1

THE ‘SHUTTLETON’ HANDBOOK for

MINI-BADMINTON

2

First published in Italy

First edition 2013

© Giordano Benassi 2013

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be

reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any

form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or

otherwise, without the prior permission of the Copyright owner.

3

A ‘SHUTTLETON’ HANDBOOK FOR

MINI-BADMINTON

GIORDANO BENASSI

4

CONTENTS Preface: the sport of Badminton ________________________ Pg. 5

WHY PLAY ‘SHUTTLETON’?

It’s an ideal way to start learning Badminton, ______________ Pg. 7 It uses a smaller court ________________________________ Pg. 8 It’s easy to setup a mini court __________________________ Pg. 11 It’s easy to setup multiple courts _______________________ Pg. 14 The equipment to use to play the game __________________ Pg. 15

THE RULES OF THE GAME

The rules of the game ________________________________ Pg. 17 The court __________________________________________ Pg. 18 Scoring ____________________________________________ Pg. 19 Serving ____________________________________________ Pg. 20 Doubles play _______________________________________ Pg. 21

5

Preface: the sport of Badminton

Badminton is a racket sport played by either two opposing

players (singles) or two opposing pairs (doubles), who take

positions on opposite halves of a rectangular court that is divided

by a net. Players score points by striking a shuttlecock with their

racket so that it passes over the net and lands in their opponents'

half of the court. Each side may only strike the shuttlecock once

before it passes over the net. A rally ends once the shuttlecock

has struck the floor, or if a fault has been called by either the

umpire or service judge or, in their absence, the offending

player, at any time during the rally.

The shuttlecock (or shuttle) is a feathered (or plastic, mainly in

uncompetitive games) projectile whose unique aerodynamic

properties cause it to fly differently than the balls used in most

racket sports; in particular, the feathers create much higher drag,

causing the shuttlecock to decelerate more rapidly than a ball.

Shuttlecocks have a much higher top speed, when compared to

other racket sports. Because shuttlecock flight is affected by

wind, competitive badminton is played indoors. Badminton is

also played outdoors as a casual recreational activity, often as a

garden or beach game.

Since 1992, badminton has been an Olympic sport with five

events: men's and women's singles, men's and women's doubles,

and mixed doubles, in which each pair consists of a man and a

woman. At high levels of play, especially in singles, the sport

demands excellent fitness: players require aerobic stamina,

agility, explosive strength, speed and precision. It is also a

technical sport, requiring good motor coordination and the

development of sophisticated racket movements.

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WHY PLAY ‘SHUTTLETON’?

the game of

MINI-BADMINTON

7

WHY PLAY ‘SHUTTLETON’?

‘Shuttleton’ is the mini-racket game which includes four racket sports; tennis, badminton, squash and speed badminton. This guide is dedicated to badminton. There is a separate guide ‘A Shuttleton Handbook for Mini-Tennis, Mini-Squash and Mini-Speed Badminton’ The game is called ‘Shuttleton’ because the ball or shuttle is unique in providing the best game.

1. It’s an ideal way to start learning Badminton. Most racket sports have rules which are more appropriate for adult play than for junior players and schools. The game of Shuttleton (or Mini-Badminton) is designed to overcome these difficulties and improve the beginners’ approach to a sport. This game is very suitable for smaller areas where schools have to manage large or multiple classes.

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This game is also very interesting for those who have a limited budget. Racket sports like badminton has great limitations for juniors when played on adult courts and in small hall areas. Playing Mini-Badminton will help them learn the game in a more realistic and effective manner and offer them a base to play the adult sport later. Mini-Badminton provides a practical way of playing with the object to setup mobile courts in seconds (indoors and outdoors) and get everyone involved in ‘playing the game’.

2. It uses a smaller court

Adult court areas are large and suitable for adult play. The first important point to understand is that junior players in the 6 -11 year age bracket cannot cover the court distances, how tall or strong they may be.

