What badminton is
Badminton is a racket sport where a shuttlecock, not a ball, is hit over the net. The shuttle must not touch the floor, so it is always hit in the air. It is played one against one or in doubles. The name comes from Badminton House in England, where the game was played in the 1870s. Badminton has been an Olympic sport since 1992.
The court is 13.4 metres long and 6.1 metres wide, and the top of the net is 1.524 metres high in the middle. Badminton is one of the fastest racket sports: a hard smash sends the shuttle at more than 300 km/h. For a beginner it is still easy, because the shuttle slows down quickly in the air and gives you time.
Where and when it is played in Estonia
In Estonia badminton is played in sports halls and centres all year round. One hall usually fits several courts side by side. Hall time is booked by the hour and the price is split between two or four players. In the evenings many halls are taken by clubs and training groups, so book early or join a club. You see the number of venues and the towns at the top of this page.
In short for beginners
- A light racket with a flexible shaft suits a beginner. The first time you can often rent one at the hall.
- A plastic shuttle lasts longer and is good for practice, feather shuttles are used in competitions.
- Indoor shoes must grip the hall floor and leave no marks.
- The full guide: how to start playing badminton.
The rules in short
- The serve is underarm, diagonally into the opponent's service court. At the moment of the hit the shuttle must be below 1.15 metres.
- Every rally scores a point. A game goes to 21 points, at 20:20 it goes on until a two-point lead, but not past 30.
- A match is best of three games.
- The shuttle must not touch the floor on your side and may not be hit twice in a row.
- The full rules are on our badminton rules page in Estonian.