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What’s new in badminton

Coach’s playbook: Lee Bent and Steve Bish on badminton

Paul 5.10 min read

Club spotlight: Ocean Badminton Academy

Paul 3.30 min read

Mythbusting: stop getting badminton wrong

Paul 4.45 min read

Understanding the court: lines, zones, and positioning

Paul 2.45 min read

World’s fastest racket sport 

World’s fastest racket sport

Badminton might look gentle, but the fastest recorded speed of a badminton shuttlecock is 351 mph (565 km/h), achieved by Indian player Satwiksairaj Rankireddy. This record-breaking speed was measured during a smash at the Yonex Tokyo Factory on April 14th 2023.
From ancient origins to Olympic glory

Ancient origins to Olympic glory

The roots of badminton trace back to a game called ‘Poona’, played in India during the late 1800s. British army officers brought it to the UK, and by 1934 the International Badminton Federation was born. It made its Olympic debut in 1992.
Britain’s backyard game goes big 

Backyard game goes big

Once a staple of school PE halls and community centres, badminton is now one of the most played sports in the UK, with around one million people picking up a racquet at least once a month, from school kids to seniors.
Britain’s badminton greats 

Britain’s badminton  greats

Gail Emms, Nathan Robertson, and Marcus Ellis are just a few of the Team GB players to shine on the global stage. Ems and Robertson won a silver medal in the mixed doubles at the 2004 Athens Olympics, while Ellis and Chris Langridge secured a bronze at the 2016 Olympics in Rio.
China’s badminton dynasty

China’s badminton dynasty

From Olympic podiums to World Championship gold, China has ruled the badminton court like no other nation. With over 50 Olympic badminton medals and a record 14 Sudirman Cup titles, the nation has produced legends like Lin Dan and Zhao Yunlei – players who’ve redefined greatness and inspired millions across Asia and beyond.

Get started

If you’re totally new to badminton, most clubs and leisure centres will offer equipment hire for beginners. But when you’re ready to commit, here are five bits of kits to take your game to the next level

YONEX Nanoflare 001 Clear

£34.99

Buy

Victor 2000 Nylon Yellow Shuttlecocks

£12.99

Buy

Li-Ning Almighty V Unisex Badminton Shoes

£43.99

Buy

YONEX wet super grap

£5.60

Buy

Li-Ning Brush Unisex Badminton T-Shirt

£31.50

Buy

Best of you

“Come off court having given the best version of your own game, whatever that looks like. Don’t be afraid to lose and don’t hide in anyone else’s shadow”

Marcus Ellis Men’s doubles bronze medallist, 2016 Olympics

Going gets tough

I knew if I kept going and kept training I could get there as my focus was on a podium finish and winning medals
Gail Emms Mixed doubles Olympic silver medalist, 2004

Grassroots in badminton

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Learn the basics

Badminton

Badminton: a beginner’s guide

British Badminton icons Nathan Robertson & Gail Emms reminisce over their All England win in 2005 with a visit 20 years later in 2025. Courtesy of Badminton England.

02:38

Drills

Badminton drills to improve your defence

1:00

Up next

Badminton: a beginner’s guide

Up next

Badminton drills to improve your defence

Go further in badminton

Try Badminton

Many clubs and leisure centres offer beginner-friendly taster badminton sessions. Whether you’re 7 or 70, there’s a place to start near you. Click here to find your nearest session, whatever your age or skill level
Join a Club

Local badminton clubs offer social games, structured coaching, and team play. Find your local club here
Coaching

Coaching opportunities are available for those passionate about nurturing and developing badminton’s future stars. Click here to find out more
Volunteer

From officiating to running social media outreach, grassroots badminton thrives on community effort. Get involved and make a difference, click here to find out more