Beginners Guide to Badminton Rackets — Part 1
Head-heavy rackets enhance your smash efficacy. Head-light rackets give you incredible manoeuvrability. But what does all this mean? Does this jargon sound like gibberish to you? With this guide, you’ll learn the exact benefits, features and how to use it to improve your game.
TL;DR
Head-Heavy — Power playing & Smashes
Head-light /Balanced — Speed, Placements & Control
Beginners — Balanced rackets are usually preferred.Note — Choosing a racket depends on your personal playing style & preference.
Balance point
The balance point is an important primary aspect of your racket. ‘Balance point’ is the exact point on the frame where the racket’s centre of gravity lies or where its weight is concentrated. If the balance point is higher, it is a head-heavy racket — with more weight distributed towards the racket head. If the balance point is lower, it is a head-light racket.
In simple words, if you held the centre of the racket on a fingertip, it would tilt towards the direction where most of its weight is concentrated.
Common misconception
The balance point is not directly related to the racket’s weight. A heavier racket can be head-light and a lighter racket can be head-heavy. The balance point describes weight distribution. The actual weight of the racket depends on the material selection, internal construction and technologies used.
Racket weight and the balance point are calculated without the string and grip. Adding a new (extra) grip to the racket increases the weight towards the handle and reduces the balance point. The weight may increase by 3g-4g. Strings add around 4g-5g weight to the racket head (in case of unstrung rackets).
What are the benefits of a head-heavy racket?
A head-heavy racket is ideal for playing power smashes. With the major weight concentrated in the racket head, it transfers your strike power more easily and improves your shots. The force exerted by you is easily transmitted and enhanced into the striking action helping you execute powerful shots. It is preferred by most attacking-style players.
If you often play shots from the rear court, this is a great choice for you. It suits the arm of those who have or are learning the technique and skills to improve smashes and hard-hitting. As more weight is distributed at the top of the racket head, you will receive more momentum in your swing, producing more power.
What are the benefits of a head-light racket?
With a head-light racket, it is much easier to control the precision of your movement. This racket helps with smooth and quick movements and fast reaction time. This gives you incredible precision, speed and unmatched mobility.
For a doubles player or if you play a lot of defence shots, head-light rackets are a tailor-made choice for you. Secondly, if you prefer placement and control then a head-light racket is ideal, even for singles games. If you’re a player who likes to move a lot, at the net or rear end then this is your racket of choice. It helps you to do fast drives, lifts, kills, flicks and much more.
Singles VS Doubles
Some players prefer a head-heavy racket for singles to boost their offensive & lethal smashes while some players prefer it for doubles. Most players prefer a headlight racket for doubles as it helps with a fast-paced game where you have to consistently and quickly return the shuttle. Sometimes, players prefer a head-light racket for singles as you have to cover more ground across the court.
Note — How to choose ‘the right balance’ totally depends upon your playing style. Playing with both rackets will not improve your game until you learn the proper swing technique.
You can smash hard from a balanced or head-light racket if you learn how to control your speed and swing motion. Head-heavy rackets require swing power and swing technique. Balanced rackets require strength and technique.
This guide is meant to be used as a reference if you are new to badminton or if you have limited knowledge of the sport. These guidelines may completely differ from some players’ racket choices and that works fine because your racket must cater to your playing style and personal preference. The main objective is to use a racket that you are comfortable with and that does not hinder your performance or cause you injury.
