Injury Prevention is a MUST!

Overall conditioning is essential to the badminton player to help reduce injuries on the court.

• Playing on well manicured outdoor courts or indoor courts with well maintained surfaces will reduce lower extremity injuries.
• Strong muscles, especially in the lower extremities, will prevent many injuries caused by the constant change in direction and explosive movements.
• Good endurance will help delay the onset of fatigue, which contributes to a high percentage of sports injuries.
• Quality equipment and body mechanics training will help prevent chronic injuries that develop due to misalignment issues.
• Proper warm-up and a good flexibility program will reduce injuries from tight and inflexible muscles.

Source: http://www.thestretchinghandbook.com/archives/stretches-badminton.php

Injury #4: Rotator Cuff Injuries

The swinging motion places the shoulder in an exposed position and if the arm rotates out of the natural path of movement the shoulder may be injured. The rotator cuff muscles are designed to stabilize the shoulder and if they are stretched or torn due to an acute, unnatural movement, they will not be able to provide that support. Acute injury to the rotator cuff can be minor, a simple strain of the muscles, to severe, with a complete rupture of the muscular structure. Chronic injury to the rotator cuff muscles and tendons may also occur if improper body mechanics are used in the swing repetitively. Rest, ice and NSAIDs may help chronic conditions, while immobilization and even surgery, may be needed to repair acute injuries. Rehabilitation is common with this type of injury.

Injury #3: Anterior Cruciate Ligament ( ACL) Sprain

The anterior cruciate ligament is the main stabilizing ligament in the knee. When the foot is planted and the upper leg begins to rotate the ACL is put under tremendous stretch, and may result in a tear. This reduces the structural integrity of the knee and results in a great deal of pain. Immobilization, ice, and rest are keys to treating an ACL injury. In cases of complete rupture of the ligament, surgical intervention may be needed to reattach the ligament. This, of course, increases overall recovery time. The knee may be loose and lose some structural strength, requiring rehabilitation to get it back to pre-injury condition.

Injury #2: Achilles Tendon Strain

The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone (calcaneus.) When the calf muscle contracts forcefully this tendon is under a great deal of stress. If the muscle is tight or not properly warmed up, a tear may occur in the tendon. This is called a strain. The amount of the tendon involved in the tear will determine the severity of the injury. A complete tear (or rupture) will take much longer to heal and may require surgical intervention. Minor tears can be treated with rest, ice, NSAIDs, and in some cases immobilization. The low blood flow to tendons complicates the recovery and lengthens the process.

Injury #1: Sprain Ankle

The sudden change in direction, especially once a player becomes fatigued, can easily result in the ankle "rolling." This rolling of the ankle causes tears in the ligaments that support the ankle. This results in pain and tenderness at the injury site, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight. A popping sensation may be felt with the injury, as well. Ice, immobilization, and compression may help reduce the discomfort. An x-ray should be taken to rule out a fracture. Usual recovery time is about 4 to 6 weeks for a moderate sprain.

Most Common Badminton Injuries

Badminton is not a contact sport, but due to the fast pace it can result in traumatic injury. Ankle sprains, Achilles tendon strains, anterior cruciate ligament sprains, and rotator cuff injuries are all common among competitive badminton players. All of these injuries have different causes. Some of the injuries are cause because the players lack time for stretching and jumping in the game immediately. Some of the players have their muscle over stretched that is why they get hurt sometimes. So let us follow the Top 3 Famous stretching that I posted to avoid injuries while playing Badminton.

Drill Number 7: 2 Versus 1

2 Versus 1

If you want to improve your singles play, this is a badminton drill that you can't do without. It is played on a singles court and is great for improving fitness, speed around the court, footwork and shot accuracy.

The two players on one side of the court must assume a front back position and play as they would in a singles match. You will then be able to play in a very tough and pressured condition, enabling you to raise your game.



World class players put in a lot of effort during their Badminton Training. If you aspire to be one, you should do that too. Practice in the above Badminton Drills and I am sure you will come off a better player.


Source: http://www.badminton-information.com/badminton-drills.html

Drill Number 6: King of the Court

King of the Court

This game is useful when you are with a lot of players. It is enjoyable and can improve your overall game. It is played with the normal rules and regulation. You can set the winning condition, normally whoever reaches 3 points first wins.

The winner will stay in the court as king while another player will take him on. The king will stay on until he looses. The eventual winner of that duel will then switch to the other side of the court becoming king.



Source: http://www.badminton-information.com/badminton-drills.html

Drill Number 5: Half Court Singles

Half Court Singles

Playing half court singles can improve footwork and increase stamina. It will train you to play more accurate shots with all strokes as well. It is fun to play and effective in improving your game.



Source: http://www.badminton-information.com/badminton-drills.html

Drill Number 4: Multiple Shuttles - Net Play

Multiple shuttles - Net Play

Again, you will need a lot of shuttles for this routine. The feeder throws the shuttles to your net area. You will then decide whether to play a net shot, a net kill or a net lift with your forehand or backhand. Return to your base position after each shot.

