Everything You Need to Know About Backyard Badminton

Everything You Need to Know About Backyard Badminton

Badminton is a popular racket sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. Engaging in a game of backyard badminton is an enjoyable means of remaining active while relishing the outdoors in the company of loved ones and friends. In this article, I will cover everything you need to know about backyard badminton, from equipment to techniques and safety tips.

The History of Badminton

As a badminton enthusiast, I find it fascinating to learn about the origins of the sport. Ancient civilizations such as Greece, India, and China all had similar games that resembled the sport we know today. However, the modern version of badminton is most closely associated with a game called poona, which originated in India.

It was during the late 19th century that British army officers who were stationed in India discovered and adopted the game. They brought it back to England where it gained popularity, particularly at Badminton House in Gloucestershire. Interestingly, it was the English who renamed the game “badminton” after the estate.

Badminton House in Gloucestershire

The inaugural national badminton championships for women took place in 1890, and were followed by the first national championships for men in 1899. As a proud badminton player, it’s worth noting that the Badminton World Federation was formed in 1934, which gave the sport a global governing body.

Having mesmerized audiences during its captivating premiere as a demonstration sport at the Olympics in 1977, badminton embarked on a graceful journey, progressing to the distinguished rank of an exhibition sport in 1988. Finally, in a moment that sealed its rightful place in the Olympic pantheon, badminton ascended to the pinnacle of achievement, securing its esteemed status as a full-medal sport in 1992. This remarkable evolution has cemented badminton’s legacy as a sport that not only captivates enthusiasts but also stands as a testament to the dedication and skill of its athletes. Today, badminton championships are held all over the world, making it a truly international sport.

Why Set Up a Backyard Badminton Court?

Baden Champions Volleyball & Badminton SetI can tell you that there are many reasons why I love playing badminton in my backyard. First of all, it’s such an easy sport to learn, and I can play it with people of all ages. I appreciate that there are only a few rules, and it’s not too physically demanding. For me, the learning curve is more about perfecting my coordination skills and form.

Moreover, I find that setting up a badminton court in my backyard is a breeze. I don’t need a large space, and the equipment required is minimal and affordable. Best of all, it’s a fantastic way to exercise and spend time with friends and family members. I always look forward to our badminton games, and I feel great after a good workout.

What Do I Need to Set Up a Backyard Badminton Court?

One of the great things I love about setting up a badminton court is how little equipment you need to get started. Here is a list of the basic equipment you will need to set up a court:

  • 100-foot measuring tape
  • Lawn mower
  • String
  • Water-based white spray paint or flour
  • Wooden stakes
  • Mallet or hammer
  • 2 net posts
  • Badminton net

How to Set Up a Badminton Court

Badminton Court Dimensions - measurements

To set up a badminton court in my backyard, the first step is to locate a flat area that is preferably sheltered from excessive wind. Afterward, I measure out the court dimensions, which are typically 44 x 20 feet for doubles games or 44 x 17 feet for singles games (for detailed dimensions, refer to the article on Badminton Court Dimensions). If space is limited, adjustments can be made to create a slightly smaller court.

It’s important to allocate some additional space around the court’s perimeter. This allows room for the shuttlecock to go out of bounds without flying over neighboring fences or rolling down steep hills.

Next, I prepare the playing surface by clearing any obstacles like rocks or bushes and mowing the grass for a smooth playing experience. Then, I use measuring tape and string to mark out the court. Creating a rectangle measuring 44 feet by 20 feet, I place stakes at the four corners and use string markers to outline the boundaries. Outer court lines can be marked with spray paint or flour for better visibility.

Once the basic rectangle is set up, I proceed to add other lines. Starting with the net line, I position it at the center of the court, running across its width. This line is marked using paint or flour as a guide for installing the net.

Following that, I add the service lines. The short service lines should be positioned six feet and six inches from the net on either side, running parallel to the net. These lines indicate the spot from which players must serve. The long service lines are placed at a distance of 19 feet and six inches from the net on either side, running parallel to both the net and back boundary lines. The shuttlecock must not cross these lines during play, as it would be considered out of bounds.

What Equipment Do I Need to Play Badminton?

To play badminton, all I need besides the court and net are a shuttlecock and two or four rackets for singles or doubles games. Shuttlecocks are generally very cheap. Proper shuttlecocks are made with cork and goose feathers, although synthetic versions are much cheaper and readily available. Rackets can also be inexpensive. However, if I want to step up my game, I can opt for higher-end rackets. I can also buy badminton equipment sets that include shuttlecocks and rackets or full sets that include the net, posts, shuttlecocks, and rackets.

Rules and Scoring of Backyard Badminton

Badminton Game

To play backyard badminton, it is important for us to understand the basic rules and scoring system:

Overview of Basic Rules

Backyard badminton is played with either two or four players. In the game’s essence, the player’s mastery unfolds as they skillfully send the shuttlecock soaring over the net, guiding its descent into the opponent’s side, leaving them powerless to return it. This display of finesse and precision grants the player the upper hand, setting the stage for a thrilling contest of strategy and agility. The game is won by the first player or team to reach 21 points, with a two-point lead.

How to Score Points

Points are scored when the shuttlecock lands on the opponent’s side of the court, either because they were unable to return it or because it landed out of bounds. The serving side can also score a point if the opponent makes a fault during the serve.

Differences Between Singles and Doubles Play

Singles play involves two players, while doubles play involves four. The court size and net height are the same for both, but the serving and receiving areas are different. In doubles play, partners must alternate hitting the shuttlecock.

How to Play Badminton

Mastering the art of badminton is a breeze due to its straightforward rules. Engaging in a singles game requires two players, while a doubles game calls for a quartet. To determine the serving team, a captivating ritual unfolds as the shuttlecock gracefully ascends into the air. As the shuttlecock gracefully descends, the outcome of the serve is determined by the position of its cork end. The team fortunate enough to have the cork end point in their direction earns the esteemed privilege of serving first.

Once the initial serve is made, each side engages in skillful volleys, aiming to propel the shuttlecock into the opposing team’s service area. Players are permitted only one hit before the shuttlecock crosses the net. Victorious rallies result in earning a single point. If the shuttlecock lands within the opposing team’s service area, the rally is won. However, hitting the shuttlecock out of bounds awards the opposing team a point. 

If a player reaches over the net or hits the shuttlecock into the net, they lose the rally and the opposing team gets a point. These moments shift the balance of skill and precision towards the other team, emphasizing the significance of maintaining control and finesse during the game. It’s a critical reminder to stay focused and execute each move with accuracy. The first team to reach 21 points with a minimum two-point lead emerges victorious.

For a more comprehensive guide on playing badminton and a complete list of rules, refer to our exclusive article on Badminton Rules.

Everything You Need to Know About Backyard Badminton

Final Thoughts

Having a badminton court at home is a great way to liven up our backyard and encourage my family to get more exercise and spend time together. Setting up a court is relatively easy, as is taking it down when we want to create more space or pack it up for the winter months. Plus, the game is easy to play and requires very little equipment, making it a fun sport for all ages and fitness levels.

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