Badminton has been an old resource for physical education classes throughout the decades. A great sport that young and old alike can play, badminton requires little equipment and offers an exciting workout that will improve hand-eye coordination and agility.
PE teams take a beating and lightweight badminton rackets, birdies and nets are not known for their ability to withstand punishment.
While new racquet materials such as titanium composites have become more prevalent, there are some standard models that have been known to take a lick and keep riding. You understand!
This article will point out some models of badminton rackets that physical education teachers across the country have relied on. We will also talk about badminton shuttlecocks and badminton nets to help you run your physical education program.
Badminton rackets:
While competitive badders around the world may be in the market for high-tech composite badminton rackets for PE classes, you should have a steel, steel, steel material in mind.
There is no substitute for good old steel. Steel shaft, steel frame and even steel ropes. Below are some popular models.
The Morley Badminton Racket # M14539 offers as much steel as you can fit into an unfinished racket with a giant spatula.
The Morley # M14540 doesn’t feature steel strings, but it doesn’t lack for durability. The double steel shafts keep this badminton racket coming back for more, time after time.
The Morley Badminton Racket # M14543 is 2 inches shorter than a standard badminton racket. It measures 24 inches long and is designed for younger elementary school badminton players. It also features a durable steel shaft and steel frame.
Other models that are popular at the institutional level are as follows.
Carlton Attack Ti, Carlton C9750, Carlton 313, ADA 76 Smack Excel, Yonex B460 and HL 110.
Some of these models feature aluminum axles and frames, but all of these models have proven themselves in the gym and are great value. These high-end models are still available at inexpensive prices, making them a great buy for PE classes at the high school level where durability may be a little less of a concern and a better playing racket is more important to that students can excel.
Shuttlecocks and badminton birds
Here it gets a bit complicated. While steel rackets are typically some of the least expensive and best for PE classes, when it comes to shuttlecocks, the cheapest is not always the best. The least expensive steering wheels are plastic with a rubber tip and should be considered for backyard use only.
They don’t offer the best flight characteristics, so they will actually make the game more difficult as the birdie seems to have a mind of its own in flight. They are a bargain though, so you might want to keep a few on hand just in case.
The best models have a cork tip to better lift off the racket and nylon skirts that work well.
As for speed, my advice is medium or blue speed, as it is practical for all age groups.
In the sand color, yellow has become increasingly popular with youngsters, as it is easier to track them in flight.
My choice of PE flyers would be one of these or a mix.
Carlton T800 Yellow Blue Speed
Carlton C100 White Blue Speed
Yonex Mavis M300M White or Yellow
All of the above are high quality for great playability. They will pop off the ropes, fly in the direction you intended, assuming you know how to use the racket, and are tough enough to survive PE classes.
Badminton nets
Many school accounts buy our PE quality badminton net or inexpensive nets, which is fine, but if your net will be used indoors, I can suggest institutional net M14563. The difference, aside from a few dollars, is that the institutional model features taped sides and bottom, while the less expensive models are simply net.
The taped sides and bottom make the net hold its shape better for a more professional look and better playability The tape also helps the net stand out more and most importantly the taped sides and bottom make make the net last longer and easier to roll up for storage. Believe me, the few extra dollars are worth it.
However, if you are using the network outside, choose the cheapest model, this will withstand the elements better and provide more for your money.
This little tip should help you stretch your PE equipment budget.
Badminton is a fantastic sport and teaching it to our children in physical education classes will help build healthy adults. Sport will improve coordination, balance and agility, in addition to generating a healthy respect for competition.