It is inappropriate to stress young juniors in playing on adult courts. It remains to be said, that if a school has a large hall sufficient to include regular size courts, it’s still inappropriate to make juniors play on adult courts.

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Second point is that with single or more often multiple classes, a hall cannot satisfy all juniors who want to play the game.

The game of Mini-Badminton overcomes this problem in a practical manner, reducing the court size. The courts are then setup, side by side, to use all limited available space.

The practical ‘EasyNet’ is used because its multifunctional. Its transportable, can be setup in minutes, needs no support or attachments. The net height can be lowered to 1.4m., essential to play Mini-Badminton.

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A beginner can immediately enjoy exchanging strikes and gain confidence even if he has never held a racket before. With no great distances to cover, all are equal to enjoy the game. The game of Mini-Badminton has made essential improvements to setup a court in seconds, in a practical and economical way.

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3. It’s easy to setup a mini court (diag.1)

The game of Mini-Badminton uses smaller active areas where the player/players normally stand and play. An typical court area is 11m in length and 3m wide divided by a net. Each side has a (imaginary) service line 2.5m from the centre net. Lengths can be modified to the user’s needs. The figure below shows 2 mini courts using a single EasyNet.

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Normally, it would be the case to use sticky tape or painted lines to sign the perimeter of the squares. This of course is not practical for school halls. It’s expensive, needs maintenance and could be a stumbling block to even initiate playing a sport.

Our game uses flat coloured non-slip plastic discs which are placed at the 4 cardinal points of our square playing area. (the cardinal points on the floor can be marked previously with a pen so setting up a court is fast and easy).

Diagram N°1 shows how to set up 2 single courts, Diagram N°2 shows multiple courts. Both use marker discs. There are no limits, indoors or outdoors.

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At school and junior level there is no need to put lines. (if there is any doubt on where the speeder shuttle has fallen, just ask the players to be sporting at play and to repeat the serve)

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This is a very practical way of setting up courts. Larger or smaller courts can be made in no time and can also be setup outdoors if space is limited indoors for multi-classes. These discs are made flat, not like normal raised cones, avoiding dangerous falls and being kicked away.

4. It’s easy to setup multiple courts (diag. 2) Many halls are very small and all available space should be used. Most halls are rectangular shaped and normal sports use the longer length to place their courts. The game of Shuttleton turns round the court using the shorter length. Shuttleton adopts the side by side method of setting up courts to reduce lost space and extra marker discs. For example, a hall with a typical size of 26m x 13m accommodating 2 regular courts of Badminton with 8 players can be converted in 8 Shuttleton courts with up to 32 juniors playing the doubles game.

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The equipment used to play Shuttleton The type of equipment used in this game is very important and has been studied to suit the court area, the junior player and the economics as nowadays finances are low.

The racket

The Speed racket is used because of its qualities for durability, adaptability and playability. It is normally 58-60cm long, weights 120-180g and is defined as a ‘short’ squash racket because of its shape and length.

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The ball

Mini-Badminton uses the same shuttle as in the regular game of badminton. Hitting a badminton shuttle with a speed racket is also a perfect way of controlling a stroke. Ideal for beginners and continuous play, stroke after stroke.

The court

To demark the court area, flat discs are used to mark the cardinal points of court play area. These are designed to be visible, totally flat, durable, anti-slip and removable. No need to use fixed lines.

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THE RULES

OF THE GAME

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THE RULES OF THE GAME

The rules of the game are similar to those of Badminton. They differ with regard to the court measurements, the net height, service, scoring and demarking the court.

MEASUREMENTS

The Court. The diagram below shows typical courts. They are the same courts for singles and doubles.

A typical sized court is 11m. in length, 3m wide with a net in the centre with height at poles of 1.4m . A 6,1m wide net can be divided into 2 courts, each 3m wide side by side.

