Badminton is a fast-paced and exciting sport that requires not only skill and agility but also a good grasp of its specialized terminology. Whether you are a beginner learning the ropes or an advanced player looking to enhance your game, understanding badminton vocabulary is essential. This glossary covers key terms, phrases, and their meanings, providing a helpful resource for anyone interested in the sport. From basic concepts like “serve” and “rally” to more specific terms like “drop shot” and “backhand,” mastering this vocabulary will elevate your game and improve your communication on the court. Let’s delve into the essential terms that every badminton enthusiast should know!
| Word | Pronunciation | Sentence Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ace | /eɪs/ | A serve that is so good the opponent cannot touch it.
Example: He won the match with an ace on match point. |
| backcourt | /ˈbæk.kɔːrt/ | The area of the court behind the service line.
Example: She made a great shot from the backcourt to win the rally. |
| backhand | /ˈbæk.hænd/ | A stroke made with the back of the hand facing the direction of the stroke.
Example: His backhand is one of his strongest shots. |
| baseline | /ˈbeɪs.laɪn/ | The line at the back of the court that marks the boundaries.
Example: Players often hit from the baseline during rallies. |
| bird / birdie | /bɜːrd/ | The shuttlecock used in badminton.
Example: The player expertly placed the birdie over the net. |
| carry | /ˈkæri/ | When the shuttlecock is hit in a way that does not cross the net properly.
Example: The shot was called a carry because it didn’t clear the net. |
| centre line | /ˈsɛn.tər laɪn/ | The line that divides the court into two equal halves.
Example: Players must serve from behind the centre line in doubles. |
| clear | /klɪər/ | A high, deep shot that goes to the back of the opponent’s court.
Example: She performed a perfect clear to reset the rally. |
| doubles | /ˈdʌb.əlz/ | A match played with two players on each side.
Example: They team up for doubles tournaments every year. |
| drop shot | /drɒp ʃɒt/ | A soft shot that just clears the net and falls close to it.
Example: His drop shot surprised his opponent. |
| drive | /draɪv/ | A powerful shot hit parallel to the ground.
Example: The player executed a strong drive to pressure the opponent. |
| fault | /fɔːlt/ | A serve that does not land in the correct service area.
Example: After two faults, he lost the point. |
| forecourt | /ˈfɔːr.kɔːrt/ | The area of the court in front of the net.
Example: She dominated the forecourt with quick volleys. |
| home position | /hoʊm pəˈzɪʃ.ən/ | The ready stance or position before serving.
Example: He returned to home position after every shot. |
| kill / kill shot | /kɪl/ | A shot played to win the point, often done with power.
Example: The kill shot ended the rally decisively. |
| let | /lɛt/ | A serve that touches the net but still goes over into the correct service area.
Example: The referee called a let on the serve. |
| lob | /lɒb/ | A shot that goes high and arcs over the opponent.
Example: He played a lob to take his opponent by surprise. |
| net | /nɛt/ | The barrier dividing the two sides of the court.
Example: The player skillfully hit the shot right over the net. |
| net shot | /nɛt ʃɒt/ | A shot played close to the net, often with deception.
Example: She executed a perfect net shot to win the point. |
| passing shot | /ˈpæs.ɪŋ ʃɒt/ | A shot played to pass the opponent who is near the net.
Example: His passing shot caught the opponent off guard. |
| push shot | /pʊʃ ʃɒt/ | A shot played with minimal force that aims for precision.
Example: He used a push shot to place the shuttlecock accurately. |
| racket (also racquet) | /ˈræk.ɪt/ | The equipment used to hit the shuttlecock.
Example: She chose a lightweight racket for better control. |
| rally | /ˈræli/ | A sequence of hits back and forth between players.
Example: The rally lasted over thirty shots. |
| rearcourt | /ˈrɪr.kɔːrt/ | The area of the court behind the mid-court line.
Example: Players use rearcourt shots to gain an advantage. |
| serve | /sɜːrv/ | The action of hitting the shuttlecock to start a point.
Example: A strong serve can set the tone for the rally. |
| service court | /ˈsɜːrvɪs kɔːrt/ | The area where the serve must land.
Example: He practiced his serves to improve accuracy in the service court. |
| short serve | /ʃɔːrt sɜːrv/ | A serve that lands close to the net.
Example: A short serve can catch the opponent off guard. |
| smash | /smæʃ/ | A powerful downward hit meant to win the point.
Example: His smash was unstoppable, landing right at the sidelines. |
| wood shot | /wʊd ʃɒt/ | A shot made with the edge of the racket frame.
Example: The wood shot was an awkward mistake that cost him the point. |