How to Play Basketball

The game of basketball was invented over a hundred and twenty years ago by Dr. James Naismith, who was a physical trainer at a YMCA center in the United States. It was raining outside, and he did not want his gym class to sit idle. So after a few thoughts and ideas, he came up with the game of basketball. Although the game has undergone a lot of changes over time, the fundamentals of how to play basketball still remain the same. Before we talk some more about this game, let us have a look at some images, which will tell us more about the equipment used and the type of shots that are played. 

Basketball Equipment 

To start playing the game, we need to first gather the equipment. This should be very easy as the game only requires a ball and two hoops perched at a height of ten feet at the opposite ends of a court. It is also a good idea to wear proper basketball shoes, and not any jogging pair while playing. A nice team jersey can be worn when you get better at playing and are part of your school or college team. 

Basketball Court 

Basketball can be played outdoors too, but the norm is to play on an indoor court on a maple-wooded highly polished floor. The size of the court varies according to the level of competition. For school games, the court size is usually 74' × 42'. High school games are mostly played on a court size of 84' × 50'. Games played according to the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) rules are played on a court that measures 91' 10.4" × 49' 2.6". As far as the NBA is concerned, the court size is 94' × 50'. The height of the rim of the basket is 10'. 

Basketball Rules 

Next, we need to set the teams. There are two teams with 5 players per team. The object of the game, very obviously, is to score baskets. As for the length of the game, the famous National Basketball Association (NBA) teams play a 48-minute game with four 12-minute sessions. The length can vary based on the type of tournament and organization. 

The game starts with a jump ball. A jump is when one person from each team goes in the center of the court and jumps to tip the ball to their teammates after the referee throws the ball straight up. The goal here is to direct the ball towards your team. Each goal or 'basket' is worth 2 points. However, if a basket is scored from outside the 3-point line, that is the arc-shaped line outside the free throw line, then the basket is worth 3 points. The 3-pointer distance from the basket is 23.75' in the middle of the court, and it gradually decreases to 22' at the sides. 4' around the basket is the restricted area arc where a defending player cannot force an offensive foul. The free throw line is at a distance of 15' from the backboard. A free throw that results in a basket is worth 1 point. 

The game of basketball consists of offense and defense. When the ball is present with a player of your team, then all the team members of your team are on the offense. The goal here is to score points by shooting the ball into the defending team's basket. Similarly, when the ball is present with the opponent team, then all the team members of your team are on the defense. The goal here is to stop the other team from shooting the ball into your team's basket, and also to steal the ball from them so you can again attack and score. 

While on the offense, you can pass on the ball either via dribble or passing. Bouncing the ball continuously and moving forward simultaneously is known as dribbling. It is important to remember here that once you have dribbled the ball past the mid court, you cannot go back into your own half. A pass can be used to advance your offense. Most passes are accompanied by a step forward to increase power and are followed through with the hands to ensure accuracy. 

A dribble ends when you stop and hold the ball. If you hold the ball for more than five seconds, then you incur a penalty as well as lose possession of the ball. An attempt to unfairly disadvantage an opponent through physical contact is illegal and is called a foul. For all types of competition worldwide and even in the US, you are allowed four personal fouls per game. On committing a 5th, you have to sit out and be substituted by another player who has less fouls to his name. The NBA though, allows 5 personal fouls, and a player needs to sit out on committing a 6th. On offense, you cannot remain in the "key" (area designated underneath and directly in front of basket) for more than 3 seconds. If there is a 3-second violation, there will be a subsequent change of possession.

Official Basketball Size

It is important to know the game that you want to thoroughly pursue. Ever wondered what is the size of the basketball, which some of you might be adoring a lot? However inconsequential it might appear to be, it is essential to know this fact. The official measurements and league regulations for a basketball include its circumference, inflation pressure, and weight. In a few cases, the material or manufacturer may also be mentioned. 

Sizes and Specifications 

National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) - Women 

For a women's match, the NCAA states that the basketball used is of size 6. It has a circumference ranging between 28.5 and 29 inches, and weighs between 18 and 20 oz. When dropped from 6 feet, the bounce height should be between 51 and 56 inches. 

National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) - Men 

The requirements of this association are not as stringent as compared to the National Basketball League (NBA) or International Basketball Federation (FIBA). A size 7 ball is the standard for men's tournaments. The circumference measures between 29.5 and 30 inches, and the ball has a weight in the range of 20 and 22 oz. Ultimately, there has to be a bounce 49 to 54 inches in height, if it is dropped from 6 feet. National Basketball League To begin with, the NBA basketball is produced by Spalding, and the official size for men's tournaments has to be 29.5 inches in circumference. With a weight of 22 oz., the ball can be inflated with a pressure range of 7.5 to 8.5 psi. These balls are made up of orange leather having black lettering, and are of size 7. For the women, the size is a little different. Again, mostly made by Spalding, the ball for women's NBA is smaller (size 6). The circumference ranges between 28.5 and 29 inches, and it weighs between 18 and 20 oz. It can be further inflated till a maximum pressure of 9 psi. The ball is made up of alternating orange and white leather patterns. 

International Basketball Federation (FIBA) 

The rules are very strict as far as FIBA is concerned about the ball used in its games. It has to be a size 7, and the name of the manufacturer and the serial number should be present on it. The circumference is 30.7 inches, and the weight is between 567 and 650 gm. When dropped from a height of 70.8 inches, the ball should bounce to a minimum height of 51.2 inches. These FIBA approved balls have to pass a series of stringent tests (For example, heat test and valve test). Official basketball height is not a plausible dimension, and hence, it is not standard anywhere. 

Juniors and Youngsters 

 For the juniors, the NBA recommendations are basketballs of circumference of 27.75 inches, which is size 5, and weighing around 18 oz. For children who are still younger below the age of 7, it is suggested to use a ball with a circumference of 22 inches, and weight around 8 oz. 

Facts about Basketball

The origin of basketball can be traced back to the year 1891. Dr. James Naismith founded this sport. Basketball came into existence as a result of his efforts to find some indoor recreational activity for children in general. Thus, Dr. Naismith became the first coach of this sport, and went on to specialize in sports physiology. The National Basketball Association (NBA) is one of the major basketball leagues, of which USA and Canada are the member nations. 

Basic Basketball Facts 

In the game of basketball, the primary objective is to score points by shooting the ball in the opponent's basket. The basket is placed at a height of 10 feet. There are 5 players each in both teams. Points are scored by shooting the ball in the basket; dribbling helps players to advance towards the opponent's basket. Passing is also one of the important moves in basketball because it helps cover the distance quickly. The rules and regulations of basketball discourage players from making unfair moves. The total duration of a basketball game played at the international level is divided in quarters of 10 minutes. In the NBA League, the quarters last for 12 minutes. 

Dimensions of Basketball Court 

• Size of the basketball court for international games is 28 m x 15 m. It is 28.65 m x 15.24 m for NBA League matches. 
• Diameter of the circle at the center is 3.6 m and 3.66 m for FIBA and NBA respectively. 
• Height of basketball rim is the same for NBA and international matches; the height is 3.05 m. 
• Radius of the restricted arc (not shown in the adjoining image) for NBA and FIBA games is 1.22 m and 1.25 m respectively; radius of the restricted arc is measured from the center of the basket. The circle is marked on the court, directly beneath and around the basket. 
• Distance between the 3-point line (represented by two large arcs in the image) and basket for NBA and FIBA games is 7.24 m and 6.75 m respectively. The distance between basket and the 3-point line at the corner is smaller; it is 6.70 m and 6.60 m for NBA and FIBA respectively. 
• Diameter of the free-throw circle (shown near the basket in the image) is 3.60 m. 

