Badminton equipment: Everything a badminton player needs

Badminton equipment: Everything a badminton player needs

Lenah Ann
updated at April 28, 2024 at 12:08 PM
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Badminton is one of the most famous indoor sports in the world, with numerous fans from around the globe. Aside from talent and strategy, having the right equipment to play and avoid injuries is crucial for its success since it is a competitive sport. Badminton equipment is essential for a player's performance. The equipment range from racquets and shuttlecocks to shoes and apparel.

Badminton equipment, racket, ball and net
A badminton ball lies on a racquet (L). On the right, a badminton player, Jun Yi Tan watches his shot drop over the net. Photo: Marco Steinbrenner, Harry Murphy. (Modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

Table of Сontents:

The popular indoor sport has been around for a long time, and ancient cultures have played variants of it. A shuttlecock is hit back and forth over a net by players using racquets. To succeed in the sport, a player needs to be nimble, fast on their feet, and precise.

Badminton equipment and their uses

What makes the renowned racquet sport unique is the style of play and the equipment utilised. According to various online sources such as ActiveSG Circle and IndiaNetzone, here is a list of all badminton equipment needed by a player for enhanced performance.

Badminton equipment

Net

Racquet

Shuttlecock

Shoes and socks

Grip tape

String

Bag

Apparel

Grp powder

Headband

10. Net

Badminton net
India's PV Sindhu hits a shot to China's He Bingjiao on 1 August 2021. Photo: Pedro PARDO. Source: Getty Images.
Source: Getty Images

A net is one of the most essential badminton equipment needed by athletes to enjoy the sport. It is rectangular and is strategically situated in the middle of the court, supported by two precisely measured poles.

9. Racquet

A racquet is also among the most essential equipment for any athlete in the sport. It is available in a wide range of materials and designs to accommodate various playing styles and skill levels.

Badminton ball and racket
A badminton ball lies on a racquet in the match between Sathish Kumar Karunakaran and Misha Zilberman on 28 February 2024. Photo: Marco Steinbrenner. Source: Getty Images
Source: Getty Images

Experienced players often choose carbon fibre racquets to maximise their control and power on the court. On the other hand, newbies might find aluminium or steel frames more appealing due to their durability and user-friendly nature.

8. Shuttlecock

Badminton shuttlecok
Akane Yamaguchi of Japan in action during her Women's singles semi-final match against Chen Yu Fei of China on 9 March 2024. Photo: Aurelien Meunier. Source: Getty Images
Source: Getty Images

The shuttlecock, or birdie, is the shot that athletes use to hit the net. Shuttlecocks come in various speeds to accommodate different playing situations and skill levels. They are typically made of feathers or synthetic materials.

7. Shoes and socks

Having the right shoes is crucial for moving the court with ease and balance. They are designed with non-marking soles to provide excellent traction and support, allowing players to move swiftly and change direction effortlessly.

Badminton shoes and socks
Chen Yufei's shoes and socks during the Women's Badminton Group semi-final match on 10 September 2021. Photo by VCG. Source: Getty Images
Source: Getty Images

In addition, wearing a pair of cosy, padded cotton socks provides a comfortable cushion for an athlete's feet and helps absorb any excess sweat.

6. Grip tape

Grip tape
Long Chen of China shakes talcum powder from his grip tape on 17 November 2012. Photo: PETER PARKS. Source: Getty Images
Source: Getty Images

Putting grip tape on the racquet handle makes it easier to hold and less likely to slide during a match. Each player can personalise their grip tape by adjusting the thickness and texture.

5. String

Badminton strings
Jan O Jorgensen of Denmark cuts his racket strings on 8 March 2017. Photo: Nathan Stirk. Source: Getty Images
Source: Getty Images

A racquet's strings are the key to its power and accuracy. Players can choose from a variety of string materials and tensions to find the right balance between power, control, and longevity.

4. Bag

Badminton bag
Kit boxes pictured next to the court with athletes' rackets and kit bags on 19 March 2021. Photo: Naomi Baker. Source: Getty Images
Source: Getty Images

A sturdy and roomy bag is needed to carry all the gear to and from practice and games. Players should get a bag with separate sections for their shoes, racquets, shuttlecocks, and anything else they need during the game.

3. Apparel

Apparels
Chen Qingchen (L) gets her shirt adjusted during the Women's Doubles Semi Finals match break on 9 September 2023. Photo: Shi Tang. Source: Getty Images
Source: Getty Images

Staying cool and focused during intense matches requires comfortable and breathable clothing. Most badminton athletes choose to wear moisture-wicking fabrics and lightweight designs to minimise potential distractions and enhance their overall performance.

2. Grip powder

Grip powder
Chen Long of China puts talcum powder on the grip of his racquet during the Men's Singles match on 24 October, 2019. Photo: Shi Tang. Source: Getty Images
Source: Getty Images

Professional badminton equipment includes grip powder, which is applied to the hands to improve grip and control among players who want to gain an advantage in their games.

1. Headband

Headband
Tai Tzu-Ying of Team Chinese Taipei with a headband during the Women’s Singles Gold Medal match on 1 August 2021. Photo: Lintao Zhang. Source: Getty Images
Source: Getty Images

A headband is an often-overlooked but crucial badminton accessory. It prevents sweat from getting into the eyes, allowing athletes to see well even during the most strenuous rallies.

Professional badminton equipment

Investing in top-notch equipment can be a game-changer for those who take their game seriously and strive for excellence.

Professional badminton gear is specifically designed to cater to the needs of elite athletes. It offers advanced racquets with precision-engineered frames and tournament-ready shuttlecocks.

Frequently asked questions

Although most badminton equipment names and terms have been discussed, fascinated fans have always wanted to know more about the sport. Here are the frequently asked questions regarding the sport.

What is a badminton ball called?

A badminton ball is called a shuttlecock and is made to be a highly drag projectile due to the sport's nature. It features an open conical shape made of feathers or plastic placed in a circular cork base.

How many players are there in badminton?

The renowned sport can be played in singles or doubles. In singles, two players compete, one on each side, while in doubles, four players compete, two on each side.

What is a smash in badminton?

A smash is a powerful and fast-paced shot sent into the opponent's court. The steepness and angle of the shuttlecock's path make it hard for the other player to get it back.

Final word

Badminton equipment is crucial for players of all skill levels, from those who play for fun in social matches to those who compete at the highest level. For athletes to improve their game and get the most out of this thrilling sport, they should get high-quality equipment that fits their tastes and playing style.

READ ALSO: Top 15 best female badminton players in the world currently

Sports Brief has recently compiled a list ranking the world's top 15 best female badminton players. Over the past decade, badminton has risen in popularity and become one of the best in the world.

As an Olympic sport, it has produced some of the world's top female athletes who have remarkably displayed their skill sets on the global stage. Click on the link above for more details.

Authors
Lenah Ann photo
Lenah Ann
Lenah Ann is a Kenyan-based content creator with 2 years of experience. She graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Mass Media and Communication from Dedan Kimathi, Kenya in 2021.