This badminton drill is meant to improve your net play and your movement on court. The quality of your return is important. Pay attention to it or this practice will not be effective.


Source: http://www.badminton-information.com/badminton-drills.html

Drill Number 3: Multiple Shuttles - Overhead Strokes

Multiple Shuttles - Overhead Strokes

The more shuttles you have, the better for this routine. The feeder plays the shuttles into different areas of your back court. You will then use your forehand, backhand or around the head to play the clears, drop shots or smashes. Return to your base position after each shot.

This badminton drill is meant to improve your speed and accuracy in executing overhead strokes. You have to remember that merely reaching the shuttles is not enough. You have to play quality shots to the other side.



Source: http://www.badminton-information.com/badminton-drills.html

Drill Number 2: Wall Rally Drill

Wall Rally Drill

Take an old shuttle and hit it against the wall. Hit the shuttle with your forehand and backhand, straight or diagonal. It can be used for practicing almost every stroke. It is a good way to improve footwork, strengthen the arm and wrist muscles used in badminton.

The wall should be at least 20 feet high to accommodate clears. The practice will be more effective if you can show the height of the net with a chalk line or a string, 5 feet above the ground.

As the shuttle rebounds so fast from the wall, your wrist will naturally come into play. You will learn how to switch grips at an instance as well. You will be amazed on your improved reflexes the next time you step on court.

Hitting a shuttle against a wall is an effective practice at all levels of plays. This will help you to play well and you can use it when you have a game and be efficient in hitting the shuttle cock.


Source: http://www.badminton-information.com/badminton-drills.html

Drill Number 1: Shadow Badminton

Shadow Badminton

This is to practice the correct movement and technique without actually hitting a shuttle. Get a partner to help direct you to the areas of the court, making sure that you cover the backcourt, midcourt, and the front court with both your forehand and backhand.

Commit fully during this practice as you would in any competition. Imagine that you are playing against a world class player. It will definitely improve your movement on court and fitness.



Source: http://www.badminton-information.com/badminton-drills.html

Let us Begin: Proper Stretching!

The Top 3 Badminton Stretches
Stretching is one of the most under-utilized techniques for improving athletic performance, preventing sports injury and properly rehabilitating sprain and strain injury. Don't make the mistake of thinking that something as simple as stretching won't be effective. Below are 3 very beneficial stretches for badminton; obviously there are a lot more, but these are a great place to start. Please make special note of the instructions beside each stretch.

	Rotating Wrist Stretch: Place one arm straight out in front and parallel to the ground. Rotate your wrist down and outwards and then use your other hand to further rotate your hand upwards.
	Elbow-out Rotator Stretch: Stand with your hand behind the middle of your back and your elbow pointing out. Reach over with your other hand and gently pull your elbow forward.
	Standing Toe-up Achilles Stretch: Stand upright and place the ball of your foot onto a step or raised object. Bend your knee and lean forward.

From: http://www.thestretchinghandbook.com/archives/stretches-badminton.php

Valentines Special!

Mixed Doubles Badminton! 

If you do not have trouble with boy - girl relationships, mixed doubles is the most challenging of the three doubles played in badminton. It combines the power and ability to cover a significant amount of court for the man, and the finesse and touch of a woman.

Badminton is a game for both sex it is open for men and women of all ages. When a man and woman are playing and they are partners in a doubles match it is called a mixed doubles match. This is played especially when couples are dating and wants to play badminton just for fun. But mixed doubles is also played in tournaments internationally. 

For me, Mixed Doubles is played when couples who wants to play for fun are partners and is a bonding time for the both of them. It is also an effective way to strengthen the relationship and help them to know each other very well. It is also a way to test the teamwork of the couples. Everyone should try mixed doubles with their partner and feel the  thrill when playing the game.

Basics in Badminton

Each game is played to 21 points, with players scoring a point whenever they win a rally regardless of whether they served. A match is the best of three games.

A.  Service Rules

1.  At the start of the rally, the server and receiver stand in diagonally opposite service courts. The server hits the shuttlecock so that it would land in the receiver's service court. This is similar to tennis, except that a badminton serve must be hit below waist height and with the racquet shaft pointing downwards, the shuttlecock is not allowed to bounce and in badminton, the players stand inside their service courts unlike tennis.

2.  When the serving side loses a rally, the serve immediately passes to their opponent(s) (this differs from the old system where sometimes the serve passes to the doubles partner for what is known as a "second serve").

3.  In singles, the server stands in their right service court when their score is even, and in her/his left service court when her/his score is odd.

4.  In doubles, if the serving side wins a rally, the same player continues to serve, but he/she changes service courts so that she/he serves to a different opponent each time. If the opponents win the rally and their new score is even, the player in the right service court serves; if odd, the player in the left service court serves. The players' service courts are determined by their positions at the start of the previous rally, not by where they were standing at the end of the rally. A consequence of this system is that, each time a side regains the service, the server will be the player who did not serve last time.

