Introduction
Who knew, when you were limply patting the shuttlecock back and forth over the washing line long ago, that this most matronly of summer sports was an actual Olympic event? Real badminton bears about as much relation to the garden version as Formula One does to the dodgems – the real guys move very fast and hit it very hard (or they're supposed to). The good news is that you can still do the patting thing if you want – you just have to find a partner who's as atrocious/out of shape/prepubescent as you.
The basics
Probably the easiest racket sport to start playing, badminton has two opponents standing either side of a 1.55m net that divides a rectangular court in half. Unlike tennis, the serving player stands to the front edge of the service box, hitting the shuttlecock diagonally into the opposing player's service box. Whoever wins the point either gains or retains service, and is awarded a point. It's the first to 21 for a game, with a gap of two clear points required (over 30 points, one will do), and a match is the best of three games. If it's doubles, things get a bit more complex.
Health benefits
Playing regular badminton can lower cholesterol and blood pressure, as well as promoting cardiovascular health. The game is tough once you get to a decent standard, requiring great stamina, agility and speed of thought. Just like the dodgems.
Equipment, costs and practicalities
Fairly minimal. A starter's racket can be yours for about £20. Because the shuttlecock's flight is disrupted by wind, the game is best played indoors. Courts can be hired for £10 an hour in most parts of the country; some require you to wear indoor shoes. Go to playbadminton.co.uk for information on how to take up the game – playing opportunities, including courses and competitions, are catalogued by area.
Trendiness rating: 4/10
Somehow, badminton loses out to its heavier-hitting cousins, tennis and squash, in the sexiness stakes. More fool them. I make that 10-5 to me, Mother. Play!
Inside line
William Kings, Badminton England: "Badminton is the fastest racket sport in the world, with shuttles travelling up to 421kph. It's also played by more people than participate in rugby union, rugby league, hockey and cricket combined. You don't have to be an Olympic gold medallist to enjoy the game, and it's now easier than ever to find your nearest court at playbadminton.co.uk, which offers those seeking badminton activities an easy way to search and find out what's going on in their local community.
If you haven't played for a while and you feel joining a club is a step too far, No Strings Badminton is probably for you. It's a new nationwide initiative that is making court time more convenient for beginner, social and casual players [aged 16+]. Around 300 relaxed, extremely sociable sessions of low-cost, pay-and-play "no strings" badminton are now open each week across England, with free online membership, no need to pre-book and regular promotions when you play.
Whether you played at school and haven't played for years or you attend a club every week, badminton is great for improving fitness, coordination and agility, as well as strengthening muscles and relieving stress."
Find out more
Badminton England – the sport's governing body in England.
Badminton Ireland – covers Northern Ireland.
Here's the Guardian's expert's guide to the game.
You may also like
Tennis, gardens.
You might hate
Tennis, weightlifting.
Over to you
Do you play badminton? Help us build up this resource by sharing tips, videos, links to clubs and anything else that beginners might find useful.