Basketball Positions 

The basketball positions listed below have been named after 1980 and they are as follows: 

• Point guard 
• Shooting guard 
• Small forward 
• Power forward 
• Center 

The tallest player in the team is reserved for the 'center' position. Players at the 'Shooting Guard' and 'Point Guard' positions are the shortest of all. Rest of the players play at 'Small Forward' and 'Power Forward' positions. 

Did You Know? 

Wilt Chamberlain is the only player to have scored 100 points in an NBA match. 

Interesting Facts about Basketball 

The game of basketball has changed a lot over the years. These changes have enriched the game and helped in making it better. Here are some of the interesting basketball facts one would enjoy reading. 

First Game of Basketball 

The first ever game of basketball was played on 20th January, 1892. The court used for this game was half the size of courts used in today's NBA League games. Only one point was scored in the whole match. Nine players each from both teams participated in this game. 

Basketball Soars to Popularity 

People from different regions of America flocked to the YMCA Training school to obtain basketball training. Thus, YMCA Training School is the place where basketball originated. In a short span of time, it became a popular sport in USA and Canada. 

College Basketball 

In the first ever inter-college basketball match, the School of Agriculture from University of Minnesota defeated the Hamline School from Hamline University. 

Women's Basketball 

Women's basketball started in 1892 at the Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts. Senda Berenson who received basketball coaching from Dr. James Naismith suggested a few changes to the rules of the game to make it more suited for women. The first women's intercollegiate match was held on 21st March, 1893 between the Berenson's freshmen and sophomores. 

Basketball in High School 

In USA, basketball has been a popular sport from the time of its inception. School basketball was the most popular sporting activity before national level matches were telecast on TV. 

Introduction of the New Ball 

Earlier, the soccer ball was used for playing basketball. It was only in 1929 that a ball specially made for basketball was introduced. 

Basketball Goes International 

In 1932, the International Basketball Federation was formed through the joint efforts of Italy, Greece, Argentina, Portugal, Czechoslovakia, Latvia, Romania, and Switzerland. The acronym of International Basketball Federation is FIBA; it is derived from the French Fédération Internationale de Basketball Amateur. Basketball was introduced in the Berlin Olympics (1936). 

National Basketball Association (NBA) 

The entry of National Basketball Association in the world of American and Canadian basketball had a huge impact on the manner in which this game was played. Popularity of basketball kept rising thereafter. The NBA league has produced some of the greatest players like Michael Jordan. 

Today, NBA is the best league in terms of talent, money offered to players, and popularity. Started in 1946, the NBA was earlier known as the Basketball Association of America (BAA). 

Brown and Orange Balls 

Earlier, basketballs were brown in color. However, the brown color hampered visibility. Tony Hinkle initiated the search for a new color for the basketball in the 1950s. The orange color was finally chosen. 

Michael Jordan 

He is a legend in the world of basketball. A highly gifted player, Michael Jordan has led the US team in Olympics that won gold medals in 1984 and 1992. Michael Jordan displayed great mental strength and resilience to make a spirited comeback to the NBA league. His total career score is 32,292. The record score of 5,987 (in playoffs) set by Michael Jordan is unbroken in the NBA. 

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 

He holds the record for the highest score of 38,387 career points in the history of NBA. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar won the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) title a record 6 times. He also won the NBA championship 6 times. In his career that spanned between 1969 and 1989, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar played for the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers. 

Backboard was Added 

The reason why the backboard was added to the basket is quite interesting. The audience who watched the game from the balcony used to interfere by intercepting the ball with the hand. Incorporating the backboard behind the basket prevented any such interference by the audience. 

Variations of Basketball 

The game of basketball is played in many different forms. Some of the variants of basketball are as follows: beach basketball, water basketball, wheelchair basketball, unicycle basketball, streetball, slamball, and dunk hoops. 

Basketball at Olympics 

The United States won the basketball gold medal at the London Olympics (in 2012). They beat Spain 107-100 in the gold-medal match. USA has dominated the basketball event ever since 1936 - when basketball was introduced in the Olympics. USA has won all the gold medals in the history of Olympics except for the 4 that were won by the Soviet Union (Munich Olympics, 1972 and Seoul Olympics, 1988), Yugoslavia (Moscow Olympics, 1980) and Argentina (Athens Olympics, 2004). 

Tallest Basketball Players 

Paul Sturgess of the United Kingdom is the tallest professional basketball player with a height of 2.32 meters (7 feet, 7.26 inches). Gheorghe Muresan (Romania) and Manute Bol (Sudan) are the tallest players in the history of NBA. Both of them have the same height i.e. 2.31 meters (7 feet, 7 inches). 

The game of basketball underwent many changes after its inception in 1891. The tricks like shooting, dribbling and passing evolved in due course of time. Originally restricted to few countries, basketball has now become a popular sport the world over.

Tennis Equipment

Tennis is a ball game, which can be played by two people or even four. When played between two people it is called "singles" and when played by four people (two people in each team), it is called "doubles". To hit the ball each player has a racquet (racket) and there is a net in between the two teams in the middle of the court. Tennis can be classified as an indoor as well as an outdoor game. It is one of the most popular games in the world and the players of this game are nothing less than celebrities. Their fan following can be a matter of envy for the cine stars as well. Tennis was initially played by the aristocrats and was called court tennis in the USA; in France it is called Jeu de Paume and in Australia it is called Royal Tennis. In Great Britain it was called Real Tennis and the modern Lawn Tennis is derived from the same. 

The court plays a significant role in the whole game. It is rectangular in shape and it is divided into two equal halves by the net that lies in the middle of the court. The length varies with the number of players playing, for singles 'it is thinner than in doubles. To be precise the court is 23.77 m long and 8.23 m wide for singles matches, and 10.97m wide for doubles matches. Additional space is provided for the players to access overrun balls. 

Tennis courts are of three types: 

• Clay 
• Hard 
• Grass 
• Suspended 
• Indoor 

Clay courts can be of two types: 

• Red clay 
• Green clay 

Red clay courts are made of compressed brick particles and are covered with a layer of loose particles. This kind of court is common in Europe and South America. The French Open is played on a red clay court. The other kind is a green clay court, which is not very different from a red clay except for the fact that Har-Tru(C) or American Clay is used to make the underlying bed and then it is covered with red clay. Green clay courts are mostly found in the Eastern and Southern parts of United States. 

Hard Courts are made of cement, plastic, asphalt and even concrete are an advantage for people who play speedy games and like to hit the ball hard. The US Open in played on a hardcourt surface and these are quite common in West America and California and the Australian Open is played on a Rebound Ace, which is a synthetic hardcourt. There lies a difference between the Rebound Ace and the ordinary hardcourt as they differ in the degree of hardness. Rebound ace is softer as a result of which when the ball bounces the first time its speed decreases. The speed and friction also depends on the materials that are used to prepare the top layer of the court. 

Grass courts can be made of synthetic or natural grass and the bounce of the ball would be dependent on the quality of grass that the court has .Synthetic grass court is similar to Astro Turf that is used for football matches. Grass courts are expensive to maintain. The ball does not bounce well but takes on good pace. Grass courts are used in Wimbledon. 

Tennis equipment is made by big brands and a lot of detailing is involved in the manufacturing. It has now become such a grand sport that everything associated with it also assumes a lot of importance. 

