As the numbers show, badminton, by participation, is the second most popular sport worldwide. Therefore, there is no way to deny that badminton is, nowadays, among the favorites sports in the world. As you jump on the badminton bandwagon, it’s important that you come prepared to the pitch with the right equipment and gear.
If you are a beginner and are just getting started on this sport, it’s crucial that you start on the right foot, especially with it comes down to the necessary equipment to use.
Continue reading to find out more about the equipment and items you should bring to the pitch on your next badminton practice.
This is a list of 12 items you should have when playing badminton:
1. Badminton Racquets
There is no doubt that badminton racquets come in different sizes, shapes, and materials. The racquet material will determine the weight, points of balance, and tension of the strings.
As a beginner, it might take some time for you to understand the various types of racquet options on the market. Hence, getting one after being well informed is always a much better choice. Nevertheless, if you’re a beginner, you should go for a basic and inexpensive racquet that would allow you to get started.
Ideally, you should choose a racquet that is well suited to your playing style and that you’re comfortable with. We suggest visiting a brick-and-mortar store rather than buying it online. There, you’ll be able to try and feel several racquets before making a decision.
A few badminton brands we suggest you take a look at are Yonex, Carlton, Li Ning, Wilson, Victor, among others.
2. Shuttlecock (Birdie)
Though feathered shuttlecocks are used at a professional and competitive level, as a beginner it’s advisable to go for plastic shuttlecocks; they are more durable and economical. On the other hand, feathered birdies tend to wear out quickly which might not be convenient for someone who is just starting.
Nevertheless, plastic shuttlecocks should mainly be used for beginners, and/or for training. As you become a more serious player, you should make it a point to use feathered shuttlecocks more often.
To sum up, while getting started with a shuttlecock plastic one is convenient as a learner, you should be prepared to migrate to feathered ones as you move along.
3. Badminton Shoes
Having a good pair of shoes is of paramount importance if you are keen on playing badminton seriously.
Badminton shoes will help you have a better grip on the court, as well as, greater traction. Therefore, you’ll be able to move more efficiently around the pitch, increasing the time you have between shots. Keep in mind that badminton shoes should be sturdy and tough without being heavy.
If you plan to play this sport competitively, It’s advisable to avoid jogging shoes or regular sneakers, as they won’t provide you with the necessary grip or traction to move on the court. Using inappropriate shoes can increase your risk of injury, for instance, you might be more likely to twist or roll your ankle.
4. Proper Apparel
To play badminton, a dry-fit t-shirt or top, and a pair of sport shorts should do the job. If you’re a woman, you can also consider using leggings or a skirt.
For maximum comfort, it’s vital to use clothes with sweat-absorbing capabilities. It’s advisable to use comfortable dry-fit socks, as they’ll help you keep your feet dry. Also, if you tend to sweat a lot, you might want to consider using wrist bands and/or headbands to keep sweat away.
Remember to use clothes that will keep you cool and allow you to move freely. Always choose functionality over fashionable!
5. Overgrips
Make sure to keep a few extra overgrips with you. As any racquet sports player will tell you, having a fresh overgrip can make a significant difference in your performance.
Playing with an overgrip in good conditions will help you have a solid grip when hitting the birdie, absorb sweat, and prevent your racket from slipping out of your hands. Besides, it’ll provide you with enough cushion when holding the racket.
Overgrips are affordable and small, so, there’s really no excuse not to have extra ones with you.
6. Scissors
As a badminton player, having a pair of scissors with you can come in handy. You can give it several uses like cutting broken strings off your racket, fixing your overgrips, cutting and shaping sports tapes, among others.
Remember that it’s advisable to cut and remove broken strings, immediately, after they snapped. Otherwise, the uneven tension could potentially deform your racket, or, even, cracked it.
7. Plastic Bags
Although it’ll be ideal to have a waterproof compartment in your bag or, maybe, use reusable waterproof bags, regular plastic bags should the job.
In these bags, you can place sweaty and/or dirty clothes, shoes, or any other items that you might want to keep separated from the rest of your stuff.
Nevertheless, if you have to get a bag, we suggest that you choose one that is eco-friendly.
8. Reusable Water Bottle
This is a must, whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player. Staying well hydrated it’s crucial to perform at your highest level. As you move around on the pitch and sweat, you will lose body fluids quite rapidly.
So, always carrying a water bottle with you, will allow you to get the necessary amounts of liquid that your body needs, before, during, and after your game.
Besides, in the case you run out of water, facilities usually have areas where you can refill your water bottle. If you’re on the market for a water bottle, we suggest taking a look at the rust-resistant “Simple Modern Water Bottle” on Amazon. It comes in different sizes, and it’s BPA-free.
9. Sports Drink (or Electrolyte) Mix Powder
Besides drinking water to stay hydrated, it’s vital that you complimented it with sports drinks that’ll help you replenish the lost electrolytes.
We suggest that instead of buying sports drink bottles, to get the powder version. They are more convenient than carrying extra bottles. They are light, occupy very little space, and could come in handy when you need it the most. Just pour it in your water bottle, mix, and voila! It’ll keep hydrated and fresh.
10. Towel
This is also a must-have item to have for your badminton game; in fact, when doing any sport, you should bring a towel. A towel will help you wipe the sweat off your body, especially from your face, arms, and hands.
The last thing you want is to have to hold the racquet with sweaty hands, and having the racquet slipping on your hands, continuously, while trying to hit the birdie.
11. Snacks
Healthy snacking between games or matches will help you get the energy and nutrients your body needs to perform at your best. It’ll also prevent you from ever having to play with an empty stomach.
For healthy snacks, we suggest getting some power bars, granola bars, trail mix, or dry cereals, to name a few.
12. A Sports Bag
Last but not least, is a sports bag to keep all your badminton stuff. For obvious reasons, you cannot expect to carry your clothes, racquets, accessories, and other items in your hands.
If you’re a tournament or serious player, you should definitely consider getting a badminton racket bag. Otherwise, as a beginner, a regular sports bag should do it.
So, there you have it! These are 12 items, we think, you should bring to the pitch, so you can perform at your best. Please, let us know your thought in the comment section. Thanks for reading!
Related Questions
How much should I expect to spend on my badminton equipment
As a beginner, you would perhaps need a few hundred dollars for the basic equipment – racquet, shoes, and birdies.
Where can I buy my badminton equipment?
- If you are a beginner, it’ll be advisable to buy your badminton equipment, especially your racquet, from a physical store. In a store, you’ll have the chance to get a real feel of the racquet before you buy it. However, there are many online sites where you can get your badminton gear.