Beginner's Badminton Guide: Everything you need to get started right

Good news: badminton is one of the cheapest sports to start. For the price of a pair of soccer cleats, you can be equipped from head to toe — provided you don't fall into the 3 classic beginner's traps.

The complete beginner's checklist

The 3 beginner's traps (we see them every week)

• Buying a pro's racket: a stiff Astrox 99 Pro at €250 will make you play badly AND hurt your arm. Start flexible — read our racket guide by level.
• Playing in city sneakers: primary cause of sprains, and often prohibited on courts. See our shoe guide.
• Getting "cheap" equipment from a supermarket: heavy racket, loose stringing, slippery shoes... and the impression that badminton "isn't for me".

Feather or plastic to start?

Plastic shuttlecocks (like Mavis 2000) survive off-centre hits and are cheaper to use initially. As soon as you join a club, switch to feathers: the trajectory is completely different. Everything is explained in our shuttlecock guide.

What's next? Join a club

France has more than 190,000 FFBaD licensees and clubs everywhere — in Essonne, there's bound to be one near you: consult our badminton guide in Essonne. A club season generally costs between €80 and €150, including court time and advice. It's the best investment for your progress — along with our tips for improving.

Frequently asked questions

What's the total budget to start badminton?

Count €120 to €180 for complete and durable equipment: racket, shoes, shuttlecocks, and attire.

Should I buy a strung or unstrung racket?

To start, a factory-strung racket is sufficient. As soon as you play every week, a custom stringing really changes the feel.

Is badminton a good sport to start (or get back into) exercising?

Excellent: fun from the first session, great cardio without even realizing it (up to 500 kcal/hour), and playable at any age.