Badminton

The playing field for badminton is as follows:

The field is 13.40 meters long and 6.10 meters wide. The net must be 155 cm high at the posts. The playing field for a doubles game is shown in gray on the left, with the dark gray part ("short and wide") marking a serving court. The right indicates the court in gray for a singles game, with dark gray also marking a serving court ("long and narrow").

Badminton is played en masse in Asian countries (including China, Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia). Among Western countries, Denmark and Great Britain in particular are countries with significant achievements in the field of badminton. Badminton has been on the Olympic Games program since 1992. Before that it was twice an Olympic demonstration sport; in 1972 and 1988.

History

It is generally assumed that India is the cradle of badminton because the game POONA was practiced there. Probably named after the city of Pune, which is about 50 km from Bombay. English officers introduced the game, which they were introduced to in India, to England and around 1873 the game was intensively practiced at the estate of the Duke of Beaufort in Gloucestershire. The name of that estate was Badminton and it can be assumed that the name of the estate was transferred to the game. It is certain from old paintings that the game was already known in Europe and it was probably practiced under different names. Ken Davidson, a well-known American badminton authority, who has studied the history of badminton, discovered that the game was played in England as early as the 12th century. The game 'Jeu de longue plume' was also known in France in the Middle Ages. There is a 17th century painting by Adam Menyoki showing that the game was played with a small racket and some kind of shuttle. That shuttle used to be known as shuttlecock. A good Dutch word for badminton would therefore be 'pluimbal'.

In 1877, rules of the game were published in book form by Colonel HO Selby in Karachi (India). Despite the fact that there were now rules, the game was still practiced in various ways. In some regions the game was played by two people, who hit the shuttle back and forth and were required to remain in the same place. Elsewhere it was played with three or five men on each side of the net. Even around 1910 this was still the case. Since then, the rules have been repeatedly changed and adapted, especially after badminton developed into a specific indoor sport. The playing field as we know it does not have its original shape. At the time when badminton started to become popular in Europe, or rather in England, there were no sports halls yet. However, in the circles where badminton was practiced, large country houses with 'rooms-en-suite' halls were available. Only then, as a result of the suite doors and possibly cupboards on either side, the field had the shape of an hourglass.

Establishment of Badminton World Federation (BWF)

In 1934, nine countries decided to establish an international organization, the International Badminton Federation (IBF). These countries were: Canada, Denmark, England, France, Ireland, Netherlands, New Zealand, Scotland and Wales. It was agreed that the IBF would exercise absolute control over the game and the rules of the game throughout the world. The IBF has now grown into a truly world organization that forms the umbrella body of all national associations; she now represents the interests of millions of enthusiastic badminton players. The objectives of the IBF are briefly described below: Maintaining and, where necessary, adapting the existing rules of the game. Setting rules for international meetings. Promoting ties of friendship between national organizations. Arranging the World Championships for national teams, known as THOMAS CUP for men and UBER CUP for women. The final tournament of the THOMASUBER CUP is called SURDIMANCUP Organizing the World Championships, both the SURDIMAN CUP and individually.

In 2006, the name of the International Badminton Federation was changed to Badminton World Federation. The role of the organization has remained the same. More information can be found on the Badminton World Federation website.

Establishment of the Dutch Badminton Association (NBB)

On November 15, 1931, the Dutch Badminton Association was founded in Noordwijk by, among others, Mr. DU Stikker (later Minister of Foreign Affairs and also the Dutch representative in NATO), Mr. Punt, Mr. Den Hoed et al. Until 1938, the Dutch Badminton Association led a reasonable existence, but there was no real growth. It is obvious that the NBB was forced to cease its activities due to the war and all associated events. In October 1951, enthusiastic badminton enthusiasts took charge of the organization again, marking the beginning of a flourishing period for badminton in the Netherlands. Around 1953, toy dealers and manufacturers brought cheap materials onto the market. Because people could easily purchase rackets and shuttles for a few cents, badminton took to the streets. The sport became extremely popular and people saw it being practiced with great enthusiasm in streets and squares, on the beach and on camping sites. The growth that the Dutch Badminton Association has experienced since that year has no comparison with other sports. The NBB became the fastest growing sports association in the Netherlands. The number of members has decreased since 1990, for a current membership number, look at the annual report of the association board via www.badminton.nl/bondsmeeting/stuks...... On Saturday, January 30, 2010, the name Dutch Badminton Association was changed to Badminton Netherlands. This new name also includes a new logo. Badminton Netherlands hopes to gain more exposure with this name and to appear clearer to members and the public. The next day an agreement was signed between Badminton Netherlands and Gehandicaptensport Nederland. This agreement means that Badminton Netherlands takes over responsibility for all activities in the field of para-badminton

What do you need for badminton?

To play badminton you need a badminton racket. The racket is a lot lighter than a tennis racket, but it does have strings just like a tennis racket. Shoes should be light and springy with good support and a good, light-colored tread. In addition, a shuttle is needed. Usually, nylon shuttles are played by recreational players and the lower competition teams and feather shuttles for the competition teams from the first division.

What are the rules of badminton?

De Toss

Before a game starts there is a draw (toss). Whoever wins this toss can choose from the following options: – serve first or receive service first, or: – start the game on one side or on the other side. The opponent chooses from the remaining options. So, for example, if the winner of the toss chooses to serve first, the loser of the toss is the first receiver and therefore chooses the side of the field on which he/she starts.

From service

A serve is good if: – it is hit underhand, i.e. racket head and shaft must point downwards when you hit the shuttle and the shuttle must be below your waist at the moment of hit; – it is played diagonally in the correct court; – the server is not standing on or against the lines; – the server stands with both feet on the ground. When the score is 0-0 and all even points, the serve is taken from the right service court. All odd points are served from the left service court. Service singles: - Each player has one service turn. - Zero, one or more points can be scored in one service turn. - If you make a mistake, the service goes to the opponent and he or she receives a point. Service doubles: - Each team has a service turn. - In one service turn, zero, one or more points can be scored by the same player. - The service court is only changed if you (or your partner) make a point. – If you make a mistake, the serve goes to the opponent and he gets a point.

The count

The game is played based on the rally point system (every point is really a point). The match is about 2 games won to 21 points. You must win with a difference of 2 points up to a maximum of 30. So whoever reaches 30 first wins the game. You score a point if: – you hit the shuttle on the ground in the opponent's court; – if the opponent hits the shuttle into the net, under the net, against the ceiling or side walls or outside your playing court; – if the opponent hits the shuttle before it has gone over the net; – if the opponent hits the shuttle twice in succession. is awarded a point if: – if the shuttle falls to the ground within your court; – if the shuttle falls outside your opponent's correct service court during the service; – if you hit into the net; – if you leave the shuttle behind twice touches each other.

A let means that the rally must be replayed due to an unforeseen event (for example, if someone else's shuttle falls into the court).

You will find the extensive official rules on the Badminton Netherlands website.