Updated script
December 3, 2009
This is my life, the life of a varsity athlete. Everyday, I head to the gym to face the humiliation everyone bestows on me for playing this wonderfully-fast-paced, consistency-dependent sport known as “BADMINTON”. Well I’ll tell you what, BADMINTON is a serious sport. I hate it when others tell me else wise. Just because there’s no body contact and that we play with a light feather bird, doesn’t mean it’s not cardio intensive and physically strenuous. In a typical 21 point rally game, players can easily cover over a kilometre in distance. That’s approximately the length of thirty-five basketball courts put together!
Badminton is a sport. It’s not just some backyard activity. Our birds are not simply neon, yellow and plastic. The ones we use are known as shuttlecocks and consist of exactly 16 perfectly cut goose feathers, glued and threaded to a rounded cork; each weighing approximately the same as a quarter at 5.5 grams. These feather birds allow for more speed, a better feel, and most importantly, better control.
We don’t play with the same wooden racquets that is used when playing in the backyard. There are many different other kinds, from head heavy, balanced, head light, isometric, round, long, short, the list goes on. Most racquets are made out of aluminium or titanium to ensure lightness, flexibility and durability.
We play on a court just like any other sport, only slightly smaller. The net is set at exactly 5 feet high, spanning across a distance of 20 feet. Boundaries and rules change accordingly depending on the type of game being played: singles, doubles, mixed. Each requiring different skill sets and strategies.
True badminton players play with consistency and intensity, along with a broad range of shots. We watch for subtle hints and clues that our opponents give from head to toe. Even the slightest motion of the eyes can help turn a game into our favour.
You probably don’t understand what I’m talking about do you? I bet you’re laughing at me right now. Everyone always does. No one understands or ever will. Well perhaps the swimmers, or the golfers and bowlers. They may understand. Badminton is a real sport, I would know, don’t try to prove me otherwise, because I will always prove you wrong.
