Badminton

The history of Badminton

The sport of badminton is one that has roots heavily planted in history, as an early form of the game existed with the ancient Greeks and Egyptians.

During fifth century China, a variation of the sport involved the kicking of a shuttle, until the 1600s saw the racket replace the foot.

The sport as it is now played is believed to have come from a game called battledore and shuttlecock, where two players batted a feathered shuttlecock back and forth with the help of a minuscule set of rackets.

The game known as "Poona" in India travelled to England during the 1860s when British Army officers stationed in the country took an interest in the sport.

A newer version of the game suited for the English made an appearance in 1873 at Badminton House, an establishment owned by the Duke of Beaufort. At that time, the activity was referred to as "The Game of Badminton," until a shortened version of the name became the official label.

Over the years, the English still played under the rules of India until 1887 when a standardized set of regulations were shaped at the Bath Badminton Club. In 1893, the first set of guidelines were published, followed by the first official competition in 1899.

The coming years brought a wealth of changes for the sport, including the 1901 switch in indoor and outdoor play and hourglass-shaped courts becoming rectangular.

Badminton Skills

Regardless if one participates in a spirited game arranged in the backyard or seriously trains for Olympic competition, high levels of play demands a reasonable level of fitness.

The specific attributes demanded by the game include:

* a good base of aerobic stamina

* speed with particular reference to footwork

* hand-eye coordination

* racquet skills.

Tip To Improve Your Game

One of the best ways to improve your overall game is to engage in half-court singles, using only half of the space of a standard singles court.

Participants should follow normal play with scoring to fifteen. Eventually enhanced footwork, improved consistency of shot placement, increased stamina and better defensive habits result.

It is the closeness of the game that forces the body, muscles, and mind to train for quicker returns, while preparing players for a higher level of game play that eventually translates onto the standard court.

There are of course the many benefits that come from developing overall body condition.