Growing up, almost all of us were encouraged to partake in sports and physical activities. For some, it was a casual pastime, while others took it more seriously as a means to stay fit or even compete in tournaments. Regardless of the level of involvement, playing sports is generally considered fun and a positive experience. It helps promote teamwork, socialization, and healthy competition while also teaching children (and adults) important life lessons such as discipline, resilience, and respect
According to Matt Teeple, one of the most popular sports in the world is badminton. Though often overshadowed, badminton is actually a very enjoyable sport that can be played by people of all ages and skill levels.
Matt Teeple Explains Why You Should Encourage Your Child to Play Badminton
Badminton is a great way for your child to stay active and fit. It’s also a low-impact sport, meaning it’s easy on the joints and muscles and is, therefore, less likely to cause injuries. In addition, badminton can be played indoors or outdoors, making it a versatile activity that can be enjoyed all year round.
Matt Teeple points out that badminton is one sport that can be played both competitively and recreationally. If your child is interested in joining a badminton team or taking part in tournaments, there are plenty of opportunities to do so. However, if they simply want to play for fun with friends or family members, that’s perfectly fine too.
Getting Your Child Started
1. Choose the right equipment
The most important piece of equipment in badminton is the racket. It’s important to choose a racket that is the right size and weight for your child. If the racket is too heavy, it will be difficult to control. If it’s too light, it won’t have enough power behind it. In terms of size, the racket should be no longer than 28 inches for children aged 5-8 and no longer than 26 inches for children aged 9-11.
2. Start with basic strokes
Badminton involves a lot of different strokes, from the basic forehand and backhand swings to more advanced shots like the overhead smash. Matt Teeple believes when starting out, it’s important to focus on the basic strokes and perfect them before moving on to more difficult shots.
3. Use a smaller court
A standard badminton court is 44 feet long and 17 feet wide. However, for children aged 5-8, it’s best to start with a smaller court that is only 22 feet long and 8.5 feet wide. This will make the game more manageable and allow your child to better keep track of the shuttlecock. As they improve, you can gradually increase the size of the court.
4. Use a slower shuttlecock
Badminton shuttlecocks come at different speeds, from slow to fast. For children just starting out, it’s best to use a slower shuttlecock so that they have more time to react. As they improve, you can gradually switch to faster shuttlecocks.
5. Play with someone of a similar skill level
Playing badminton with someone who is of a similar skill level will make the game more enjoyable and challenging for both players. It’s also important to make sure that the person you’re playing with is using the same size court and shuttlecock as you are.
6. Take lessons from a pro
If your child is serious about playing badminton, it’s a good idea to sign them up for lessons with a professional coach. A coach can help them learn the proper techniques and strokes and can also offer valuable feedback.
7. Join a badminton club
There are many badminton clubs across the country that offer organized games and competitions for players of all skill levels. Joining a club is a great way for your child to meet new people and improve their skills.
Bottom Line
Matt Teeple believes that badminton is a great sport to help your child stay active and fit. It’s also a low-impact sport, meaning it’s easy on the joints and muscles and is, therefore, less likely to cause injuries. In addition, badminton can be played indoors or outdoors, making it a versatile activity that can be enjoyed all year round