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Badminton is a racket sport played in singles or doubles. Players hit a shuttlecock over a net and try to land it inside the opponent’s court.
It can be played casually in a community gym or competitively under international rules. The sport rewards movement, coordination, touch, speed, and tactical thinking.
A rally begins with a diagonal serve. Players continue hitting the shuttle until it lands, goes out, fails to cross the net, or a fault occurs.
The current standard scoring system uses games to 21 points with rally scoring. BWF has approved a new best-of-three, 15-point format effective January 4, 2027.
Badminton includes singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. Singles uses the narrower court and places more movement responsibility on one player. Doubles uses the full width and emphasizes speed, partnership, serving, and rotation.
Most beginners need a racket, non-marking indoor shoes, comfortable clothing, and access to the shuttlecock used by the venue. Many clubs provide loaner equipment.
People choose badminton for exercise, competition, social connection, skill development, and accessible indoor recreation. Intensity ranges from relaxed social doubles to demanding competitive singles.
Look for a beginner session, community center, open gym, school program, or club. Ask whether beginners are welcome, whether equipment is available, how games rotate, what the session costs, and which shoes are required.
Browse badminton clubs by state and city to find places to play.
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