Badminton

Racquet games (similar to today's badminton) existed long before the name badminton was invented. Today's game owes its name to the English country estate of the Duke of Beaufort from the county of Gloucestershire. In 1893 the 1st Badminton Association was founded in England. The first badminton sports clubs outside of England were founded in Germany in 1903.

Badminton is played by 2 or 4 players (depending on whether singles or doubles is being played) with the aim of hitting the ball over the net into the opponent's half of the field in such a way that the opponent cannot return it properly. Since 2006, the rally point system has been used to win two sets, with a lead of at least two points having to be reached at the end of the set.

The game has a certain similarity to tennis, although the playing field is significantly smaller. It also differs in fundamental tactical and game-technical aspects. The game ball, which must not touch the ground during the game, has special flight characteristics.

The game places high demands on fitness, speed and reflexes. Tactical skill, playfulness and the ability to concentrate are also required. Counting is based on points and sets, since 2006 a new counting method has been used. Errors include: scored if the cue ball does not fly over the net or touches the floor, the wall or the hall ceiling, as well as if the player or racket touches the net.

The first German championships took place on January 17th and 18th, 1953 in Wiesbaden During the 1960s, membership in badminton clubs declined, but a veritable badminton boom began in the 1970s with the construction of new sports halls. The German Badminton Association currently has around 16 state associations with around 218,000 members in 2,700 clubs.