• Tennis Ball: A tennis ball can be yellow, green or white in color (colors approved by the USTA) and has fixed standards for size ,weight and deformation. These balls are made of pressurized rubber covered with high quality cloth, which is made of wool and nylon. These balls are kept under pressure of two atmospheres before initial use. 
• Tennis Ball Machine: This is practice equipment, which is used by the players to train themselves. It helps the players to practice the footwork and handle all kinds of shots that the opponent might use. These machines come in different models and are quite a help. 
• Tennis rackets (racquets): To play tennis the first things that are elementary are the racket and the ball. A racket in general has a handle and an oval frame, across which a network of strings is stretched. The size of a modern racket for an adult would be 27" to 27.5". Tennis is a power game and requires a lot of stamina and strength for only to hold the racket since handling such a heavy device becomes quite a challenge. When choosing a tennis racket the following things have to be kept in mind like the grip, the head size, length, flex, string tension, weight, and balance. 
• Bag: This is one of the most neglected but important accessories related to the game. Whenever a bag is brought, the space that is needed, the feature that would suit the best and the style that is required should all be kept in mind. Too small or too biog a bag can be equally useless. Price for a good quality bag varies from $50 to $60. 
• Tennis Apparel: Tennis apparel has gone through a metamorphosis as has done the perception of the game, wherein the former definitely contributes to the latter. Initially men played the game in long trousers and women wore long dresses and stockings whereas now tennis players are style icons and the apparels are designed by brands that have made it quite fashionable. Any fashion brand would have a different section for tennis apparel, one only has to go and choose the apparel one is comfortable in. 
• Tennis Shoes: When buying shoes for this game, one should go for a proper shoes. The shoes should be court specific, since its conformity and compatibility differs from one pair to the other. Shoes, like apparel, should also be comfortable and should ensure that the feet are protected. The toe area should have better protection than the other parts of the foot as a tennis player uses his toes for foreground grand strokes. Nowadays shoes come with special cushioning and moisture absorbing mechanism as well. Since the game requires a lot of sudden movements, shoes should support the feet and protect it to an extent. 

All these and many more comprise the tennis gear, I hope this article gives an insight to the beginners as to what exactly is and requires.

Tennis Scoring System

Though tennis is a thrilling and exciting game, you will understand the game properly only if you know the scoring in detail. As for the history of this concept, it is believed by many people that its rules originated in the medieval numerology. As per this system, the number or score of sixty was the winning score after securing points in the sequence of fifteen, thirty, and forty five. The circular movement of the clock can be compared to the scores of this system as with every score, we move ahead by a quarter. But, the concept of the score forty was not explained by this system.

The Procedure 

• A game can be won by winning four points 
• A set can be won by winning six games 
• The tennis match can be won by winning two (or three) sets 

The scoring explained in this article is based on the performance of two players, say Y and Z. After the toss is over, and if Y wins, he can either serve the opponent or choose the side of court and receive a serve from the opponent or pass on the decision to Z.

Let us assume that Y decides to serve first. The condition for Y is that he should get his service right in two chances otherwise Z wins a point. If Y gets the serve right, then the rally between the two players begins till one of them misses or loses a point. Remember - the tennis ball has to be returned after only one bounce and should land inside the court to win a point. If Y wins the first point after a rally, the referee will announce the score as 15-0 or 15-love. In case, the next point is won by Z, the scores will be 15-15 or 15 all. If Z wins the next point, the score will be announced as 15-30. Now, consider that Y wins the next point and levels the score at 30-30 or 30 all. Now, if Y wins the next point, the score will be announced as 40-30.

After this point, the situation might be slightly confusing to understand. If Y wins the next point, he will be the winner of the game. However, if Z wins it, the scores will be 40-all and the referee calls for a deuce. In the case of a deuce, it is necessary for both the players to win two points in a row. After winning one point, by either of the players, the situation is termed as advantage Y or advantage Z. If the player with the advantage wins the next point, then he wins the game. If he fails to win, then the scores are again referred to as deuce. However, some tennis matches adopt the no-ad scoring in which the player who wins the next point after the duece wins the game.

After playing the first and every next game which is odd numbered, the two players will change sides. A set can be won by winning six games by a margin of two or more games. However, if the score is 6-5 or 5-6 and if the player with the score 6 reaches 7, he wins the set by 7-5 or 5-7 respectively. In case the scores turn to be 6-6 within a set, players play a tiebreaker which is a best of 12 points. The points in tiebreakers are noted with counting numbers like 1, 2, 3 and so on. Service is done by the player winning the game just before the tiebreaker, and is given to other player for serving two points, and continued till the set is won. The one who wins the tiebreaker wins the set by 7-6.

By winning two sets (best of three) the match can be won, while in men's tennis, match is won after winning three sets (best of five). The best of three format is for the female players. There are doubles matches which are of two sets and have a match deciding a tiebreaker of ten points.

After studying the above mentioned scoring system, all your doubts would have been cleared. With actual tennis practice, you will understand the basics of the game much better.

Basic Tennis Shots

To succeed in anything, one first needs to get the basics right. The same goes for the game of tennis too. So here are all the basic shots that are played in this wonderful game, be it on a grass court, clay court, or a hard court. 

Forehand 

This is the basic and most important shot in every player's game, and also one of the first shots that almost everyone learns to master. The racket is held with a locked and firm grip, and the shot is played on the correct side (right side for a right-handed player and left side for a left-handed player), by swinging the racket from behind to front, directing it towards where the ball needs to be hit. This shot has one continuous swing, and the speed is determined by how far the player swings the racket from behind the ball. For the greatest effect, this shot should be played with the body weight towards the front. An effective forehand either produces a winner or is so good that the opponent produces a weak return which allows you to put the ball away with ease and win the point. 

Backhand 

The backhand shot is simply the opposite of the forehand, though it's not as simple as that. It is played on the wrong side of the player, by swinging the racket from behind towards where the ball needs to be directed. The other techniques that need to be used in this shot are similar to that of the forehand. Everyone, well almost, masters the forehand, but getting the backhand right is not so easy. And a player who has a powerful backhand along with the forehand, ends up having a much more lethal attacking game. With a good backhand, you are in a better position to retrieve more balls, and also, more often, set up points that way you want, eventually allowing you to dictate your own terms in more rallies of the match. 

Double-handed Backhand 

This is the same as the backhand shot mentioned above, the only difference being that instead of playing it with one hand, both hands are used. Now the reason can be any of the two - some players simply use it to generate more power, while others need to use it as their single-handed backhand is not such a powerful shot in their armor. Also, the situation can determine whether the single-handed or double-handed backhand needs to be used. For example, if you are moving forward to attack a weak return from your opponent, then finishing off the point with a double-handed backhand would be preferable. If the opponent's return is not very near to you, then with less time in hand, stretching and executing a single-handed backhand would be easier. 

Top Spin 

The top spin shot uses the basics of a forehand, with some tweaks for a different end result. Imagine you are executing the forehand shot itself, that's the basic posture. But the racket's starting point needs to be at least a foot below the height it will finally contact the ball. Usually, final contact is around mid-stomach height. At the point of contact, the back of the ball needs to be hit with the axis of the racket parallel to the ground. The ball should be hit anywhere between 4 - 5 inches above the net so that it has maximum effect after bouncing in the opponent's side of the court. The top spin allows the ball to bounce and go ahead even more, making it difficult for the opponent to either reach the ball or execute a decent return. It is also used to have a counter-effect if the opponent has played a slice shot. 

