Physics behind Badminton












Accuracy: Controlling Shoots

        Some people have mistaken idea that the direction of a ball will take to determined by the direction in which the player is facing –that is by the player distance


In fact, what determine the shuttlecocks goes is the angle of the rocket face and the direction at rocket velocity at contact.

      A swing in badminton can be described as an arc of a circle, sometimes along this arc; the rocket makes contact with the ball. An early swing will “pull” the ball; a late swing will “derive” the ball off course in the other direction.The swing radius is greater at shoulder, smaller at elbow and the shortest at the wrist.

























The larger the radius of swing, the smaller the angle of error; therefore any given error in timing either on early or late swing- result in a less dramatic error. Wrist, elbow and shoulder are the three major pivot points or the axis of rotation.






The Trajectories of the Basic Strokes in Badminton


The overhand and underhand “clear” shots are defensive strokes lobbed deep into the opponent’s backcourt. They are the integral part of the game and are use often because they give player more time to get into position and more time to react to the opponent’s next strokes.  Also a backcourt smash by the opponent by the opponent rarely becomes a kill.

In badminton, well executed defensive clear, lets the player switch quickly from defense to offense; this gives the game an added dimension and makes a match between two evenly match opponents spectacular to watch. The “fast-slow” nature of the shuttle also contributes to the fascination of the game. Players most split-second decisions when reaching for smash but must also exercise judicious patience when waiting for a floating a bird to fall.

Badminton involves tracking and connecting a shuttle that is moving at ever changing velocities, and thus it demands outmost in visual acquire and foot and hand speed.


ALL BEHIND THE EQUIPMENT



Momentum. By the law of conservation of momentum, the momentum of the racket is completely transfferd to the shuttlecock. Thus, to find what makes rackets powerful, we must find what gives the racket the most momentum.

Momentum= Velocity x Mass

The overall racket mass is not influential to the speed of the racket as much as where the weight is located – since the contact point with the birdie is at the head, it is only logical that the accountable mass for momentum is located there.

Thus, to determine power, we must use the velocity of the swing, and the mass of the head. Of course, ordinary badminton players can not measure this as accurately as scientists, so we must use comparative reasoning instead. 
1. as stated above, head light rackets swing faster. However, head light rackets have less mass at the head. The faster swing generates more power, but the lack of mass lessens it. 
2. Even balanced are in between.
3. Head heavy rackets swing the slowest, but with the most mass at the head, they are naturally powerful.

Finding the right balance is key - if one can swing a racket very fast, then a head heavy racket would be beastly, however, an even balanced or head light racket would do just fine - according to the equation momentum = m x v. For someone not swinging as fast, they will benefit in terms of power by using a head heavy racket, as opposed to a head light racket (which would give them almost no power).

More skill = increased racket speed = more racket options
 

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