Badminton

While once just considered a leisurely backyard game, badminton has become an increasingly popular competitive sport. The world's fastest racquet game officially entered the Olympics in 1992, and yet still continues to be a fun game for any age. For simplicity's sake, opt for a badminton set,  easily purchased with all the basic equipment included, along with instructions for game play and setting up a badminton court. If you are an avid badminton player, or want to purchase equipment individually, read on for more information about each item you will need to purchase for playing with a more competetive edge.

Badminton Equipment
Shuttlecocks  More commonly known as the "birdie", it's the open, conical-shaped projectile used in badminton. While traditionally made from goose feathers, the modern plastic or nylon model is faster and less expensive ($15 vs. $25).	Racquets Often regarded as the most important piece of equipment, racquets have a bit more to them than meets the eye. For information on buying badminton racquets, please see this buying guide.	Nets  Buying a net is only essential if you plan to play at home. They cost about $30. Proper nets should have a 15 to 20mm mesh width and be 2'6" tall with an easy to see white edging (1.5" after being folded over the mesh).	Shoes  This very important element should not be overlooked. Thin, receptive, gummy sole shoes that grip the floor are best. Supportive ankle structure is a must. Expect to replace these shoes every 3-6 months.

For more information about badminton, check out the following links!

• Rules
• Equipment
• FAQ
• Info, Organizations, and Other Links