Thinking about picking up badminton? Great choice. It's one of the most accessible racquet sports out there—easy to learn, fun at any skill level, and Alberta has a surprisingly active community. Here's everything you need to know to get started.
In This Guide
Why Badminton?
Before we dive in, let me sell you on why badminton is worth your time:
- Low barrier to entry – You can start having fun rallies within your first session
- Great workout – Burns 400-500 calories per hour, lots of cardio and agility
- Social sport – Doubles is the most common format, so you'll meet people quickly
- Indoor sport – Perfect for Alberta winters when outdoor activities aren't an option
- Affordable – Starter gear is cheap, and drop-in sessions are usually $5-15
- All ages – You'll find players from 10 to 70+ at most clubs
I started playing casually in my 20s and got hooked almost immediately. There's something satisfying about a perfect smash or a well-placed drop shot that just doesn't get old.
Essential Gear for Beginners
1. Racquet ($30-100)
You don't need an expensive racquet to start. Here's what to look for:
- Weight: Go for a lighter racquet (85-89g) as a beginner—easier on your arm
- Balance: Head-light or even-balanced racquets are more forgiving
- Brands: Yonex, Victor, and Li-Ning are the big three. Their entry-level options are solid.
Budget Tip: Start with a $40-60 racquet. You can always upgrade once you know your playing style. Avoid super-cheap department store racquets—they break easily and don't perform well.
2. Shoes ($60-120)
This is where I'd invest. Proper badminton or indoor court shoes make a huge difference:
- Non-marking soles – Required at most venues
- Lateral support – Badminton involves lots of side-to-side movement
- Grip – You need to stop and start quickly without slipping
Don't use running shoes or regular sneakers. They're designed for forward motion and will either slip or roll your ankle.
3. Shuttlecocks ($10-40/tube)
Two types:
- Nylon (plastic) – Durable, cheap, good for casual play and beginners
- Feather – Better flight, preferred by experienced players, but breaks easily
Start with nylon. Once you're playing regularly and your technique improves, try feathers—the difference in feel is significant.
4. Other Essentials
- Grip tape – Replacement grips for when yours wears out ($5-10)
- Water bottle – You'll sweat more than you expect
- Towel – Trust me
- Tube cap – Customize yours so you never lose your shuttles to another player
Where to Play in Alberta
Calgary
- Centre Avenue Badminton – My home court. Dedicated facility, great community.
- Calgary Chinese Badminton Association – Competitive leagues and organized play
- University of Calgary – Student-friendly, good beginner sessions
- Community Centres – Thornhill, Village Square, Shouldice—check for drop-in schedules
Read my full guide to Calgary badminton clubs →
Edmonton
- Saville Community Sports Centre – U of A campus, excellent facilities
- Edmonton Badminton Club – One of the oldest clubs in the city
- Kinsmen Sports Centre – Multiple courts, good for beginners
Other Alberta Cities
- Red Deer – Collicutt Centre has drop-in badminton
- Lethbridge – University and community centres offer sessions
Pro Tip: Most venues have beginner-specific drop-in times. Don't be intimidated—everyone starts somewhere, and the badminton community is generally welcoming.
Basic Rules & Scoring
The Court
A badminton court is 44 feet long and 17 feet wide for singles (20 feet for doubles). There's a net in the middle that's 5 feet high at the edges and 5 feet 1 inch at the center.
Scoring
- Games are played to 21 points
- You must win by 2 points (if it's 20-20, play continues until someone leads by 2)
- Maximum score is 30 points (at 29-29, the next point wins)
- Matches are typically best of 3 games
Serving
- Serve must be underhand (racquet below waist level)
- Serve diagonally to the opposite court
- In singles: serve from right when your score is even, left when odd
- In doubles: slightly more complex rotation—ask someone to explain it on court!
Faults (You Lose the Rally)
- Shuttle lands outside the lines
- Shuttle goes into the net
- Shuttle hit twice in succession
- Touching the net with your racquet or body
Tips to Improve Quickly
1. Focus on Footwork First
Good footwork is more important than good strokes. Learn to move efficiently to the shuttle, and your shots will naturally improve. The "split step" (a small hop as your opponent hits) is fundamental.
2. Practice Your Clear
The overhead clear (high shot to the back of the court) is the most important shot to master. It buys you time and resets the rally. Practice it until it's second nature.
3. Play with Better Players
You'll improve faster playing against people slightly above your level. Don't be shy about asking stronger players for tips—most are happy to help.
4. Watch Your Grip
Learn the basic forehand and backhand grips early. Bad grip habits are hard to break later. Plenty of YouTube tutorials can help here.
5. Take a Lesson
Even one or two lessons with a coach can accelerate your progress significantly. They'll catch bad habits before they become ingrained.
Court Etiquette
A few unwritten rules to know:
- Rotate games – At drop-ins, winners usually stay on for one more, then rotate out
- Return shuttles properly – Don't hit someone else's shuttle back; pick it up and hand or toss it gently
- Acknowledge good shots – A quick "good shot" is always appreciated
- Be honest with line calls – If you're not sure, give the point to your opponent
- Don't walk behind courts during play – Wait until the rally ends
- Share shuttles fairly – If playing with others' shuttles, offer to share your own
Shuttle Tip: Mark your tube with a custom cap so everyone knows whose shuttles are whose. It saves awkward conversations and keeps the game moving.
Ready to Play?
That's the basics! The best way to learn is to just get out there and play. Find a beginner drop-in near you, grab a racquet, and don't worry about being perfect. Everyone's chasing the same thing—that feeling when a rally just clicks.
If you're in Calgary, come out to Centre Avenue some evening. I'm always happy to hit a few with newcomers. And if you see me, you'll know—I'm the one with the bright orange cap on my tube. 🧡
Questions? Shoot me an email. Happy playing!