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As the court is smaller, it’s important that the net height is lowered to 1.4m. and using EasyNets, it’s easy. The court size of 11 x 3m is only an indication where best to begin but these measurements can be modified rationally to suit the user’s needs.

The cardinal points of the squares are joined by an imaginary line, see below. Also the server’s base line (1.5m from front to back lines) is an imaginary line. The cardinal points of each square is marked by flat discs. ……………… Multiple courts are made by utilizing the same markers (see diag.2). It must be emphasized that safety is a main part of learning and playing the game; juniors must have enough space to make a hit and not injure others nearby. SCORING

A contest is played either: a) One game of 11 points (preferable) or, b) The best of three games of 11 points

The player gains a point each time he/she wins a rally.

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If a 10:10 points situation is reached, the game continues until a player has scored 2 points more.

During short school sessions, it’s best to choose one game and he/she wins first to score 9 or 11 points.

A point is won if the opposing server missed a service hit or his shuttle lands outside your playing square without you making contact before it falls to ground or hits an object.

A sporting attitude: When there is doubt that a shuttle landed in or outside of the playing square, the serve is repeated. Also a good rule that players shake hands before and also when a contest finishes. SERVING

To start a contest, first decide who serves first. (2 opposing players throw a shuttle up and see in which direction it points on the floor. The point indicates who serves first)

Each player has right to 1 serve.

After the first serve, the opponent start his turn of serve and then after it passes to the opposition and so on…

The server must serve underhand hitting the shuttle below waist height.

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The server must stand behind the service line (an imaginary service line 2.5m from the net) with both feet to ground. He can serve at any point behind the line.

If a server misses the shuttle which falls to ground, it counts as a point for opposition.

DOUBLES PLAY

Most rules of the singles game are the same but,

In a doubles game, when the turn of serve returns to the opposing side, the right of serve goes to the player who didn’t serve last.

It’s a rule that when making a serve, the servers partner stands at least one foot distance in front of the server at a safe distance. (for safety, the servers partner should always look forward during the service).

The Service must be visible to the opposing side.

The opposing players can stand in any position within their playing square.

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Publicity page

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THE HANDBOOK for ‘SHUTTLETON’

the game of MINI-TENNIS

MINI-SQUASH MINI-SPEED BADMINTON

24

First published in Italy

First edition 2013

© Giordano Benassi 2013

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be

reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any

form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or

otherwise, without the prior permission of the Copyright owner.

25

A HANDBOOK

for ‘SHUTTLETON’, the game of MINI-TENNIS

MINI-SQUASH MINI-SPEED BADMINTON

GIORDANO BENASSI

26

CONTENTS

Preface: the sport of Tennis __________________________ Pg. 5 the sport of Squash _________________________ Pg. 6 the sport of Speed Badminton _________________ Pg. 7

WHY PLAY ‘SHUTTLETON’?

It’s an ideal way to start learning Tennis, Squash or Speed Badminton ___________________________________ Pg. 9 It uses a smaller court ________________________________ Pg. 10 It’s easy to setup a mini court __________________________ Pg. 12 It’s easy to setup multiple courts _______________________ Pg. 14 The equipment to use to play the game __________________ Pg. 15

THE RULES OF THE GAME

The rules of the game ________________________________ Pg. 17 The court __________________________________________ Pg. 18 Scoring ____________________________________________ Pg. 19 Serving ____________________________________________ Pg. 20 Doubles play _______________________________________ Pg. 21

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Preface: the sport of Tennis

Tennis is a sport played with a felt-covered rubber ball, a racket, and a court.

First, early in the 11th century, players in France played this sport with their hands. It was called “Jeu de Paume”. In the 15th century the sport came to Poland and the players played with rackets. Now it was called “tennis”. It became popular in England and France. King Henry III was a big fan of the game.

