Badminton

The unique qualities of badminton make it accessible and enjoyable for anyone and everyone, and Badminton England work collaboratively to provide traditional and innovative opportunities for all to be involved.

The Racket Pack programme is a School Games format suitable for primary schools; it aims to introduce the sport of badminton to young people in a safe, fun, and engaging way. Designed for ages 5-11, it teaches players the rules and correct methods for playing the sport.

Find out more about how to play badminton formats.

Equipment needed

• Badminton racket
• Shuttles
• Net / bench
• Cones
  

A brief history of badminton

Badminton as we know it today became popular in the 19th century where a ball of wool was used instead of a shuttlecock. By 1875 the first badminton club was founded in Folkestone, England, and matches were often played with sides ranging between one to four players. However, it was quickly realised that the game worked best when played as singles or doubles.

Badminton first appeared in the Olympic Games in 1972 as a demonstration sport and became an official Olympic sport in 1988. Today, China is the most successful country to play badminton in the Games, with 47 medals. Great Britain have 3 Olympic medals and are ranked ninth in the world, tied with India.