Badminton

Badminton is a racket sport that involves hitting a shuttlecock over a net on indoor courts. Points are scored when the opponent is unable to return the shuttlecock before it hits the floor.

Get Involved

An Overview of Badminton

Badminton is the world's fastest racquet sport, there's a raised net and you can play singles or doubles.
The aim is to hit a shuttlecock, a cone shaped object usually made of feathers with a cork or rubber base, over the net with your racquet.
If the shuttlecock lands inside your opponent's half, or if they fail to return it back over the net in the rally, you win the point.
The first to 21 points will win a game, and a match is a best out of three games.

Courts can be found in schools, universities, leisure centres, badminton and mixed sports clubs.

Benefits

It's can be a great aerobic exercise but the intensity is up to you, it can be energetic or a light workout.
Find a tough opponent for a full-body workout that tests your agility and stamina.
The tactics make it a good all round work out for your brain as well
Your flexibility, balance and reaction speed is enhanced by all the twisting, turning, jumping and stretching
Hand to eye co-ordination is tested, as are your reflexes

Costs

Cost to hire a court can vary across the country but generally it will set you back somewhere between £6 – £12 per hour and in some cases badminton court hire comes as part of a wider membership offer with Leisure Centre's membership benefits. Alternatively, you can just turn up and play at any of the No Strings sessions for just £3-£5 per session, with sessions lasting from one to three hours.

Involvement

You can play in a sports hall, or a school, leisure centre or social club even. You can also play outdoors - no court or net required - so long as the weather isn't too rough! If you're enjoying badminton and looking to make a bigger commitment, join a club. Most cater for social and competitive players at junior and senior level.

Adaptations and Equipment

For a beginner, badminton is a relatively low cost sport to start playing. If you want to buy your own equipment then you need to consider the racket and shuttles.

Racket: These are made of various lightweight materials. They come in many different makes and prices but If you are just starting the game you do not need to buy the most expensive racket. Buy a racket that suits you.

Shuttle: These are plastic or feathered. If you are just starting, plastic shuttles are ideal and cheaper. They come in three speeds - fast, medium and slow. Buy medium speed to start with until you know more about the game.

Facts

Simon Archer and Jo Goode won Britain's first Olympic medal in Sydney 2000 - a bronze in the mixed doubles.

Casuals Badminton Club

Unicorn Badminton Club

Buchanan Badminton Club

Alpha Badminton Club

Crewkerne Hermitage Badminton Club

Based at 1610 Crewkerne on Fridays September until April . 7-9 pm. Badminton for teens to adults. All abilities welcome

Bicton College

Bicton College is set in the beautiful East Devon Countryside. We are a part of The Cornwall College group and provide education for students from 14-16, FE16-19 and HE Degree courses. Here you can study a wealth of courses from Military, Arboriculture, H