There are many different kinds of courts, like grass, clay, or a sand. The goal of tennis is to hit the ball over the net into the other player’s court. When the other player cannot return the ball, a point is won. The game is played with two or four people. When it is played with two people, it is called “singles”, and when it is played with four people, it is called “doubles”. The court has "alleys" on each side, which are "fair" territory when playing doubles.

A tennis game has a number of sets. Each set has a number of games, and each game has points. The points are counted love (0, after the French l'oeuf), fifteen (15), thirty (30), and forty (40). If both players get to forty, the score is deuce from which 2 more points are needed to win the game. When one player reaches six games, it is one set. If it is a three-set match, the player who wins two sets first is the winner. If the game count reaches 5–5, the set must be won with two more games than the other player, like 7–5 or 8–6. If the game count gets to 6–6, a "tiebreaker" is played. In a tiebreak, players have to get at least seven points while getting two more points than the other player to win the set. In tiebreak points are called “one,” “two,” etc.

The game started in Germany during the 1700s. Tennis is now a sport that is played at the Olympics. They also have big tournaments like the U.S., Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon. These four are known as Grand Slam events. Tennis’s official name is "lawn tennis".

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Preface: the sport of Squash

Squash is a high-speed racquet sport played by two players (or in doubles 4 players on court at a time) in a four-walled court with a small, hollow rubber ball. For its fast pace and requirement of mental agility, it has been described as "jet-propelled chess".

The game was formerly called squash racquets, a reference to the "squashable" soft ball used in the game (compared with the fatter ball used in its parent game racquets or rackets; see below). An effort is underway to qualify squash as an event in the 2020 Olympic Games.

Squash's use of stringed racquets is shared with tennis, which dates from the late fifteenth century, though is more directly descended from the game of rackets from England. In "rackets", instead of hitting over a net as in tennis, players hit a non-squeezable ball against walls. Squash was developed at Harrow School in England. The first courts built at this school were rather dangerous because they were near water pipes, buttresses, chimneys, and ledges. The school soon built four outside courts. Natural rubber was the material of choice for the ball. Students modified their racquets to have a smaller reach to play in these cramped conditions.

The racquets have changed in much the same way as those used in tennis. Squash rackets used to be made out of laminated timber. In the 1980s, construction shifted to lighter, carbon-based materials (such as graphite) with small additions of such components as Kevlar, boron and titanium. Natural "gut" strings were replaced with synthetic strings.

In the 20th century the game increased in popularity with various schools, clubs and even private citizens building squash courts, but with no set dimensions. The first squash court in North America appeared at St. Paul's School in New Hampshire in 1884. In 1904 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the earliest national association of squash in the world was formed as the United States Squash Racquets Association, (USSRA), now known as U.S. Squash. In April 1907 the Tennis, Rackets & Fives Association set up a subcommittee to set standards for squash. Then the sport soon formed, combining the three sports together called “Squash”. It was not until 1923 that the Royal Automobile Club hosted a meeting to further discuss the rules and regulations and another five years elapsed before the Squash Rackets Association was formed to set standards for squash in Great Britain.

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Preface: the sport of Speed Badminton

Speed badminton, is a badminton variant without a net. Speed Badminton is a racket game which combines elements from different sports like badminton, squash and tennis. Today, Speed Badminton is played all around the world.

There is no net in between and no prescribed playground, so it can be executed on tennis courts, streets, beaches, fields or gyms. The court consists of two squares of 5.50 m (18 ft) length. They are fixed opposite to each other at a distance of 12.8 m (42 ft); for juniors the distance is reduced to 9m (30 ft). Both of the players need a racket. The rackets are similar to the ones used in squash. The ball is called speeder and is heavier than a conventional badminton shuttlecock, meaning it can be used up to wind force 4.

On August 25, 2011 the international Speed Badminton Organization (ISBO) was founded in Berlin.

A TYPICAL SPEED BADMINTON RACKET

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WHY PLAY ‘SHUTTLETON’?

the game of

MINI-TENNIS,

MINI-SQUASH or MINI-SPEED BADMINTON

WHY PLAY ‘SHUTTLETON’?

