If you couldn’t tell by the name, Speedminton is an iteration of the globally popular sport Badminton. Badminton is a sport that uses racquets to hit a shuttlecock across a net. Speedminton, on the other hand, is a more intense form of badminton that uses a faster shuttlecock. But these aren’t the only differences between both sports. Let’s dive a little bit deeper into the nuances and differences between speedminton vs badminton.
What is Badminton?
Badminton is a fast-paced racket sport played by two or four players. It originated in India and was brought to England in the mid-19th century. The game is played with a shuttlecock, also known as a birdie, which is hit back and forth over a high net using lightweight rackets.
The objective of the game is to hit the shuttlecock over the net and onto the opponent’s side of the court in such a way that they are unable to return it. Points are scored when the shuttlecock lands on the opponent’s side of the court or if the opponent hits the shuttlecock out of bounds.
Badminton requires quick reflexes, agility, and good hand-eye coordination. It can be played competitively or as a leisure activity, both indoors and outdoors. The sport is particularly popular in Asia and is one of the few sports in which women’s competitions are given as much importance as men’s competitions.
What is Speedminton?
Speedminton, also known as crossminton, was invented in 2001 by German entrepreneur Bill Brandes. Brandes was an avid badminton player, but he found that traditional badminton wasn’t suited to his outdoor lifestyle. So, he set out to create a game that combined the best elements of badminton with the speed and agility of tennis. Thus speed badminton was born. And give him credit for his wordsmithing because speed badminton quickly became speedminton.
Brandes started by designing a new kind of shuttlecock that was heavier and more durable than the traditional feathered shuttlecocks used in badminton. He also created a new kind of racquet that was more robust and could be used to hit the shuttlecock at high speeds. Another attribute of the game is that there is no net, and the area of play for each player is an 18-foot by 18-foot square which players hit back and forth across a 42 feet long space between the blocks. Speedminton is often played on the beach. It is becoming one of the more common beach games adults play, but still has a far way to go before it is a household name in racket sports.
Brandes introduced his new game, called “Speed Badminton,” to the world in 2002, and it quickly gained popularity among outdoor sports enthusiasts. This high-speed game is played with racquets and a shuttlecock that’s designed to withstand windier conditions, making it the perfect outdoor activity for those who don’t mind chasing after a tiny, speedy projectile.
In short, speedminton is like the adrenaline junkie’s version of badminton, for beach park junkies.
Speedminton vs. Badminton: What are the main differences?
Here are the 5 main ways speedminton differs from badminton:
- Court and playing surface: In badminton, the court is rectangular and divided into two halves by a net, and players play on a smooth, indoor surface. In contrast, speedminton can be played on a variety of surfaces, including grass, sand, or concrete, and is played without a net. Speedminton courts are longer in total, but the area of play is smaller than badminton.
- Rackets: Speedminton rackets are typically shorter and heavier than badminton rackets, and they have different shapes and string tension.
- Shuttlecocks: In badminton, players use a shuttlecock with a feathered base and a cork tip. In speedminton, players use a shuttlecock with a plastic base and rubber tip, which is heavier and faster than a badminton shuttlecock.
- Scoring: In badminton, a match is played to the best of three games, with each game being played to 21 points. In Speedminton, a match is played to the best of five games, with each game being played to 16 points.
- Game dynamics: Speedminton is a faster-paced game than badminton, with rallies often lasting just a few seconds due to the higher speed of the shuttlecock.
How to Play Speedminton
Playing Speedminton is actually incredibly accessible. You just need the equipment (affordable), a green space, and some friends.
- Players: You really just need 1 other person, but the most fun is with a group of 4.
- Equipment: this is what you need -1) Speedminton Rackets: Similar to a badminton racket, but usually shorter and sturdier 2) Speeder (shuttlecock): Unlike traditional badminton shuttlecocks, Speedminton uses heavier and more aerodynamic shuttlecocks called “speeders.” 3) Speedlights (optional): LED lights that can be inserted into the speeders for playing in low-light conditions.
- You can get all of this equipment in a very affordable beginner’s pack on Amazon
- Setting Up:
- Find an open space with enough room to move around. Parks, beaches, or tennis courts are ideal locations.
- Mark out the playing area with cones or chalk, depending on the surface.
Conclusion
Speedminton was invented by badminton enthusiast Bill Brandes but differs from badminton in a few key ways. Speedminton is faster, doesn’t feature a net dividing the two sides of the court, and can be played on any outdoor surface. It also has slightly different equipment better suited for outdoor play. Speedminton is growing, but not yet played at the global level that badminton is. But time will tell!