Badminton Handbook · Chapter 14 of 16
Getting started & etiquette
A first-timer's guide, buying on a budget, and how to behave on court.
Your first steps
- Find a local club or sports centre session. Many run beginner nights and lend rackets.
- Learn the forehand and backhand grips, the ready position and the high serve first.
- Rally cooperatively before playing points: aim for long rallies.
- Take a few coaching sessions early. Good habits are easier to build than to fix.
- Use the Beginner workouts and set your level in Profile.
Budget buying guide
- Racket: a light (4U/5U), even-balance, flexible-to-medium racket strung around 20 lb.
- Shuttles: quality nylon for practice; feather once you play at a club.
- Shoes: proper indoor court shoes. This is the best investment for comfort and safety.
Court etiquette
- Call your own lines honestly; when unsure, give the benefit to your opponent or replay.
- Wait for a rally to finish before crossing behind a court or retrieving a shuttle.
- Return shuttles to the server on the next court with a gentle underhand hit or throw, not a smash.
- Announce the score before you serve.
- Shake hands (or tap rackets) at the end, and thank your partner and opponents.
- Share courts fairly on busy club nights.
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