How to Choose a Badminton Racket as a Beginner

Walk into a sports shop and badminton rackets can look confusing: numbers, letters and long names. For a beginner, only a few things really matter.

1. Weight: lighter is easier

Lighter rackets are easier to swing and less tiring for your arm, which is what you want while you're learning. Racket weight is often shown with a "U" number; ask the shop what the number means for the racket you're looking at.

2. Grip size: comfortable in your hand

Grip size affects comfort and control. If a grip feels too thin, you can make it thicker with an overgrip. When in doubt, choose the thinner grip and add an overgrip.

3. Balance

Rackets can be head-light, even or head-heavy. Even balance is a safe all-round choice for beginners.

4. Strings

Most beginner rackets come pre-strung, so you can play straight away. Keep rackets out of hot cars and direct sun, which can loosen the strings.

How to hold it

Hold the racket loosely, like shaking hands with it. A relaxed grip gives you more control and quicker reactions than squeezing hard.

What else you need

• Shuttlecocks. Keep a spare pack; they wear out faster than anything else. See nylon vs feather shuttlecocks.
• A second racket if you're playing with a friend.
• A flat, open space: a lawn, a street with no traffic, or a court.

Our rackets

Our badminton rackets are sold singly; order two for a pair. Models depend on stock, so ask us on WhatsApp about the weight and grip of the racket we'll send.