How to Make a Backyard Badminton Court

Badminton is a staple game at the American barbecue or cookout. Easy and fun to play, people of all ages can team up and bat the shuttlecock around. But if you want to kick it up a notch and get the neighbors talking, you can make a professional badminton court right in your very own backyard! Here's how to do it!

Instructions

1. Survey a location. In your backyard find a suitable flat area. A badminton court has dimensions of 44 feet long and 20 feet wide. Many American yards can accommodate that space, but if your yard cannot, then simply shrink the size a bit. Singles play is played on a court that is only 17 feet wide. Use your tape measure to approximate the size.

2. Clear obstructions. Get rid of rocks, tree stumps or any potential obstruction from your badminton court area.

3. Mow the grass. Playing in a backyard game that has 8 inch grass is terrible. Not to mention it provides a home for ticks and mosquitoes. Trim the grass to about 2 inches.

4. Gauge your lines. Using the tape measure and marking each line in at least two places to be sure that it's straight, outline your badminton court given the above dimensions. Simply place small dots of white on the yard with spray paint. This way, if you make a mistake you can recover. Also, be sure to dot a center line in the middle of the court at 22 feet. From the center line, measure out 6 feet 6 inches toward the back line. This is the short service line. Then from the side edges, dot a line at 8 feet 6 inches between the edge of your short service line and your back line. This will be called the center line and separate the right service court and the left service court. If you are allowing space for doubles, dot a line three feet inside the edge of your sides (meaning the width sides).

5. Spray paint your lines. Check to make sure that the court looks straight, then fill in your lines with white spray paint.

6. Purchase a net. Badminton nets can be purchased online or at your local sporting goods store. Badminton nets tend to be seasonal, so try to buy them in the summer or warm months.

7. Install your badminton net. Most nets are placed into the ground with string tied stakes. If you want to go the extra mile, purchase a professional net.

8. Grab some racquets, grab a shuttlecock and play! Invite friends and family over and fire up the grill!

Resources

• A great site for pro badminton supplies!
• This site has dimensions to many playing surfaces including badminton courts!