The Evolution of Badminton Doubles: A Historical Perspective.

Badminton is a fun, exciting sport played using a racket and a shuttlecock. It can be played both indoors and outdoors, either as singles or doubles. It’s easy to learn and fun for people of all ages. One of the benefits of playing badminton is that it keeps you active and improves your fitness. It helps make your muscles stronger, increases your speed, and sharpens your reflexes. Playing badminton also teaches teamwork, focus, and discipline. 

Whether playing for fun or competition, it is a great way to stay healthy and have a good time with friends and family. However, the badminton game has certain rules designated for fair and soft play which has evolved since its discovery. In today’s blog, I have thrown light on the evolution of the badminton game since its development both in the single as well as the badminton double service rules. So, if you want to know more, read the blog till the end.

History of the Badminton Game

Badminton has a very long and interesting history. The game started centuries ago in ancient civilizations such as Greece, India, and China. A game called “battledore and shuttlecock” involved hitting a feathered shuttlecock using a paddle. The modern version of the sport that people know today was developed in England during the mid-1800s. It got its name from Badminton House, which belonged to the Duke of Beaufort – the sport first having been introduced by the Duke at dinner. Official rules for the game were formulated in 1873, and the Badminton Association of England was founded in 1893.

Badminton became an international sport in the 20th century. The International Badminton Federation (now called the Badminton World Federation) was created in 1934. This organization helps set rules and organizes big tournaments. Badminton became an Olympic sport in 1992, showing how much it had grown worldwide. Today, it is enjoyed by millions of people across the globe, both for fun and in competitive events.

Evolution of the Badminton Game

The Badminton Racket

The first rackets made from one piece of wood were used, and the animal guts served as strings. Players would cover the handle with a cloth to hold it properly. Lighter rackets that used aluminum or steel started later. Carbon fiber changed everything around with the rackets in the 1950s. Today, badminton rackets are made of graphite, which is light and easy to use. Today, strings are made of much stronger nylon material.

The Shuttlecock

The shuttlecocks have changed with time. Initially, they were made from raw bird feathers without processing. As badminton gained popularity, the feathers had to conform to set rules. Geese feathers were used in major games, while duck feathers were used in minor games. From 2021, natural feather shuttlecocks will be replaced by synthetic ones for all games sanctioned by the Badminton World Federation.

Establishment of Governing Bodies

The Badminton Association of England was formed in 1893 and helped to organize the sport further and give it a more formal identity. This organization played an important role in conceiving tournaments such as the all-famous All England Open Badminton Championships, which began in 1899.

In 1934, the International Badminton Federation, now the BWF, was formed to administer the sport worldwide. The initial members consisted of England, Scotland, Wales, Canada, Denmark, France, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and India. The BWF is responsible for formulating the rules and conducting world championships.

Evolution in the Badminton Rules Over Time

The rules of badminton have changed with time. Here are some of the main changes:

Scoring

In 2001, the scoring system changed. Now, points can be scored by both players, not by the one serving alone. Players need to win by reaching 21 points; however, there must be a difference of at least 2 points between them.

Serving

In 2018, it was introduced that when the server hits the shuttlecock, the shuttlecock should hit below 1.15 meters from the ground.

Hawk-eye system

In 2014, the hawk-eye system was added. It allows the players to press on a video review if the player didn’t accept the judge’s ruling.

Court Surface

Now, the badminton court is covered with a special synthetic mat specially designed for the game.

Instrument and Dress

New regulations have been introduced in terms of the instrument and attire players can use.

World Junior Team Championships

In 2024, the BWF modified the World Junior Team Championships by eliminating the regular resting time between matches for the same player in the Relay Team Event.

Coach-in-the-Pocket

The BWF is considering reducing how much coaching can take place in a match.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the basketball game?

The basketball game was invented in 1891 by James Naismith at the YMCA training school in Springfield, Massachusetts. However, the first game was played on December 21, 1891.

When was the NBA formed?

The NBA, or the National Basketball Association, was formed in 1949 when two bodies, the Basketball Association of America (BAA) and the National Basketball League (NBL), merged.

List out ten historical facts about Badminton.

• A physical education teacher invented the basketball game
• The first basketball game has only 13 rules
• The first basketball hoop was a Peach basket
• The NBA was founded in the year in 1946
• The basketball game was originally played with nine players per team
• The first basketball game ended with a score of 1-10
• The women’s basketball has been played for over a century
• The first professional basketball league was formed in 1898
• The shortest and the tallest players in NBA history played together

Badminton has changed a lot since its evolution. However, the changes in the rules, like the rally point system and the better equipment, have made the game faster and have always kept it ahead.