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Legendary Badminton Players

Badminton is a sport that has gained immense popularity around the world. With its fast-paced action, strategic gameplay, and incredible athleticism, it has captured the hearts of many sports enthusiasts. Furthermore, there is a rich history filled with legendary badminton players who have left an indelible mark on the sport. It is important to recognize and appreciate these legendary players. Their achievements on court are remarkable and their contributions to the growth and evolution of badminton is unique as well. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the most iconic players in badminton history.

The Immortal Charm of Lin Dan

One of the most renowned legends in badminton is Lin Dan, also known as „Super Dan“. Lin Dan’s impact on the contemporary badminton scene is undeniable. With two Olympic gold medals and five World Championship titles under his belt, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest badminton players of all time.

What sets Lin Dan apart is not just his impressive record, but also his unique playing style. He had the ability to turn games around with his explosive power, incredible speed, and sheer determination. As a fan, I vividly remember watching him play and witnessing his unmatched skill and charisma on court.

Lin Dan’s Most Notable Achievements

  • Olympic Games: gold medals in 2008, 2012
  • World Championships: gold medals in 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011 & 2013 and a silver medal in 2017
  • Asian Games: gold medals in 2010 & 2014, silver medal in 2006
  • Asian Championships: gold medals in 2010, 2011, 2014 & 2015, silver medals in 2001 & 2017 and a bronze medal in 2016
  • Super Series, Grand Prix and World Tour Titles: 33
  • Weeks as World Nr. 1: 233
Watch some of Lin Dan’s magic!

The Danish Giant – Viktor Axelsen

Another player who has made a significant impact in recent years is Viktor Axelsen. The strong Dane has displayed exceptional talent and consistency throughout his career. Standing at 1,94m (6’4″), Axelsen possesses a commanding presence on court.

I had the opportunity to witness Axelsen’s skills firsthand when I faced him at the 2020 Olympic Games. Rewatching the match, I couldn’t help but enjoy Viktor’s agility, precision and general physicality. But what made the biggest impression was his espect for his opponent. It was truly a testament to his greatness as a player.

I am curious to see what is next to come in Vikror’s career and how far he will climb the ladder of the most legendary badminton players of all time.

Axelsen’s Most Notable Achievements

  • Olympic Games: gold medal in 2020/21, bronze medal in 2016
  • World Championships: gold medals in 2017 & 2022 and a bronze medal in 2014
  • European Games: gold medal in 2023
  • European Championships: gold medals in 2016, 2018 & 2022, silver medal in 2021 and bronze medals in 2012, 2014 & 2017
  • BWF World Tour titles: 21*
  • Weeks as World Nr. 1: ???
TOKYO,JAPAN,24.JUL.21 – OLYMPICS, BADMINTON – Summer Olympic Games 2020, single, men. Image shows Luka Wraber (AUT) and Viktor Axelsen (DEN). Photo: GEPA pictures/ Harald Steiner

The European Women’s Singles Wonder – Carolina Marin

Carolina Marin is another badminton legend who has left her mark on the sport. Coming from Spain, Marin has been a pioneer in European women’s badminton. Her intense and powerful approach to the game has earned her numerous titles, including Olympic gold and multiple World Championship wins.

Marin’s journey has not been without challenges, as she has battled through severe injuries and setbacks. But she showed her determination and came back from knee surgery twice. Still being able to play at the top level today is a real demonstration of resilience and makes her a legendary badminton player. Her unwavering spirit and unwavering dedication to the sport have inspired countless aspiring players to pursue their dreams in badminton.

Marin’s Most Notable Achievements

  • Olympic Games: gold medal in 2016
  • World Championships: gold medals in 2014, 2015 & 2018 and a silver medal in 2023
  • European Games: gold medal in 2023
  • European Championships: gold medals in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2021 & 2022
  • BWF World Tour and BWF Super Series titles: 14*.
  • Weeks as World Nr. 1: 66

*The BWF World Tour was only implemented in 2018 and the BWF Superseries in 2007. Correspondingly I have used another title calculation for older players in this article.

Watch Carolina Marin winning the first ever European Women’s Singles Gold Medal at Olympic Games

One of the most legendary badminton players – Lee Chong Wei

No discussion of legendary badminton players would be complete without mentioning Lee Chong Wei. The Malaysian superstar has made immeasurable contributions to the sport, both on and off the court. His rivalry with Lin Dan is the stuff of legends, with their matches being some of the most epic and memorable in badminton history.

Even when the odds were stacked against him, Lee Chong Wei never gave up. His unstoppable spirit and relentless work ethic allowed him to rise above all challenges, ultimately establishing himself as one of the sport’s greatest icons.

