2 Major Types Of Shuttlecock In Badminton: An Essential Guide

In this article, we describe the 2 major types of shuttlecock in badminton.

Introduction

Badminton is a racket sport played using racquets to hit a shuttlecock across a net.

The object of the game is to hit the shuttlecock over a net and into your opponent’s court so that they cannot return it. Two or four players use rackets to hit a shuttlecock back and forth over the net.

A shuttlecock, also known as a bird or birdie, is a small projectile used in the sport of badminton.

Shuttlecocks are propelled across the net using rackets and must clear the net on the opponent’s side of the court to score points.

Origin

The origin of the shuttlecock is not clear, but it is thought to come from either China or Greece.

It is thought that Chinese soldiers used to play with feathers attached to their arrows.

In Greece, there was a game called battledore and shuttlecock where players would hit a feathered cork back and forth with small racquets.

Size and Shape

The size and shape of the shuttlecock has changed over time. Early versions were much smaller than the ones used today.

It has a conical shape with a rounded bottom and a pointed top, and is made of cork or rubber. It is traditionally made of 16 feathers embedded into a small piece of cork.

Types of Shuttlecock in Badminton 

For a game of badminton, all you need is a racket, some netting, and a shuttlecock. But did you know that there are different types of shuttlecocks?

There are two main types of shuttlecock used in badminton. They are the goose feather shuttlecock, the plastic shuttlecock, and the nylon shuttlecock.

• The goose feather shuttlecock ( a type of feather shuttle) is the most expensive and is used in tournaments.
• The plastic shuttlecock is less expensive and is used in practice.
• The nylon shuttlecock (a synthetic shuttlecock) is the least expensive and is used in beginner games.

Feather Shuttlecocks

A feather shuttlecock, as the name suggests, is made of feathers.

It is made up of 16 feathers embedded in a cork base, and it has a diameter of about 4.5 cm.

Feather shuttlecocks are made with 16 feathers that are glued together at the base. The skirt is usually made of nylon or another synthetic material. The cork is generally round and made of light wood, like balsa.

Advantage

The main advantage of using a feather shuttlecock is that it provides more control for the player. This is because the feathers create drag, which slows down the shuttlecock’s speed and makes it easier to control.

Disadvantage

The disadvantage of using a feather shuttlecock is that it is more expensive than plastic shuttlecocks.

Durability

Feather shuttlecocks are not much durability. They wear out easily during the play. Often it requires to be changed, as seen during professional play, where players use multiple of them during a single match.

In addition, feather shuttlecocks are also more susceptible to damage from weather conditions such as wind and rain.

Aerodynamic properties

Though more expensive, feather shuttlecocks are often the preferred choice because of their aerodynamic properties and flight.

The main difference between the two types of shuttles is in their weight and flight.

The feather shuttlecock’s aerodynamic shape gives it stability and makes it fly straight when hit with a racket. Feather shuttlecocks are typically lighter than synthetic ones, which makes them easier to control.

They also have a more predictable flight path because of their aerodynamic design. When hit correctly, a feather shuttlecock will spin slightly before dropping down quickly.

Synthetic shuttlecocks

Today, plastic shuttlecocks are widely used in badminton.

They are made of synthetic materials. Plastic shuttlecocks were introduced in the 1970s as a cheaper alternative to feather shuttlecocks, and they soon gained huge popularity in the world of badminton

For years, the standard shuttlecock for playing badminton has been made with feathers. But in recent years, synthetic shuttlecocks have become more popular, as they are cheaper to produce and last longer.

There are two main types of synthetic shuttlecocks:

• those made with nylon
• those made with plastic.

Nylon shuttlecocks are generally considered to be of better quality than plastic ones. They fly faster and more accurately, and they don’t break as easily. However, they are also more expensive than plastic shuttlecocks.

Synthetic shuttlecocks are more durable and less affected by wind, temperature or weather conditions. This a big reason why they are preferred over feather shuttlecocks, especially for beginners.

Aerodynamic properties

They also have a greater mass and a greater momentum, which helps the shuttle to travel to greater lengths with respect to feather shuttlecocks

Durability

Another big advantage synthetic shuttlecock has over feather shuttlecock is that it is more durable.

As it is made of synthetic material, it is not affected to great lengths by repeated hits and long plays. It usually lasts good for more than one badminton match, which is very cost effective and convenient.

Disadvantages

The use of synthetic shuttlecocks has its share of disadvantages as well in the game of badminton. One disadvantage is that they do not have the same aerodynamic properties as feathers.

Weight

They are usually heavier than feather shuttlecocks, which can affect the power and speed of shots.

Synthetic shuttlecocks are also more difficult to generate spin and can be harder to see in dim lighting.

The Professional badminton: What do Pros use?

Synthetic shuttlecocks were have gained huge popularity among amateur players but have not been able to match the performance of feather shuttlecocks at the professional level.

While plastic shuttlecocks are the norm for recreational badminton players, professional athletes prefer feather shuttlecocks.

The reason for this preference is that feather shuttlecocks have better aerodynamic properties than plastic ones.

This gives them a more consistent flight path, making them more predictable and easier to control as we have already explained earlier.

Effect of weight of shuttlecock on play

The weight of the shuttlecock has an affect on how hard it is hit, how long it stays in the air, and how much momentum it carries.

A heavier shuttlecock is more difficult to hit with precision, but it will stay in the air longer and carry more momentum. This makes a heavier shuttlecock ideal for smashes, which require more power.

A lighter shuttlecock is easier to hit with precision and can be used for a wider variety of strokes, making it a good choice for beginners. However, it will not stay in the air as long or carry as much momentum, making it less effective for smashes.

How to choose what is best for you?

When choosing a quality shuttlecock, it is important to consider the tips, durability, and price. Here are some tips to help you choose a quality shuttlecock:

1. Check the tips of the shuttlecock. The tips should be made of durable materials such as leather or synthetic materials.

2. Consider the durability of the shuttlecock. A quality shuttlecock should be able to withstand repeated use without breaking or tearing easily.

3. Price is also an important factor to consider when choosing a quality shuttlecock. A higher price does not always mean better quality, so be sure to compare prices and features before making your final decision.

There is a wide range in prices, so it is important to find one that fits your budget.

4. What shuttlecock is best for you also depends on your level of play.

This article is majorly targeted towards beginners. If you’re a beginner, it’s important to purchase a birdie that won’t break the bank but is still durable. Plastic shuttlecocks do just as fine for beginners with respect to feather shuttlecocks, if not better.

On the other hand, if you’re an experienced player, you may want to invest in a more expensive shuttlecock that will hold up to your level of play. Feather shuttlecocks would be your best choice in that case as are used by professional badminton players.

To know which badminton racket is best for you, click here.

Read more about Shuttlecocks, here.