Badminton

Why not try Britain’s most popular racquet sport?

An estimated half-a-million people play every week and, what’s more, it’s now part of the Paralympic Games.

Badminton is a sport for everyone, regardless of any physical, sensory or intellectual impairment. With small amendments to the playing areas, non-disabled players can play against or alongside players in wheelchairs or with mobility impairments.

It’s a great physical and mental work out and can be played as fast or slow as you like. It’s a very social sport too and can be played in singles or doubles.

Unlike tennis, badminton can never be rained off. Most leisure centres have Badminton courts which you can hire and there are more than 25,000 in England alone.

Things you may need to get started

• Badminton Racquet (don’t worry if you don’t have one most sports centres will hire you racquets and charge you a small fee or deposit for shuttlecocks)
• Shuttlecocks
• Water to keep you hydrated
• Comfortable clothing
• Some leisure centres may ask you to wear non-marking soled trainers