Shuttlecock and badminton are often used interchangeably, but there is a big difference between the two sports. Badminton is also typically faster-paced and features more complex shots than shuttlecock.
Although both shuttlecock and badminton are played with a racket, they are two completely different sports. The Badminton Racket is a crucial piece of equipment in the sport, designed with precision and technology to provide players with the perfect blend of power, control, and maneuverability on the court. Shuttlecock is more like a game of precision and finesse, while badminton is a full-contact sport that can be quite physical. If you’re not sure what the difference between shuttlecock and badminton is, read on to learn more…
Here are the key differences between shuttlecock and badminton:
1. A shuttlecock has a smaller surface area than a badminton birdie
Shuttlecocks are typically made from cork and have a skirt of tightly-woven feathers around the base, while badminton birdies are typically made from tightly-packed plastic or nylon. This is key because it means that there is less surface area on a shuttlecock, which makes catching and hitting the shuttlecock easier in some respects.
2. Shuttlecocks can be hit at greater speeds than badminton birdies
As the name suggests, the sport of shuttlecock focuses on finesse, control, and skill rather than brute power like its cousin game of badminton does. The less surface area also helps increase speed when a shuttlecock is hit, which can be up to speeds of 142 km/h. Badminton birdies are also often sent flying at high speeds. A fast-paced game of badminton may be played with a rally speed of over 200 km/h!
3. Shuttlecocks must ‘land’ in the opposition half – or else it’s a point for the opponent
In a match of shuttlecock, the shuttlecock must land within the opposition half (so not in your own half) to avoid ending play and giving away a point. If you’re playing doubles, then each player in your team has two chances to return the shuttlecock before losing possession, or else your team loses a point.
4. Only singles and doubles are played in shuttlecock
There is no such thing as a badminton team game such as doubles, mixed doubles, or men’s/women’s singles. Shuttlecock is only ever played as either singles or doubles. Any court markings that exist for badminton doubles rules simply do not exist for shuttlecock, except perhaps the service line and short service line (which would be where a normal singles badminton court marking would be).
5. The scoring system in shuttlecock is different to badminton
In modern-day shuttlecock there are 11 points, with the first player to score 5 points winning a set. For example, if Player A scores 3 points to Player B’s 2 points, the score is 3-2. When there are no more points left in a shuttlecock game (if it went straight from 11-11 or if one player scored 6 consecutive points), then that player wins the set by 11 clear points.
6. Shuttlecocks are often smaller than badminton birdies
This isn’t always true, but shuttlecocks are usually around 65mm tall while badminton birdies are typically around 65mm tall, which makes them quite different to play with.
Conclusion
We hope that we have helped you understand the differences between shuttlecock and badminton. If you need any help with buying badminton accessories or want to find out more about our products, don’t hesitate to contact us! Our team of experts is happy to answer your questions and provide helpful advice on how best to rally for victory in this great game.