Badminton
Badminton can be played by single players or in doubles. The court is rectangular and divided into halves by a net. The players take positions on opposite sides of the net.
The court is usually marked for both singles and doubles play, although the laws permit a court to be marked for singles only.
A match is the best out of three and each game is played to 21 points. Players score points by striking a shuttlecock over the net so it lands in the opponents half. Unlike tennis the serve must be hit below waist height and with the racquet shaft pointing downwards, the players stand inside their surface ground and the shuttlecock is not allowed to bounce. When the serving side loses a rally, the serve immediately passes to their opponent(s).Playing regular Badminton increases good cholesterol while decreasing the levels of bad cholesterol. It conditions the body so that the basal heart rate drops a few beats per minute and blood pressure is reduced.
It can also prevent heart disease, especially heart attacks as it strengthens heart muscles besides reducing hypertension and keeping blood vessels from clogging. Under medical supervision and advice even people with pre-existing heart disease can benefit from playing this sport.
Excess calories are burnt during badminton play helping overweight people reduce their weight and attain optimal weight for their age and height. However, to achieve optimal weight loss, it has to be combined with diet modification as well.
It helps reduce depression, anxiety, stress and increase self-esteem.