Slice 

The slice shot is used when you want the ball to sail through low into the other half of the court. It is also normally done on a backhand shot. Using a firm grip, the racket needs to be taken from a high point and hit down towards the ball, something similar to a karate chop. This keeps the ball low when it bounces in the other half of the court. It is also termed as backspin or underspin, and will force to opponent to play a top spin or a shot which comes high and weak, back at you. This shot is also played a lot when you are on the defensive, and the opponent is bombarding you with powerful shots come fast at you. Slicing the ball back gives you more time to get back into the point, and also doesn't allow your opponent to attack as much. 

Drop Shot 

A drop shot can be played like another version of the slice, or can also be simply a gentle touch over the net, in such a way that the opponent cannot reach or retrieve the ball. This shot produces a lot of backspin, just manages to go over the net and hardly bounces at all in the other half. It is most effective when used as a surprise weapon while the opponent is back deep into his half, and is not in a position to run forward fast enough to retrieve the ball right at the net. It works best on a clay court where the bounce of the ball is lower than all other surface types. This is not an easy shot to execute, and should not be tried too often, as besides the difficulty level, it will only end up negating the surprise element that it has. 

Volley 

In this shot, the ball is hit before it bounces on the ground. It is usually executed after the point has been set up with a deep shot that has the opponent defending right back at the baseline. The wrist has to be very firm to play the volley, and the ball is just punched into the vacant area of the opponent's side of the court with an angled racket. Also, you need to be either right at the net or well inside your baseline, to get maximum advantage. 

Lob 

This is a shot played when your opponent has come forward right to the net in an attacking position, and you feel you cannot win the point with a passing shot. The ball needs to be hit with the racket angling between 0 to 45 degrees. It should sail over the opponent in such a way that he cannot jump to smash it, and it should bounce in his court at the back, not allowing him enough time to run back and retrieve it. Using some topspin in this shot greatly increases its effectiveness. This is however the offensive lob. If you are in a defensive position during a point, your opponent being at the baseline, a lob can then be used too, to break the opponent's rhythm, which will also increase the duration of the point and give you vital time to get back into a proper position eventually. 

Overhead Smash 

The overhead smash can be played when you are either right at the net or a fair distance inside your baseline, and you receive a ball that is high. It can be taken either directly or on the bounce. The technique is quite like the serve, but many players love to jump up and execute the overhead smash.

Serve
The serve is the start of a point. The idea is to put the ball in play by serving it into the opponent's side of the court. The serve needs to fall in the diagonal part of the opposite side of the court, in the square just after the net, which is called the service box. The ball needs to be tossed up in the air, and the aim is to strike it at the highest point possible with a fully-stretched arm. While doing so, either foot should not touch the baseline until the serve is completed. There are different types of serves, though the common ones are the flat powerful serve and the slice serve. A serve is an important part of the game, and most often sets up the way the point is played. A serve that ends without the opponent even getting the racket to the ball is called an Ace.

These were the basic tennis shot names, which are most widely used in any game, be it amateur or professional. For a good overall game, executing these basic shots in tennis are a bare minimum for any player. And for all those who simply love to watch the game, when your favorite player plays an excellent shot and wins a point, you will now exactly know what that shot is all about. Right!

Health Benefits of Playing Tennis

Tennis is known as a gentleman's game because it was played by nobility and the elite, in the days gone by. Today, tennis is one of the most popular individual sports globally, and is played by people of all age groups. Besides the thrill and spirit of competition provided by a game of tennis, it also offers physical and mental health benefits. Let's get to know the array of health advantages of playing tennis.

Reduces Risk of Cardiovascular Problems

A game of tennis involves a great deal of quick aerobic movements resulting in increased heart rate and metabolic function. These enhanced energy levels help lower high blood pressure and cholesterol, and eventually heart-related risks. Aerobic exercises increase the blood circulation throughout the body, in order to increase the flow of oxygen. This process strengthens and keeps the heart muscles healthy.

Improves Bone Health

A 30-minute game of tennis can go a long way in improving the conditioning of the bones. Strenuous exercise, as well as the type of exercises where you have to work your body against gravity is an excellent way to strengthen your bones. Studies carried out by the National Institutes of Health indicate that bone mass of both men and women begins to reduce after the age of 30. Hence, the only way one can prevent or slow down its decline is by exercising regularly before you reach your peak age. The NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center states that at least half an hour of daily exercise, such as playing tennis, helps in preventing osteoporosis.

Burns Calories

Being a fast-paced sport, tennis requires one to stay alert at all times. It involves a great deal of calorie-burning activities like sprinting, swinging, and jumping. For an active play of 1 hour, the calories burned are as follows:

If the weight of a person is 160 pounds (73kgs) : 584 calories are burned

If the weight of a person is 200 pounds (91kgs) : 728 calories are burned

If the weight of a person is 240 pounds (109kgs) : 872 calories are burned

Enhances Brain Activity 

Tennis also requires the player to possess tactical thinking abilities, agility, presence of mind, and other motor skills. Motor control is enhanced while working on shots like drop shots, angled volleys, smashes, and lobs. Exercising, thus, aids in improving neural connections that are essential in transmitting vital information from the brain to the rest of your body. 

Elevates Mood 

Endorphins are neurotransmitters produced during various activities―exercise being one of them. These endorphins are released during intense workout sessions that gives a person an euphoria-like feeling―often termed as a runner's high. Aerobic activities like tennis, are excellent at improving your mood, relieving possible signs of depression, and reducing stress. This also plays a major role in keeping one's cool during an important match. 

Improves Coordination and Flexibility 

The exercise or training drills performed before a game of tennis include different styles of stretching workouts. These workouts are intense and are essential since court coverage is an important aspect of every game. Such drills, thereby, improve your agility and flexibility to execute every shot. 

As explained above, motor skills also play a major role when it comes to executing crucial movements. Overall body coordination is extremely important as you have to be prepared for every shot that comes your way. Coordination and flexibility together also reduce the risk of possible injuries, especially sprains. 

You can reap the health benefits of playing tennis, or any sport for that matter, only if you play regularly. Sport also acts as a great stress buster, and a 30-minute game of tennis is sure to recharge and rejuvenate you.

Paddle Tennis Rules

Though it has striking resemblance to lawn tennis, paddle tennis is quite different from the popular sport. For starters, the court is smaller and the net is lower than the lawn tennis specifications. The court doesn't have double lanes. Also, the string racket is replaced by a solid paddle. As it is played on a small court, paddle tennis requires more agility and quicker reflexes. Besides these, there also exist minor differences between the two sports. You will get familiar with them as you go through this summary of the rules of paddle tennis. 

Paddle Tennis Rules and Regulations 

Court and Net

✦ Going by the book, a paddle tennis court should be 50 feet in length and 20 feet in width. The distance from service line to service line should be 44 feet, with 3 feet on either ends demarcated as the service area. In West Coast paddle, a restraining line is drawn at a distance of 12 feet from the net. No player is supposed to cross this line before the player who is receiving the serve has struck the ball. 

✦ The net used in paddle tennis is 22-feet long and 2.6-feet wide. The top of the net should be exactly 31 inches from the ground and 18 inches outside each sideline. More importantly, it should not sag more than an inch at the center. 

Equipment and Attire 

✦ In order to meet the requirements set by the United States Paddle Tennis Association (USPTA), the paddle should not be larger than 9½ × 18 inches in size. It should be made from some solid material, such as wood, and should not have strings in it. 

