Equipment

The court

Badminton matches are played on a court that is 6.1m wide and 13.4m long, with specific markings for singles and doubles matches. The playing area for singles matches is slightly narrower than the court at a width of 5.18m, while the playing area for doubles matches uses the full court width and length. There must be clearance of 2m on all sides, and a ceiling height of 12m for high shots.

The net

The net in the middle of the court is 76cm wide, and is made of a fine mesh of dark-coloured cord, so that it can be seen through, while remaining visible at all times. At the top of the net is a white strip to clarify its position. The net is held rigid by a pair of posts either side of the court, with its top at a height of 1.55m. 

Racquet

Badminton racquets – like their tennis counterparts – have progressed from simple wooden construction to the use of sophisticated lightweight materials such as aluminium, graphite and titanium. They have a round head containing a rigid mesh of synthetic strings for hitting the shuttlecock, a shaft and a non-slip grip. The head can be a maximum of 23cm wide and 29cm long, while the overall length is a maximum of 68cm. It should weigh between 85 and 100 grams.

Badminton Strings

    There are two types of badminton strings: ones made of natural material and others made of synthetic material much like the feathers of a shuttle.  Natural strings give you a nice feel with less vibration, but can be quite expensive.  Thicker strings are more durable, but take away from the power of a racket.  Thinner strings give you more power, but don't last as long.  Strings are also a personal preference, depending on what you are looking for in your game.     

Shuttlecock

The shuttlecock is made of a small piece of cork, coated with leather and 25 to 28cm wide. On its base are attached 16 natural or synthetic goose feathers, forming a cone. It must be a maximum of 70mm in length and 68mm in width, and should weigh between 4.74 and 5.50 grams.

Shuttle Speed Chart:

International	metric wt.	grain	Description
1	48	75	slow, for use in highland
2	49	76	medium slow, for use in hotter area
3	50	77	medium, most sea level area
4	51	78	medium fast, cold area
5	52	79	fast, cold area, below sea level

Sport etire

There are few restrictions on the clothing for badminton matches, but players tend to wear short pants and short-sleeve shirts, with flat-soled training shoes. Older regulations – similar to those in tennis – stipulated that clothing had to be 75 per cent white, but this is no longer a requirement of the modern game.

Badminton shoes

A good pair of badminton shoes are needed to provide good grip, cushioning and flexibility.  It is never recommended to play badminton in jogging shoes, because they have a thicker sole with less stability and you can easily twist your ankles.