called the Short Service line. During a serve if the shuttle lands within the 6 feet, it is considered