LCW’s Most Notable Achievements

  • Olympic Games: silver medals in 2008, 2012 & 2016
  • World Championships: silver medals in 2011, 2013 & 2015 and a bronze medal in 2005
  • Asian Games: silver medal in 2010 and bronze medals in 2006 & 2014
  • Asian Championships: gold medals in 2006 & 2016 and silver medals in 2017 & 2018
  • Commonwealth Games: gold medals in 2006, 2010 & 2018
  • Super Series, World Tour and Grand Prix titles: 57
  • Weeks as World Nr. 1: 349

The Legacy of Taufik Hidayat

Turning our attention to Indonesia, Taufik Hidayat stands as a true badminton icon. Hidayat’s trademark shot was his particularly powerful and precise backhand. His ability to generate significant power and control with his backhand allowed him to outmaneuver opponents and make impressive shots from various positions on the court.

Hidayat played a pivotal role in popularizing the sport in his country and has been hailed as a national hero. His Olympic gold medal and World Championship triumph have solidified his status as one of the greats. Hidayat’s skills, finesse, and passion for the game have inspired many young Indonesians to take up badminton and strive for greatness.

Hidayat’s Most Notable Achievements

  • Olympic Games: gold medals in 2004
  • World Championships: gold medal in 2005, silver medal in 2010 and bronze medals in 2001 & 2009
  • Asian Games: silver medal in 2010 and bronze medals in 2006 & 2014
  • Asian Championships: gold medals in 2000, 2004 & 2007, silver medals in 2002 & 2003 and a bronze medal in 1998
  • Super Series, World Tour and Grand Prix titles: 7
  • Weeks as World Nr. 1: ???
Watch Highlights of Indonesia’s Taufik Hidayat

In conclusion, recognizing and appreciating legendary badminton players in the history of our sport is crucial for the growth and evolution of the sport. Players like Lin Dan, Viktor Axelsen, Carolina Marin, Lee Chong Wei and Taufik Hidayat have not only achieved remarkable success but have also paved the way for future generations.

As fellow players, fans and enthusiasts, we should continue to watch and learn from their legendary matches and be inspired by their extraordinary skills and accomplishments. Badminton’s rich history and the contributions of these legends continue to shape and define the sport, ensuring that its magic will endure for years to come. Finally, it’s important to note that this list is by no means exhaustive, as there are many more legends in our sport.

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Mastering Badminton Rules: The Ultimate Guide

Crowded badminton stadium with 4 green badminton courts

If you’re new to the exciting world of badminton, you’ve embarked on a journey that offers not only physical fitness but also a whole lot of fun! As an experienced badminton player, I’m here to help you understand badminton rules. Whether you’re a beginner or someone looking to brush up on your knowledge, this ultimate guide will equip you with the essentials to enjoy this exhilarating sport to its fullest.

The Basics of Badminton

Court and Equipment

Before we delve into the rules, let’s start with the basics. Picture a rectangular court divided by a net, similar to tennis. The shuttlecock, made of real feathers, is what you’ll be using to play the game. The dimensions of a badminton court may differ in singles and doubles play, so let’s discuss each.

For singles, the court is 13,4 meters long (44 feet) and 5,18 meters wide (17 feet), while for doubles, it’s slightly wider at 6,1 meters (20 feet). The net, positioned at the centre, blocks the shuttlecock from passing through. Speaking of equipment, all you need to play is a racket, a shuttlecock (or shuttle or birdie), a suitable pair of indoor shoes and a backpack or racket bag.

Professional tip: Make sure to invest in a good-quality racket that suits your playing style and skill level. The right racket can significantly impact your performance on the court.

The Objective of the Game

The objective of badminton is straightforward: score points by hitting the shuttlecock over the net and into your opponent’s court. You aim to make it land inside the designated boundaries to win points.

Scoring in Badminton

Now let’s understand badminton rules for the scoring system. The game is played using rally scoring, which means that every rally is an opportunity to score a point. A rally starts when the server serves the shuttle, and it continues until the rally is won or lost.

To win a game, you need to score 21 points, with a margin of at least 2 points. But there’s a twist! If the score reaches 20-all, a „deuce“ is called. In a deuce, the first team to score 2 consecutive points wins the game.

Serving in Badminton

Let’s focus on serving, a crucial part of badminton. The serving rules may vary for doubles and singles play, so pay close attention. When serving, the server must stand inside the designated service area and hit the shuttle diagonally to the opponent’s court. Remember, the serve must be below the waist and the shuttle must pass over the net.

Professional tip: While serving, aim for accuracy and placement. Practice by placing a target on the court and aiming for it consistently. A well-placed serve can put your opponent at a disadvantage and give you the upper hand. As you practice your serves, experiment with different techniques to keep your opponents guessing. A mix of high and low serves can be a valuable addition to your repertoire.

