Where to Play Badminton in the UK

If you're wondering where to play badmington in the UK, you've come to the right place! The sport is non-contact and suitable for all ages, including people with heart conditions. There's also no physical contact, so you can play as fast as you like.

Badminton England

If you're new to badmington but keen to take up the sport, there are a range of places to play. The great thing about badmington is that it is a low-impact sport, which means that it is suitable for all ages and abilities. Even those with heart conditions can enjoy the sport. In the UK, there are more than two thousand badmington courts. There are also many inclusive badminton clubs where disabled people can play alongside their peers. You can find more information about these facilities from Badminton England, the national governing body for the sport.

Local pay and play facilities

There are a variety of local pay and play facilities for badmington in England. Some venues have indoor courts and are accessible via public transport. In some areas, such as Harrow, a badminton court is available in the local community centre, which is near both Harrow and Wealdstone overground stations. This facility also offers a variety of other amenities, including showers and changing facilities. In east London, the Barking Sporthouse has badmington courts and is accessible via the Upney station. Alternatively, Finsbury Leisure Centre is located in the city centre and is easily accessible via Old Street underground station. It has pay as you play facilities and free parking.

National Governing Body for Badminton

Badminton England is the national governing body of the sport in England. It was founded in 1893 in Portsmouth and is based in Milton Keynes. Its departments include Elite Play, Events, Membership and Development. It also works closely with the 41 Counties of England to develop the sport and promote it at every level. Before the game became a National Governing Body, the game was played in various forms at different badminton clubs in the UK. Some of the bigger clubs followed a printed code, but local rules varied greatly from those of other clubs. The court size was also different. Some courts were more than twice the size of modern courts.

History of ball badminton

History of ball badminton in the United Kingdom traces back to the 18th century when British military officers in India added a net to the traditional English game. Today's game is closely related to the Indian game ball badminton, which originated in Tamil Nadu. It also resembles the Japanese game hanetsuki. In England, the game was initially played by upper-classes. At that time, it wasn't a particularly athletic game. Players would try to hit a shuttlecock as many times as possible without it hitting the ground. Ball badminton originated in England's Gloucestershire, though its roots date back to ancient Greece. The game was originally played with a paddle and shuttlecock and was popular among children. Later on, an official competition was organized for men and women, and the first games for women were played.

Benefits of playing badminton

Playing badminton can be a great way to improve physical fitness. The lightweight rackets and shuttlecocks make it a game suitable for all levels of fitness. It is also a team sport, which allows players to work together as well as socialize with each other. As it is a fast-paced sport, badminton requires agility and quick reflexes. This improves coordination and improves cognitive functions. Apart from enhancing fitness levels, playing badminton can also help you prevent problems with mobility as you age. The rapid movement of the racquet helps in lubricating joints and muscles. This reduces the risk of developing osteoporosis and arthritis. Furthermore, it strengthens bones by boosting bone-forming cells.