✦ The ball used should be a pressurized tennis ball, which should be punctured to reduce its internal pressure. According to the rules put forth by the USPTA, when this ball is thrown from a height of 6 feet, the bounce should not be less than 31 inches or more than 33 inches. 

✦ As with any other professional sports, proper court attire is a must in paddle tennis. The shoes should sport non-marking rubber soles. 

Gameplay 

✦ The player who wins the toss, or paddle spin, gets to choose between the side and serve. In case the player chooses the side, the opponent gets to serve, and if the player chooses to serve, the opponent gets to choose the side. 

✦ The player is allowed to serve only once, and in the event of a fault, he loses a point. The service is regarded as a fault when the server misses the ball while attempting a serve, or the ball touches the net when served. The player can either toss the ball in the air or bounce it behind the base line on the court while serving, but the method once chosen has to be used for the entire set. 

✦ When serving, the player should not strike the ball at a height of 31 inches or more. Similarly, no part of his body should cross the baseline; doing this will be considered a foot fault and he will lose a point. At the end of each game, there is a role reversal. The receiver becomes server, while the server becomes the receiver. 

✦ In singles matches, when the serve is returned, the server has to wait for the ball to bounce before returning it back. Similarly, in doubles matches, only one player should strike the ball. If both the players do, it amounts to fault. The point gained by a player when the ball falls exactly on the line or touches the line is called a good ball. 

Scoring 

✦ If the rules of paddle tennis have any similarity with that of lawn tennis, it is in the scoring department. The first point is called 15, second point 30, third point 40, while the fourth point is game. In order to win a set, the player should have a lead with a margin of two games over his opponent. The match is usually best of three sets. 

✦ At the end of each odd game, the players are supposed to change sides. There can either be an 8 game pro-set or best of three in a standard six-game set. Breaks of 60 seconds when changing sides, 10 minutes between 2nd and 3rd set, and 15 seconds between points are allowed. Unnecessary delays, on the other hand, can result in disqualification. 

✦ If the set points reach 6 all, 8 all, or 12 all, then there is a tie breaker. In such a case, the player who reaches 7 games in the 6-set format, 9 games in the 8-set format, or 13 games in the 12-set format, with a margin of two games, is declared the winner. 

The most important thing in any sporting event is the sportsman spirit. Hence, it is important that the players abide by the rules and regulations of the game to ensure that the competition is free and fair.

Badminton Tips

A badminton rally ends once the shuttlecock falls to the ground. The rule is that it can only be struck once by each side, over the net. The shuttlecock is a feathered projectile that is designed with unique aerodynamic properties that cause it to fly differently. The feathers create a higher drag and cause the shuttlecock to decelerate much more than a ball. Competitive badminton is always played indoors, because the flight of the shuttlecock is strongly affected by wind. As an Olympic sport, badminton has five competitive disciplines―men's and women's singles, men's and women's doubles, and mixed doubles. The sport demands aerobic stamina, strength, and speed. The technical aspect of the sport requires good motor coordination. 

Since badminton involves stamina and agility, you need to warmup accordingly. You could begin with a jog or skipping, and once your pulse is raised, stretch the legs, back, and shoulders to prepare for the lunges. When choosing a racket, check the grip―small grips for small hands and large grips for large hands. Develop a relaxed grip with flexible wrist movements, to perfect forehand and backhand shots. A wobbly shuttle indicates poor quality or faulty dynamics, and should be returned or chucked away as soon as possible. 

After playing a shot, try as much to return to central base position, to be more likely to reach all possible opposing shots. As badminton is a fast-paced and highly unpredictable game, you should be prepared to change direction anytime. Incorporate some strategies into the game, and the best game plan to follow is to discover your opponent's weakness. Once you identify one or many of his or her weaknesses, play to it as much as possible! This sport requires stamina and agility, and thus, brisk walking and jogging are ideal for providing knee strength that is required during a fast-paced game. 

Badminton requires constant thinking and planning. Make sure that every shot has a purpose, and keep an eye on as much of the court as possible. Just like in any other game, exercise or physical activity, make sure you round-off your game with a cool-down phase. You need to ensure that you finish as you began, probably with a gentle walk around the court. You could also adopt some light stretching exercises. When attempting to take up badminton as a sport, focus on the major muscle groups. Even if you wish to concentrate on some others, let your choice depend on how the previous game was. 

When stretching for a warmup before a game, ensure that you hold your stretches for around 30 seconds. This ensures a really deep stretch. Badminton is like any other sport, and whether played 'singles' or 'doubles' or 'mixed', the game demands teamwork. You need to understand and apply all the rules to the game, even during the workout sessions. The game requires you to have a lot of stamina, and hence, you need to monitor your diet. A fiber-rich diet, with just the right amount of good fats and carbohydrates, will work wonders on your energy levels. 

Once you take to the sport of badminton, you should not shift focus from the essentials of the game, and develop a game plan all your own! Badminton, played as a leisure activity, is a great exercise, and a fantastic way of spending quality time with family and friends. There are dedicated clubs everywhere that operate to teach the sport to children and those genuinely interested in the sport.

Badminton Terms

Badminton, a sport played with rackets and shuttlecocks, is a popular game today. Due to its increasing popularity, the game was included as an Olympic sport in 1992. The game involves two opposing players (singles) or two opposing pairs (doubles). The objective is to hit the shuttlecock into the opponent's half of the court.

Racket

A racket is the equipment used by badminton players to hit a shuttlecock. It weighs about 3 ounces, and is 27 inches long. Nowadays, the frame is usually made of boron, graphite, carbon, or ceramic. They are also made of carbon fiber and graphite-plastic composite. These materials allow the player to have better control of the shuttlecock defensively, and generate more power while smashing. The strings are made up of either synthetic or natural material. Natural strings are made up of pig gut, and give better control and feel, but are expensive and are less durable.

Shuttlecock

Also known as the birdie, it is the projectile that is used in shot exchange when playing badminton. It is conical in shape, and is open on one side. The base consists of the cork, which is covered with a layer of leather. Feathers, usually belonging to a duck or goose, are embedded in the cork. The feathers give the aerodynamic quality to the birdie. However, with the advancement of the game, shots have become increasingly powerful, and rallies have become longer. This results in damage to the shuttlecock, where it breaks after 2-3 rallies. Hence, shuttlecock manufacturers make them with nylon skirts instead of feathers. This makes the birdies more durable, and hence, last longer.

Serve or Service

During service, opponents stand in diagonally opposite service courts. The server then hits the shuttlecock in the opponent's service court. The service requires the server to hit the shuttlecock below waist-height, with the racket-head pointing down.

Service Court

The bounded area of the court, where, after service, the shuttlecock is allowed to land, is termed as the service court. The service court is different for singles and doubles. If the shuttlecock lands anywhere outside the service area, it is a fault or a wrong serve.

Short Service Line

The line which is 1.98 meter away from the net, is the short service line. The serve must reach beyond this line to be legal. If the service fall short of this line, it is a wrong serve or a fault. Match A match is nothing but the number of games played to decide a winner.

Court

The court is the area where the game is played, and is defined by the outer boundary lines. Center Line It is that line which runs perpendicular to the net. It is also a line that divides the right and left service courts. Long Service Line At the end of the court, there are two lines in each half. In doubles, the line on the inside determines the end of the court, i.e., doubles long service line. In singles, out of these two lines, the one on the outside determines the end of the court, that is the singles long service line. This means, for serves, the court length for singles is longer than that of doubles by 0.76 meters.