Serving in Singles

The serving dynamics in badminton vary based on the number of points a player has scored. At the beginning of a game, the server starts from the right side of the service court. As the game progresses, if the server has an even number of points, they continue to serve from the right side for the subsequent point. However, if the server has an odd number of points, they switch to serving from the left side of the service court.

Serving in Doubles

The rules for doubles service in badminton are more complex. The basic rule remains the same: the first server starts from the right side of the service court, and after winning an even number of points, continues to serve from the right. After winning an odd number of points, they serve from the left. The receiver stands on the alternate service court, and the team that wins a point becomes the server for the next point. The order of serving is: initial server, partner of the initial receiver, partner of the initial server, initial receiver, and back to the initial server. No player on the receiving side can receive two consecutive services. If a player serves or receives out of turn or from the wrong side, it is a service court error that must be corrected immediately.

Playing a Rally

The Rally’s structure

Now that you’ve got the basics down, let’s step into a rally and understand badminton rules regarding rallies. A typical badminton rally follows a pattern: serve, return, and continue until a point is scored. During a rally, both teams aim to make the shuttle land in the opponent’s court. But remember, if the shuttle lands outside the court boundaries, it’s considered out.

Professional tip: Always stay alert during a rally and be ready to move quickly to reach the shuttle. This agility is crucial to keep the rally going in your favour.

Faults and Lets

Understanding faults and lets is vital to avoid rule violations. Common faults include:

  • Serving or receiving out of turn.
  • Hitting the shuttle before it crosses the net.
  • Carrying the shuttle.
  • Touching the shuttle with your body.
  • Using a double-hit motion.

If you’re unsure about a specific rule, don’t hesitate to consult an umpire or experienced player. Remember, practice makes perfect, and the more familiar you become with the rules, the fewer faults you’ll commit.

Scoring and Winning a Game

To win a game, you need to reach the score of 21 points. If the score is tied at 20:20 the game continues until one side gains a two-point advantage. However, if the score reaches 29-all, the next point wins the game! In order to win the whole match, two games must be won. If the players have won one game each, a deciding third game is played. In this so-called rubber game, the same rules apply as in the first two games.

Switching Sides and Breaks

Switching sides during a badminton game is an important aspect that ensures fairness and equal playing conditions for both teams. Players switch sides after each game is finished. In the third game, players change ends when the leading team’s score reaches 11 points.

When the leading team’s or player’s score reaches 11 points, there is a 60 second break. A two-minute interval is allowed after each game. During these breaks, players have a chance to catch their breath, rehydrate, and get valuable coaching by their coach.

Doubles vs. Singles

Now let’s discuss the differences in rules between doubles and singles play. In doubles, communication and positioning are key. You and your partner must work as a team, covering specific areas of the court to ensure you don’t leave any openings for your opponents.

Professional tip: Make sure to communicate effectively with your partner and try to anticipate each other’s movements. Call out „mine“ or „yours“ to avoid confusion and ensure you cover your respective sides effectively. This will help you maintain control during the game and increase your chances of winning.

It’s also important to understand the distinction between singles and doubles service regulations. Let’s dive into the details to clarify the serving rules for each.

In singles matches, the service court consists of the front service line, the centre line, the singles side line (inside side line) and the back line (the outermost line at the back)

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. In doubles matches, the service courts have some variations. They are wider because they utilize the outside side line, reflecting the wider nature of the doubles court. Additionally, the service courts are shorter in length, employing the inside back line instead of the very back line. It’s worth noting that the inside back line plays a specific role, solely marking the boundary for doubles service. It doesn’t serve any other purpose on the badminton court.

To summarize, in doubles matches, the four lines that define the service court are the front service line, the centre line, the doubles side line (outside side line) and the inside back line (positioned right before the very back line).

Understanding these distinctions will allow you to navigate the different service courts in both singles and doubles matches effortlessly, ensuring you play by the rules and enjoy the game.

Etiquette and Sportsmanship

Good sportsmanship is essential in badminton. Always respect your opponents and play fair. Shake hands before and after the game, congratulate your opponents on good shots, and maintain a positive attitude throughout.

Professional tip: Never let anger or frustration cloud your judgment on the court. Stay calm, focused, and determined. This will help you perform better and enjoy the game even more.

Conclusion

 

Congratulations, you’ve now unravelled the rules of badminton! Remember, understanding badminton rules is crucial in enjoying the full experience of this thrilling sport. Practice regularly, seek advice from experienced players or coaches, and most importantly, have fun on your badminton journey. So, grab a racket, hit the court, and let the games begin!