No gym membership or complicated equipment required, badminton remains a familiar form of physical activity for many people. From light games after work to energetic matches on the weekend, badminton helps you stay fit while also clearing your mind. So what exactly is badminton, and why is it so widely loved?
1. What is badminton?
Badminton is a competitive sport in which players use a racket to hit a shuttlecock over a net so that it lands on the opponent’s side of the court. Matches can be played as singles or doubles on a rectangular court divided into two halves by a net.
Each side is allowed only one hit to return the shuttlecock to the opponent’s court. Every rally results in a point for the winning side. The player or team that reaches the required score first wins the game.
2. History and origins of badminton
Badminton originated from early shuttlecock games that appeared thousands of years ago in China and India. By the late 19th century, the sport was standardized in England and gradually developed into the modern game we know today.
In 1992, badminton officially became an Olympic sport, marking its global recognition and popularity.
3. Who is badminton suitable for?
One reason many people search for “what is badminton” is because it is a sport that is suitable for almost everyone:
- Children, teenagers, adults, and seniors
- Both men and women
- Recreational players, fitness enthusiasts, and professional athletes
Badminton does not require high physical strength at the beginning, so beginners can pick it up very quickly.
4. Essential equipment for playing badminton
To start playing badminton, you only need a few basic items:
Badminton racket
A badminton racket has a maximum length of around 68 cm and consists of a handle, frame, and string bed. Players must use the racket to hit the shuttlecock, and the shuttlecock must not touch the body.
For beginners, an affordable and easy-to-control racket is usually sufficient. At more advanced levels, choosing a racket that suits your playing style, whether offensive or all-around, becomes much more important.
Shuttlecock
The shuttlecock has a cork or synthetic base, with feathers or plastic on top. This design creates a unique flight path and allows the shuttlecock to slow down quickly when descending.
Other accessories
In addition to rackets and shuttlecocks, players often use specialized badminton shoes, grip tapes, racket strings, and comfortable sportswear.
5. Benefits of playing badminton
Playing badminton regularly offers many benefits:
- Improves reflexes and speed: the fast shuttlecock forces players to react quickly
- Builds muscle strength: especially in the legs, arms, and shoulders
- Enhances endurance: supports better cardiovascular health
- Supports weight loss: burns calories through continuous movement
- Reduces stress: physical activity helps relax the mind and ease tension
- Boosts social connection: easy to play in groups or clubs
6. Is playing badminton expensive?
Overall, the cost of playing badminton is quite reasonable:
- Court rental: around 60,000 to 200,000 VND per hour, depending on location
- Rackets and shuttlecocks: beginners can start with just a few hundred thousand VND
- Shoes and accessories: can be upgraded gradually based on needs
- Badminton classes: around 700,000 to 1,000,000 VND per month
Compared to many other sports, badminton is considered easy to access and relatively affordable.
7. Basic rules of badminton
Some important badminton's rules you should know:
- A match is usually played in best-of-three games, with the first side to win two games declared the winner
- Each game ends when one side reaches 21 points
- If the score reaches 20–20, the side that leads by two points wins
- Each side is allowed only one hit per rally
Understanding the rules helps players avoid unnecessary point losses and enjoy the game in the right sporting spirit.
8. Conclusion: Should you start playing badminton?
With the information above, you should now have a clear understanding of what badminton is and why it is one of the most popular sports today. Easy to play, great for health, suitable for all ages, and affordable, badminton is an ideal choice for beginners.
Sportswear recommendations from Olaben
To play badminton comfortably and confidently, choosing the right outfit is also important. Olaben offers a wide range of stylish and functional sportswear suitable for both training and everyday wear, including:
- Women’s sports skirts
- Sports dresses
- Sports crop tops
- Women’s sports shorts
- Men’s sports tops and bottoms
You can explore the latest designs and find products that suit your needs on the official Olaben website to enhance your daily training experience.