Rules to Know Before Playing! :)

Basic Rules and Regulations in the Game of Badminton

I'm sure that you are familiar with the fundamental concept of badminton and how it is played. Well, the fundamental concept of badminton is similar to that of tennis. The objective of the game is to strike the shuttlecock with the badminton racket so that it does not hit the net and fall back on your side of the court, but crosses over to your opponent's side. At the same time, the shuttlecock should not land outside the lines which demarcate the court boundaries.

Scoring Methods

A badminton match is a best of 3 games system. Earlier, a badminton game used to be a 15-point system in case of men's matches, and an 11-point system in case of women's matches. As per new badminton rules and regulations, a game is won by the player who is the first to reach 21 points. In case of a 20-all scenario, the player who is the first to take a two point lead, wins the game. In case of a 29-all scenario, the player that wins the 30th point wins the game.

Some More Rules of Badminton

Here is a quick run-through of a few other rules and regulations of badminton.

• A point begins with a player service, and ends with the shuttlecock hitting the net and dropping dead, or landing outside the court boundaries, or either of the players committing a fault.
• The serve must be always an underhand serve.
• A shuttlecock that lands on a boundary line is considered to be 'in'.
• The player or the team that wins the first game serves first in the subsequent game.
• If a player touches the net or any part of the net with his racket, body or clothes, it is considered to be a fault.
• While serving, the badminton racket must strike the cork portion of the shuttlecock first. If it strikes the feathers first, it is considered to be a fault.
• The player who serves cannot lift his feet or move from his position until his opponent's racket has made contact with the shuttlecock.
• In case of indoor play, it is considered to be a fault if the shuttlecock hits the court roof or the ceiling.

Source: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/badminton-rules-and-regulations.html

Facts About Badminton!

Did you know that?

- The official game of Badminton was born in a stately home in Gloucestershire, England, home of the Duke of Beaufort.

- Badminton is the Fastest Racket Sport with shuttle clocking speed in excess of 200 mph.

- The best shuttlecocks are made from the feathers from the left wing of a goose.

- The International Badminton Federation (IBF) was founded in 1934 with nine members and now has over 150 members.

- The IBF is now headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

- Badminton was introduced into USA in the 1890s and became popular in the 1930s.

- Badminton is the second most popular sport in the world, after soccer.

- Badminton is an Olympic Sport played first in the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona.

- More than 1.1 billion people watched the 1992 Olympic Badminton competition on television.

- Only 3 countries have won the Thomas Cup since it's inception in 1948: Malaysia, Indonesia and China.

- Only 4 countries have won the Uber Cup since its inception in 1956: USA, Japan, China and Indonesia.

Source: http://www.badminton-information.com/facts-about-badminton.html

History of Badminton

Today I will tell you how badminton started and where badminton originated. Badminton was invented long time ago, it is a sport played in ancient Greece and Egypt. Badminton came from a child's game called battledore and shuttlecock, in which two players hit a shuttlecock back and forth using a badminton rackets. Badminton was called "Poona" in India during the 18th Century, and British Army Officers stationed there took the Indian version back to England in the 1860's The army men introduced the game to their friends, but the new sport was definitely launched there at a party given in 1873 by the Duke of Beaufort at his country place, "Badminton" in Gloucestershire. During that time the game had no name, but it was referred to as "The Game of Badminton", because of that Badminton became it's official name. 

Badminton is very popular in England. In fact the players of a small army of badminton players formed a group and called it Bath Badminton Club, and they standardized the rules and made the game applicable to English ideas and the basic regulations in 1887. In 1895 the Badminton Association was formed to take over the authority of the Bath Badminton Club and the new group made rules which now govern the game throughout the world.

Starting to Like Badminton

How can we say that badminton can be our past time also? When I was a young kid, honestly I didn't like badminton at all. In fact my favorite sport back then was basketball. I thought that basketball could be my sport forever but when badminton was introduced to me by my family, I found out that badminton is fun and is a sport that you can play with your friends and family and does not require any age limit as long as you can run and hit the ball well. I didn't expect that badminton will be my favorite past time. You get to play with your family and friends because badminton doesn't need height, weight, and practice when you play just for fun. You can play badminton even if you don't know the proper technique/ posture when playing. Currently I am slowly loving the sport badminton and making it as my past time because not only it is a fun and a interactive sport, but I can also play badminton with my family and friends and make new friends out of badminton like my partner in this blog, Gio Gonzales. That's my story of how did I start to like badminton. I hope that you liked it and  hopefully you can make badminton as your favorite past time as well. 

GOODminton vs BADminton

Hello there, I am Joshua Patrick Punsalan Cervantes and I am 18 years old. I am currently taking BS - Information Systems in De La Salle University. I will be blogging about the bad effects that you can get if you don't follow the safety measures in badminton. For example on what to wear during the game, where to play badminton, what kind of shoes to wear when playing the game and the proper warm up exercises to avoid injury. My partner in this blog will be Gio Gonzales, he will blog about the good effects of badminton in our health. He will enumerate ways on how we can enjoy badminton in our own simple ways.