‘Shuttleton’ is the mini-racket game which includes four racket sports; tennis, badminton, squash and speed badminton. A separate guide is dedicated to badminton ‘The Shuttleton Handbook for Mini-Badminton’. The game is called ‘Shuttleton’ because the ball or shuttle is the element which gives the best game.

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5. It’s an ideal way to start learning Tennis, Squash

or Speed Badminton. Most racket sports have rules which are more appropriate for adult play than for junior players and schools. The game of Shuttleton (or Mini-Tennis, Mini-Squash and Mini-Speed Badminton) is designed to overcome these difficulties and improve the beginners’ approach to a sport. This game is very suitable for smaller areas where schools have to manage large or multiple classes. This game is also very interesting for those who have a limited budget. Racket sports like tennis, squash and speed badminton have great limitations for juniors when played on adult courts and in small hall areas. Playing Shuttleton will help them learn the game in a more realistic and effective manner and offer them a base to play the adult sport later. Shuttleton provides a practical way of playing with the object to setup mobile courts in seconds (indoors and outdoors) and get everyone involved in ‘playing the game’.

32

6. It uses a smaller court Adult court areas are large and suitable for adult play. The first important point to understand is that junior players in the 6 -11 year age bracket cannot cover the court distances, how tall or strong they may be. It is inappropriate to stress young juniors in playing on adult courts. It remains to be said, that if a school has a large hall sufficient to include regular size courts, it’s still inappropriate to make juniors play on adult courts. Second point is that with single or more often multiple classes, a hall cannot satisfy all juniors who want to play the game. Shuttleton overcomes this problem in a practical manner, reducing the court size. The courts are then setup, side by side, to use all limited available space.

33

A beginner can immediately enjoy exchanging hitting the ball and gain confidence even if he has never held a racket before. With no great distances to cover, all are equal to enjoy the game. The game of Shuttleton has made essential modifications to setup a court in seconds, in a practical and economical way.

34

7. It’s easy to setup a mini court (diag.1)

The game of Shuttleton (excluding mini-badminton), uses 2 active squares areas where the player/players normally stand and play. A typical 3m sq. playing court area with a distance of 5m is ideal but can be modified to the user’s needs.

→→

←←

3 x 3 m square 5 m distance 3 x 3 m square

Normally, it would be the case to use sticky tape or painted lines to sign the perimeter of the squares.

This of course is not practical for school halls. It’s expensive, needs maintenance and could be a stumbling block to even initiate playing a sport.

Our game uses flat coloured non-slip marker discs which are placed at the 4 cardinal points of our square playing area. (the cardinal points on the floor can be marked previously with a pen so setting up a court is fast and easy).

35

Below are diagrams of how to set up a single or multiple courts using marker discs. There are no limits, indoors or outdoors.

36

At school and junior level there is no need to put lines. (if there is any doubt on where the speeder shuttle has fallen, just ask the players to be sporting at play and to repeat the serve) This is a very practical way of setting up courts. Larger or smaller courts can be made in no time and can also be setup outdoors if space is limited indoors. These discs are made flat, not like normal raised cones, avoiding dangerous falls and being kicked away.

8. It’s easy to setup multiple courts (diag. 2) Many halls are very small and all available space should be used. Most halls are rectangular shaped and normal sports use the longer length to place their courts. The game of Shuttleton turns round the court using the shorter length. Shuttleton adopts the side by side method of setting up courts to reduce lost space and extra marker discs. For example, a hall with a typical size of 26m x 13m accommodating 2 regular courts of Speed Badminton with 8 players can be converted in 8 Shuttleton courts with up to 32 juniors playing the doubles game.

37

The equipment used to play Shuttleton The type of equipment used in this game is very important and has been studied to suit the court area, the junior player and the economics as nowadays finances are low.

