TENNIS CABANA HAS THE GEAR, RACQUETS, INFORMATION YOU NEED!
BADMINTON BASICS!
What is BADMINTON?
Badminton is a racquet sport played on a rectangular court that is divided by a net. It can be played by either two opposing players (singles) or two opposing pairs (doubles) who take positions on opposite halves of a court. Players score points by striking a shuttlecock with their racquet so that it passes over the net and lands in their opponents' half of the court or when the opponents make an error and cannot play back the shuttlecock back across the net.
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What equipment does one need to start playing?
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Clothing Remember, badminton requires a lot of movement and quick changes in direction. Therefore it is important that players wear lightweight clothes such as shorts and t-shirts. Clothes that are loose fitting are more suitable because you will have more freedom to move. A tracksuit may be useful but is not absolutely necessary.
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Footwear A comfortable pair socks and lightweight badminton shoes that have a good sole for gripping are important. Badminton players should choose shoes designed for badminton instead of trainers or running shoes because badminton shoes have thinner soles. They are more stable, and therefore help to avoid possibilities of injuries.
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Racquets If you are just starting to play badminton, it is not necessary that you buy a very expensive racquet. It is also not advisable to use very cheap racquets because they may not be durable and they could be too heavy for you. Buy a racquet that is light, within your budget and one that appeals to you. When buying, look for a racquet that "feels" good, flexible and strong enough to with stand the string tension that you prefer. It is best to visit a shop that has a good selection of racquets. Try as many racquets as possible to see if they feel right before you decide.
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Shuttles You may use plastic or feather shuttles. However, if you are just starting, and if you are conscious of costs, then plastic shuttles are ideal, cheaper and durable. They come in three speeds - fast, medium and slow. It is recommended to use medium speed to start until you are better.
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Where to play? Sometimes you can walk in and book a court at your local YMCA, multi-sports centers, universities, colleges, schools or you may try out at a club nearby where you live.
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*NOTE: Information taken from USABadminton.org
Visit USABadminton.org for more information!