BADMINTON

 History: The game of badminton originated in Siam, China over 2,000 years ago. It was brought to England in 1870 and was played somewhat like tennis. After being played in Canada, badminton arrived in America and has been popular since 1929. Since 1992, badminton has been an Olympic sport, with bird speeds reaching 100 m.p.h. Nature of the Game: Badminton is played as a singles or doubles game with one or two players on a side. The object of the game is to hit the shuttlecock or “bird” back and forth with a racket across a net five feet high at its center. The bird should be hit with such speed and accuracy that the opponent is unable to return the shot successfully. The game can either be fast or slow paced, depending on the skill level of the players. Safety/Etiquette: 1. Keep a firm grip on the racket. 2. Be careful not to hit your partner with the racket. 3. Stay in your own court to avoid the possibility of collision with other players. 4. Stop play if other players enter your co