Forecourt

The forecourt is the area between the net and the short service line. This is the area of the court where the drop shots usually land.

Mid court

The mid court is the section of the court which is halfway between the boundary line at the back and the net. Smashes are aimed at the extremities of this part of the court.

Alley

The area between the parallel lines on either side of a badminton court is known as the alley. This is also known as the third court. This area is where a lob, drive, or a long serve usually lands. This area of the court is also called a back alley by badminton players.

Clear

A clear is a shot which is struck in such a way that it goes deep into the opponent's court. This shot is also known as a toss. This shot is usually accompanied with height, so that the player who has hit it, has sufficient time to recover his position.

Drive

When a player hits the shuttle low and fast, so that it goes horizontally just over the net, it is called a drive.

Drop

It's a shot wherein the player hits the shuttle in such a way, that it falls close to the net on the opponent's side.

Flick

A flick is used in serving, and when playing defensive shots. There is a sudden movement in the wrists along with the forearm movement, which converts a short serve into a long one. Hence, this helps in deception. This shot is also used when the player is retrieving a drop shot. Here, the player might feign a drop shot, and instead, with a flick hit a lob instead.

Hairpin Net Shot

A hairpin net shot has two versions. One is the serve version, where the server hits the shuttle from a low height. Here, the shuttlecock just clears the net, and lands just beyond the short service line. In the other version, the player hit the shuttle so that it lands just inside the opponent's court, barely clearing the net. The risk while attempting this shot is that the shuttle may fail to clear the net, because of the tight hairpin-like trajectory.

Half Court Shot

A half court shot is one wherein a player who serves, hits and directs the shuttlecock so that it goes towards the middle of the court.

Push Shot

A push shot is one wherein a serving player gently pushes the shuttle with a slight wrist movement. This shot is usually played from the mid court or the net to the mid court of the opponent.

Rally

When the players hit the shuttlecock back and forth a number of times, before one of the players scores a point, is called a rally.

The Court Area

The area of a badminton court is 13.4 meters long, 6.1 meters wide, and is rectangular in shape. While playing doubles, the complete court width is used. This width is reduced to 5.18 meters while playing singles. The service area is indicated by the horizontal lines near the net, which are present on both sides of the court. At the centermost point of this horizontal line, a vertical line starts, which ends at the back of the court. As a result, the service area is split into two blocks. There are two horizontal lines at the back of the court which represent the outer bounds for a singles serve or a doubles serve. The line which is closer, points to the service area during a doubles match, whereas, the line which is furthest, points to the serving area during a singles match. The net is hung at a height of 1.55 meters at the center of the court, and is attached to two poles on either side of the court.

The Scoring Pattern

In a game of badminton, the aim of the players is to win a fixed number of games, usually, it's a best of three match. Each game is played till a side reaches 21 points first. Each time a rally is won by a particular side, points are scored and they get the right to serve. The side which reaches 21 points first, wins the game. A game must be won with a difference of at least two points. In case the score is tied at 20-20, it's called a deuce. The game continues until a side gets a two point advantage.

The Serving Pattern

In badminton, a player while serving, must strike at the base of the shuttlecock in one stroke, and the racket-head should point down. The foot of neither the serving player nor the receiving player should go off the ground, till the service has been completed. If the serve is a fault, it results in a change of serve, and also awards a point to the receiver. Unlike lawn tennis, there are no double faults in badminton.

Thus, badminton is a game that requires you to be agile and flexible, and once you master the skills and techniques of the game, you will not only enjoy playing it, but also gain good health and fitness.

How to Grip a Badminton Racket

Badminton is a very popular sport amongst many people from all around the world, and this is a game that comes naturally to many people. Learning the game is not that difficult at all, and the rules are also very simple to understand. All you need to do is hit the shuttlecock between the players with the help of a badminton racket. Official games have a net that needs to be scaled, and unofficial games between friends and family members can be played pretty much anywhere.

When someone is looking to play badminton for the first time, or even when someone is looking to improve their game, the first thing that they should do is learn how to grip the racket properly. The right grip can affect one's game majorly, so it is absolutely essential to learn the correct technique involved. Anyone who is experiencing difficulties with gripping the racket will definitely have a hard time playing the game properly and learning other aspects of badminton as well.

The Badminton Racket 

Badminton rackets have traditionally been very light, and they typically weigh anything between 70 and 95 grams. The materials used for manufacturing these rackets are varied in nature, but they are typically composed of carbon fiber composites, graphite reinforced plastic or even solid steel. In the beginning, badminton rackets were made of wood or aluminum. The shape of the rest of the racket is oval, but some new rackets are also shaped isometrically. The head has many taut strings that are pulled tight so that they can transfer kinetic energy easily, and some rackets even have materials like carbon nanotubes or fullerene in order to increase the transfer of this energy. The strings (which are generally made of nylon) generally have a thickness of about 0.62 - 0.73 mm and the tension at which they are tied makes a big difference in the shots that a player makes. Strings with lower tension provide more powerful shots, whereas strings with higher tension improve the control and the direction of the shots. When it comes to the grip of the racket, it is the personal choice of the player that gains importance. Sweaty palms can affect the grip in many different ways, so the player must choose between a towel-like material grip or a polyurethane synthetic grip.

Gripping the Racket Right 

The shape of the grip of the badminton racket is octagonal, and each of these sides are known as bevels. You should also be aware that when you hold the racket, you should relax your forearm muscles. Gripping the racket too tightly will spoil the shots you make, and this is something that most people do not realize. You should only tighten your muscles when you are actually hitting the shuttlecock, but at other times you should hold the racket in a flexible manner so that you can shift it around in your hand easily.

In order to learn the proper grip, you must hold the racket so that the face is perpendicular to the ground. Now you must extend your right hand towards the grip as if you are shaking hands with the racket. Now simply wrap your fingers around the racket, and move your thumb so that you feel comfortable. You can further adjust the thumb and the index finger to get to the most comfortable position. Now move the racket around and see if you can do so freely. This is the best way to grip a racket in order to play a forehand shot, and even to play a backhand shot in most cases. Many experienced players say that the best way to see if your grip is right, is to check if there is a V-shape between your thumb and your index finger when you see the back of your hand. If this position fits the V-shape then the grip is absolutely correct.

While this orthodox forehand grip is great for playing backhand shots, you can also use the common backhand grip for playing such shots. In order to do this you will have to break the V-shape of the thumb and the index finger, and move the thumb higher up the grip than the index finger. The biggest benefit of this grip is that the individual can exert greater leverage on the racket by pressing the thumb downwards. A third grip known as the frying pan grip is also commonly used and in this case you will need to grip the racket in the same manner as in the forehand grip. The only difference here is that the face of the racket should be parallel to the ground, rather than perpendicular to it. This grip allows one to freely play forehand shots and backhand shots without changing the grip in the middle of the game.

All these tips are commonly known to many players, and anyone who is starting to play the game should also be well aware of this. You can try experimenting with a few grips before you settle on one that you are comfortable with, and this is something that you should never forget. It is far more important to grip the racket in a manner that comforts you, rather than just blindly follow a predetermined grip.

How to Play Badminton

Well, let's get to the basics first. Badminton is a game played with a racket and a shuttlecock (known as shuttle birdie in some parts of the world), between two or four players. It was introduced into the Olympics in 1992 as men's singles, women's singles, men's doubles, women's doubles, and mixed doubles. Badminton is an indoor game. There are several similarities between badminton and tennis; and also an equal number of differences. However, playing badminton is considered easier than tennis; though many will disagree. Here is brief information about playing badminton that will be helpful for beginners. 

