Badminton is a commonly played racquet sport that originated in Europe and Asia. According to the Badminton World Federation, badminton was originally a game only enjoyed by the elite, but is played today by everyone. Badminton is considered a moderate to vigorous activity and, according to a study published in the "International Journal of Epidemiology," this type of activity can lower systolic blood pressure, body mass index and resting heart rate.
Rules
Badminton players must hit a shuttlecock back and forth using a racket, over a net, without letting it drop. The racket cannot touch the net. and a point is scored when the opposing player fails to return the shuttlecock or it goes out of bounds. Points can be scored on any serve and when serving, the shuttlecock has to be hit diagonally across to the other side. Games are played until one side scores 21 points.
Singles Badminton
In singles badminton, two players play against each other on the court. Where each player serves and receives on the court depends on the number of points scored. Service and receiving will take place in the right service court when you or your opponent has scored an even number of points, but from the left service court when an odd number of points has been scored by either player.
Doubles Badminton
In doubles badminton there are four players in total with one team of two on each side of the court. After service, either member of the team may hit the shuttlecock. All four players have a right to serve, but this right is passed around consecutively from the initial server to the initial receiver, then to the first receiver's partner, then finally to the partner of the initial server.
Competitions
This racket game became a commonwealth game sport in 1968 and an Olympic game sport at the Barcelona games in 1992. There are several other major badminton tournaments around the world including the Thomas cup, the Uber cup, world championships, the Sudirman cup, world junior championships and the world grand prix finals.
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