Badminton is derived from the child's game called battledore and shuttlecock, which involved two players hitting a feathered shuttlecock with tiny rackets. It was launched as a sport in 1873 during a party hosted by the Duke of Beaufort at his country estate, Badminton, in Gloucestershire. It spread from England to Europe, Canada, the United States, New Zealand and Australia. Today, rules are set by the Badminton World Federation, including standards for badminton equipment.
Shuttlecock
The shuttlecock for badminton is made of a piece of cork that's 25 to 28 centimeters wide at the base. It's round at the bottom. The shuttlecock can be is no longer than 70 millimeters, according to the British Olympic Association. Sixteen goose feathers are attached to it. These can be natural or synthetic. Feathers can vary in length, from 6.4 centimeters to 7 centimeters. However, the feathers have to be the same length in each shuttle, according to BBC Sport. The shuttle can be no wider than 68 millimeters at the tips of the feathers. It can weigh 4.74 to 5.5 grams. This light weight allows the shuttle to reach high speeds. In fact, it can go up to 200 miles per hour.
Racquet
Badminton racquets can be made of lightweight materials, such as graphite, titanium or aluminum. The racquet needs to have a rigid mesh that consists of synthetic strings or animal gut, and the hitting surface has to be flat, according to BBC Sport. A non-slip grip is required. The racquet's head can be 23 cm wide and 29 cm wide. Overall length is limited to 68 centimeters. It needs to weigh 85 to 100 grams, according to the British Olympic Association.
Net
The net for badminton is 76 centimeters wide. It is 1.524 meters tall at the center of the court, and 1.55 meters over the side lines, according to Badminton World Federation equipment rules. Its mesh must be made of fine, dark-colored cord. The top of the net is edged with 75 millimeters of white tape. The tape is placed over a cable or cord that is stretched so that it's flush with the top of the posts on either side of the court. There's no gap between the posts and the net at the sides. Players have to be able to see through the net, according to World Badminton. No more than two identical emblems can be placed on the posts. One advertisement is allowed on the net. It has to be a minimum of 100 centimeters from either end of the net, as well as 12.5 centimeters from the net's bottom and the net tape. No solid ads are allowed--they must be applied by paint or dye.
Clothing
Badminton players are not allowed to modify clothing by pinning on advertisements. This does not apply to clothing that's worn when the competitor is not playing. Players must wear shirts and shorts. Rules for some Badminton World Federation tournaments dictate that opposing players wear different colors. Shirts need to have lettering that is one color that contrasts with the shirt color. Letters from the Roman alphabet are capitalized, and must be 6 to 10 centimeters tall and placed near the top of the shirt. Shirt requirements for player names and country information vary among Badminton World Federation tournaments.
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