Badminton Tips for Beginners 

Apart from the racket and the birdie, there are several other terms used in badminton that you need to be aware of before beginning to play. The movement of the birdie is affected by the wind, and hence, badminton is always played indoors. Similarly, the most basic thing to remember is to use proper technique and strength to hit the shuttle back, and score points. Now that you know the terms, let us see how to play and score in badminton. 

Game Play 

• Both, the server and the opponent should stand inside their service courts during the serve. 
• In singles as well as doubles, the serve is always done diagonally from one's own right corner to the right corner of the opponent. 
• Now, unlike tennis, the birdie should not bounce on the opponent's court before he hits it. It is a direct shot between the server and the opponent. 
• The serve should always be done underhand. You can either serve forehand or backhand. However, you should make sure that the serve is underhand. 
• The opponent should try to hit the birdie back to the server, without touching the net. 
• The back and forth hitting continues until the birdie falls on the ground. 
• The lift, the push, and the drive are the common shots that are used while hitting the birdie back to the opponent. 
• If the birdie is below the height of the net, you need to lift the birdie upwards to send it back to the opponent's court. Secondly, you can push very slowly to the opponent's court too. Thirdly, you can drive it flat to the opponent's court with full strength. 
• Lastly, you should note that you can hit the birdie only once in order to defend / attack and send it back. No double shots or hitting the birdie twice (by the same player) is allowed. 

Scoring 

• The professional game of badminton is a match of best of three games. A single game comprises 21 points, with a minimum difference of 2 points to win. 
• The player gains a point if the opponent fails to hit the birdie back, hits the birdie into the net, if the birdie lands out of the court, if the shuttle touches any of the body part of the opponent. 
• If the person serving loses the point, the service is immediately changed, and the opponent serves next. 
• Now, in case of a doubles' match, if the serving team scores, the same person serves, but to a different opponent. 
• On the other hand, if the opponent team wins the point, and the new score is in odd number, then the player in the left service court serves. Secondly, if the new score is in even number, then the player in the right service court serves. 

These are the rules, tips and techniques on playing badminton for beginners. Note that mastering these basic techniques and using them in the right manner can help in playing the game in a better way. Good luck!

Badminton Rules and Regulations

Badminton has five disciplines, namely, men's singles, ladies' singles, men's doubles, ladies' doubles and the mixed doubles, just like table tennis and lawn tennis. In case of singles, flexibility is the key, whereas in doubles, teamwork is the success formula. Let us take a look at some vital rules and regulations of the game. 

Basic 

➺ The prime objective of badminton is to strike the shuttlecock with the racket in such a way that the shuttlecock does not hit the net and falls back on the side of the server. 

➺ The shuttlecock must cross over to the opponent's side. 

➺ At the same time, the shuttlecock should not land outside the lines which limit the court boundaries. 

➺ A player or a team winning the first two sets wins the match. 

➺ Since 2006, the game consists of three sets of 21 points each (the score can go above 21 points to a maximum of 30 points), wherein a player or a team has to win two sets to win the match. 

Service/Serve 

 Somebody has to start the play by striking the shuttlecock, and the shuttle being hit for the first time in the rally is called a serve. 

➺ A toss is used to determine as to which player or team will serve. The winner of the toss has the right to decide whether or not to serve, and also choose the side of the court to start the play. 

➺ The first serve of each set is to be played from the right half of the court to the diagonally opposite half of the receiver. 

➺ The foot of neither the serving player nor the receiving player must go off the surface of the court until the service is complete. 

➺ The service starts from the right side of the court if the serving side's score is an even number. In this case the court is called an even service court. Likewise, there exists an odd service court for serving, on the left side when the score is odd. 

➺ Same is the case in doubles, but if the serving team wins a point the same person of the serving team continues to serve and does not rotate the serve to the partner. 

➺ The server and the receiver will stand simultaneously in their respective even service courts or odd service courts for service. 

➺ Only a serving side can change service courts, provided it wins a point. 

➺ Even though the receiving side gets the opportunity to serve on winning a point, it cannot change service courts and the serve depends on the scoreline. 

➺ If the scoreline is an even number then the player in the even service court serves and vice versa. 

➺ While serving, the server must place the shuttlecock below the waist. 

➺ The side winning a set or a game serves first in the next game. 

Scoring 

A score or a scoreline is of utmost importance, as it is the match decider. A match comprises the best of three sets. The side winning 21 points or 30 points, as the case may be, wins the set. 

 ➺ The beginner of the rally, known as the server, starts with a scoreline of 0-0, also known as 'love-all.' 

➺ Every side gets one point each on winning a rally. 

➺ When the receiving side makes a fault, the serving side not only gets a point but also continues to serve with the scoreline of 1-0. 

➺ When the receiving side wins a rally, it earns a point and becomes the new serving side. 

➺ If the scoreline is 4-1 in favor of the server, and the server loses the rally, the receiver earns a point. 

➺The scoreline then becomes 4-2, with the receiver getting to serve. 

➺ The receiver becomes the new server but the scoreline is always referred to as 4-2 in favor of the leading side. 

➺ When each side has the same score like 7 points each or 12 points each, then it is termed as '7-all' and '12-all' respectively. 

➺ A set consists of 21 points and the player or team scoring 21 points first, wins the set. 

➺ However, if both sides have an equal score of 20 each i.e. 20-20, a tie breaker is used to determine the winner. 

➺ In the tie breaker, the side scoring 2 points more than the opponent wins the set. This means a difference of 2 points; a scoreline of 22-20 or 23-21, or 27-25 to win the set. 

➺ When the scoreline is 29-29, then the side securing the immediate point wins the set with a score of 30-29. In this case the difference of two points is not considered for winning a set. 

➺ A side has to win two sets in order to win the match. 

➺ A third set is played only when each side has won a set each, as a match is the best of three sets. 

➺ It is in the third set, also known as the deciding set, that the player or team on reaching 11 points changes sides. 

➺ There exists a 60-second break when one team reaches 11 points and a 2-minute break after each set.  

Faults 

In order to end a rally and gain a point, one side ought to make an error commonly termed as a fault. 

➺ A player touching the net or the poles with the racket, in person or with a part of his clothing. 

➺ The player storming into the opponent's side of the court. 

➺ The player invading into the opponent's side under the net such that the opponent is obstructed and disturbed. 

➺ The receiver's partner hitting the shuttle (in case of doubles). 

➺ The shuttle passing through or under the net. ➺ Settling of the shuttle outside the lines that demarcate the court boundaries. 

➺ The shuttle being hit twice by the player or being hit by the opponent and the opponent's partner. 

➺ A wrong serve, as there exists no two chances to serve unlike lawn tennis. 

➺ The shuttle hitting the ceiling or the sidewalls. 

Shots 

➺ Drop: It is a gentle shot placed slowly. It requires utmost precision to win a point on such a shot. It is considered as a shot in disguise as the shuttle, just clears the net. 

➺ Smash: As the word suggests, it is a vigorous and commanding shot. It is considered the best shot when hit from above the height of the net. 

➺ Flick: The shot, which is tough to play takes the opponent by complete surprise. Wrist rotation is the key for this shot. 

➺ Drive: Similar to smash in terms of speed, this shot passes low just over the net. It cuts down horizontally, immediately after crossing the net.  

Related Facts 

➺ Court: Rectangular in shape and bisected at the center, the court measures 13.4 meters in length and 5.1 meters wide for singles and 6.1 meters wide for doubles. 

