Preface

Badminton is easy to play - a bold statement but one that is true. All you need is the ability to hit upwards and downwards and you have the components of a simple rally! The game has many attractions. It can be enjoyed by all ages, as an individual or as a part of a team or family, courts are usually available in most places, and whether you have ample spare time or little to spare you can set your own commitment levels and play socially or competitively. Add to this that the singles game differs greatly from the doubles game and you have the ingredients of a sport that is easy to learn, fascinating and infectious.

Its exact origins are unknown and accounts do vary. However, it is played all over the world and has been in existence for many decades. Many believe that a crude form of the game was first played at Badminton, the Gloucestershire estate of the Duke of Beaufort, in the 1860s. Others claim that it was first played in India. The first organized body for the sport was the Badminton Association of England, formed in 1934.

Throughout Britain, the game is enjoyed by a some five million people, who play in a variety of venues. Though some courts remain in church and village halls, the majority of players gain their enjoyment using the leisure centres that have become so prolific.

Badminton is an interesting challenge for both the newcomer to the game and the seasoned player. The starting point is to master the techniques required to move around the court and strike the shuttle. In tandem with this you will need to find ways to out-think your opponents, exploit weaknesses, play to your strengths and apply psychology. You may develop a particular flair for singles, level or mixed doubles or become a player who is fortunate enough to be equally at home in all three - and you will never stop learning.

The aim of this book is to improve your performance and understanding of this great game. Whether you are a newcomer, established player or coach, I hope that the contents stimulate thought and contribute to your enjoyment of the sport.