The racket The Speed racket is used because of its qualities for durability, adaptability and playability. It is normally 58-60cm long, weights 120-180g and is defined as a ‘short’ squash racket because of its shape and length.

The ball In the regular game of Speed badminton, a speeder shuttle of weight 7 – 9g is used. In the game of Shuttleton, with has a shorter length court, a speeder shuttle would be too fast. It would probably hit the hall wall and be inappropriate for beginners. Therefore, we use the badminton shuttle for two reasons:

a. It’s bigger and wider and when struck with a speed racket, it’s fast but slows immediately to a correct

38

pace. A rubber ring is added to increase the weight to 7g +/- 0,5g to make a perfect ball.

b. Hitting a badminton shuttle with a speed racket is also a perfect way of controlling a stroke. Ideal for beginners and continuous play, stroke after stroke.

The ball or shuttle is a badminton shuttlecock with has attached a rubber ring. The weight of the shuttle plus ring should be about 7g +/- 0,5g. This ring makes the shuttle heavier and go faster, ideal for Shuttleton.

The court To demark the court area, flat discs are used to mark the cardinal points of court play area. These are designed to be visible, totally flat, durable and removable. No need to use fixed lines.

39

THE RULES

OF THE GAME

40

THE RULES OF THE GAME The rules of the game are similar to those of Speed Badminton. They differ with regard to the court measurements, the ball, scoring and demarking the court.

MEASUREMENTS

The Court. The diagrams below show a typical court. It is the same court for singles and doubles. A typical sized court has a playing square of 3m. The court has 2 squares of 3m distant 5m. from each other. Therefore, the court area is 11m in length and 3m in width. For juniors older than 10 years, the court area and distances can be increased if there is space. The court size of 11 x 3m is only an indication where best to begin but these measurements can be modified rationally to suit the user’s needs.

The diagram below shows the typical court. The playing squares are indicated by the 4 cardinal points.

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The cardinal points of the squares are joined by an imaginary line, see below. Also the server’s base line (1.5m from front to back lines) is an imaginary line. The cardinal points of each square is marked by flat discs. ……………… Multiple courts are made by utilizing the same markers discs (see diag.2). It must be emphasized that safety is a main part of learning and playing the game; juniors must have enough space to make a hit and not injure others nearby. SCORING

A contest is played either: c) One game of 11 points (preferable) or, d) The best of three games of 11 points

The player gains a point each time he/she wins a rally.

If a 10:10 points situation is reached, the game continues until a player has scored 2 points more.

During short school sessions, it’s best to choose one game and he/she wins first to score 9 or 11 points.

A point is won if the opposing server missed a service hit or his shuttle lands outside your playing square

42

without you making contact before it falls to ground or hits an object.

A sporting attitude: When there is doubt that a shuttle landed in or outside of the playing square, the serve is repeated. Also a good rule that players shake hands before and also when a contest finishes. SERVING

To start a contest, first decide who serves first. (2 opposing players throw a shuttle up and see in which direction it points on the floor. The point indicates who serves first)

Each turn of serve has right to 3 consecutive serves.

After the first 3 serves the opposing start his turn of 3 serves and then after it passes to the opposition and so on…

The server must serve underhand hitting the shuttle below waist height.

The server must stand behind the service line (an imaginary service line 1.5m in a 3m playing square) with at least one foot to ground.

If a server misses the shuttle which falls to ground, it counts as a point for opposition.

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DOUBLES PLAY Most rules of the singles game are the same but,

Each server has only 1 serve. Then the right of service goes to the opposition and this repeats itself until the game ends.

In a doubles game, when the turn of serve returns to the opposing side, the right of serve goes to the player who didn’t serve last.

It’s a rule that when making a serve, the servers partner stands at least one foot distance in front of the server at a safe distance. (for safety, the servers partner should also look ahead during the service).

The Service must be visible to the opposing side.

The opposing players can stand in any position within their playing square.

44

Publicity page