➺ Net: Acting as a barricade, distinguishing the two sides of the court, the net stands at a height of 1.524 meters in the center and 1.55 meters at the edges. 

➺ Racket: There exists no specific rule with regards to the size, type, and make of the racket. Normally the racket weight varies between 80 to 100 grams, and its length is about 680 millimeters. 

➺ Side lines and Back lines: The side line and the back line, limit the width and the length of the court respectively, and are not the same for singles and doubles. For singles, the inner side line and the outer back line of the court form the overall boundary, while for doubles, the outer side line and the inner back line constitute the boundary. 

➺ Shuttle: Whether made up naturally out of goose feathers or synthetic material, it travels at a great speed and has the flight characteristics. 

The overall responsibility, authority, and accountability for International Badminton descends on the Badminton World Federation (BWF), formerly known as International Badminton Federation. Set up in 1934 with 9 founder member countries, the BWF now has more than 150 countries due to the prominence of the sport worldwide. Considered to be a very popular sport, the key to a player's success would be quick reflexes, precision, agility, and immense stamina.

Badminton Court Dimensions

Badminton is a game that demands strength, agility, and precision. It is one of my personal favorites. To build a court for this game, one needs knowledge of the standard dimensions. The right dimensions ensure the right playing space. This article is aimed at discussing these court measurements, decided upon by the international body that regulates affairs, related to badminton. The game has its origins in colonial India and has a special connection with the city of Pune, in India, where it was first played. It has been a part of the Olympics since 1992. A badminton court is designed for singles and doubles plays. It is sectioned in a fashion, that's similar to a lawn tennis court, but the measurements are different, along with the rules. 

It is necessary that the dimensions of a badminton court are standardized, as it is a game played at the international level. That's why, if you are building a new court, it's necessary that you have the right court size. It ensures that the court can be used for tournaments and gives it wider recognition. Precision matters when it comes to badminton and the same goes for the court dimensions. The rules are set by the Badminton World Federation. 

Standard Badminton Court Dimensions 

Badminton court dimensions To start with, let us understand the basic structure of a badminton court. Its shape is rectangular, and bisecting the court exactly at the center, is a hoisted net, set on parallel poles. This net divides the court into a playing space for opposite players. The court is marked with lines that limit the playing space. There are separate bordering lines for singles and doubles play. There is a central line that runs in both halves of the court, subdividing it, into four parts. The width of the court must be 20 feet or roughly 6.1 meters, according to international rules. The length is limited to 44 feet or roughly 13.4 meters. Each one of the white or yellow lines, that mark the court boundaries, should be precisely 40 mm in width. Therefore, the total play area of the court is 880 square feet Or 81.74 square meters. In singles competitions, the court dimensions are a bit altered. The width of the court for singles is lesser and is limited to 17 feet or 5.18 meters, by an inner boundary line, while the length remains the same. Thus, in singles, the players can exploit the full length of the court, but not the entire width. In short, the court for singles is narrow, but long. The short service line is placed parallel to the net, at a distance of 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 meters) from the net, in both halves. Then there is a service center line which divides the court into two, width wise, and starts from the short service line. This center line is placed in such a way, that it divides each half court on both sides of the net, into exact halves. In doubles play, there is a long service line at the end of both the court halves, away from the net. This long service line for doubles is marked at 2 feet 6 inch (0.76 meters) from the back boundary. This creates two types of lobbies, which are the back lobbies and the side lobbies. The side lobbies are only used in a doubles game. Also, there should be at least 5 ft of run-off area on each side of the court. 

Net Measurements 

Badminton net dimensions As illustrated in the diagram presented above, the net poles should be at a height of 5 feet 1 inch (1.55 meters) at the edges (poles) but it should be at a height of 5 feet (1.524 meters), at the net center. The mesh size of the net should at least be 15 mm or 20 mm at the most. The width of the net must be at least 6.1 meters. That concludes our short overview of the measurements.

Volleyball Terms

This guide will give you an elemental run down of the most commonly used and basic terms and definitions in volleyball. Any individual who wants to learn the sport or regularly watches it must be aware of these terms. The knowledge of these terms and rules will aid the person in understanding the game better and enjoying it at a higher level. Not knowing the meanings to these basic terms and definitions can confuse a person entirely, and it can utterly ruin the activity of watching a game of volleyball. This knowledge takes up even more importance for a person who is actually playing the game. 

Guide of Basic Volleyball 

Terms This is an alphabetical list, and it covers the basic terms that will come in handy at some point or the other during a volleyball match. 

• ACE: A serve that no player of the opposition team touches before it hits the ground. It results in a point for the server. 
• ASSIST: Setting the ball up for a teammate who attacks the ball and then scores a point. An assist is counted only if the very next shot results in a point. 
• ATTACK: The act of actually approaching the volleyball and hitting it, in order to gain a point. 
• ATTACKER: The person who attacks the ball. Also known as the HITTER or the SPIKER. 
•  ATTACK LINE: Also known as the '10 foot line', it is 3 meters away from the net and is present on both sides of the court. 
• BACK ROW ATTACK: A move where a player behind the attack line hits the ball. At the moment when he jumps to hit the ball he must be behind the attack line. 
•  BLOCK: An action where a spiker's move is deflected back into his court by blocking the ball. 
• BALL HANDLING ERROR: The referee may call this error, if he notices that there has been a double hit, or a ball is thrown or lifted. 
• BUMP PASS: The action of clasping one's fingers together and using the forearms to hit pass the ball to a teammate or over the net. 
• CENTER LINE: The line under the net that divides the entire court into 2 equal parts. 
• DECOY: A move in which the actual spiker of the ball is disguised. This takes the opposing team by surprise. 
• DIG: The act of reaching a ball spiked by the opponents and passing it to a teammate. 
• DOUBLE HIT: An illegal move that implies that the same player has touched the ball twice in succession. 
•  FLOATER: A serve that has often been mis-hit and its direction cannot be predicted as there is no spin or rotation on the ball. 
• FOUL: Any illegal violation of the rules. 
• HIT: Act of jumping up and forcefully 'spiking' or hitting the ball to the opposing court. 
• JUMP SERVE: A method of service where the ball is flung in the air and the server jumps to strike it. 
•  KILL: A move or a strike that results in the gaining of a point. 
• MINTONETTE: This is what volleyball was officially known as earlier. The name was created by William Morgan. 
• READY POSITION: The position and stance that any player takes just before hitting the ball. 
• RED CARD: A disqualification by the referee. This implies that either a player must leave the game, the team forfeits a point, or a team forfeits a serve. 
• ROTATION: After a server has made his serve, all the players rotate in a clockwise movement. 
• SERVE: The game starts when one player serves the ball from the end line of his side of the court, into the opposing teams half. 
• SERVICE ERROR: A wrong service. This occurs when the service hits the net, or does not cross the net, or the ball falls out-of-bounds or the server's foot crosses the line while serving. 
• SETTER: The person who has the crucial second touch of the ball. The third touch will be by a spiker, and the setter must set up the ball in a nice way for the spiker. He is one of the most important offensive players in a volleyball team. 
• SIDE OUT: A situation where the receiving team wins the right to serve. This occurs either because they have won a point, or because the serving team committed an error. 
• YELLOW CARD: A warning issued to any player. This does not accompany a loss 

This guide is applicable for the game of volleyball played at any level. Knowing these terms can be a major help to any individual, who is a beginner in the game, and also any person who has been playing the sport for many many years.