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Participants have been smacking that high-drag projectile around since the 1600s when it was known by the more imperious name of ‘Battledore and Shuttlecock’.

These days Badminton is the second most popular participation sport after football (soccer), and the fastest racquet sport in the world.

Modern shuttlecocks can reach speeds of up to 426km/h.

 

Of course if you're pinched for time, it’s worth noting that the quickest badminton match recorded ended after just six minutes – a  11-2, 11-1 mauling in 1996 Uber Cup, Hong Kong.

The game is huge in Asia – particularly China, Indonesia, Japan and South Korea – where it ranges from elite professional competition to feverish street battles watched from easy chairs.

Down Under it's also finding flight. The game had more than 15,300 registered members in 2016/17, and that’s only the small picture.

Badminton Australia’s Participation Manager Marianne Loh said: “The AusPlay survey updated in December 2016 also captures over 175,000 people playing badminton across Australia as a physical activity.

“Shuttle Time in clubs and schools remains Badminton Australia’s key strategy in growing participation in the sport.”

 

ShuttleTime – a beginner and schools badminton program – operates in more than 119 countries and offers resources to teachers so they can plan and deliver fun, safe and enjoyable badminton lessons for groups of children.

“Teachers across Australia can be supported and approved to deliver Shuttle Time, especially if they are in regional or remote areas where coaches are not usually accessible,” Loh said.

“Through its eight member state/territory associations, Badminton Australia also offers Shuttle Time coaching courses for teacher professional development if they are seeking formal education."

Want to know a little more about the game?

•         Badminton became an Olympic sport in 1992 and will debut at the 2020 Paralympics

•         The best shuttlecocks are made from the left wing of a goose

•         Badminton offers better health benefits than running and football 

INSET PHOTOS: Badminton Australia. MAIN PHOTO: Japan's Nozomi Okuhara wins the Australian Open women's singles badminton final in Sydney on June 25, 2017.

Nominate your club or community sports hero for a 
2018 Sportscover Clubbies Award