Beginners and families should start with a ready-made set of two rackets, shuttlecocks and a cover bag. Choose light rackets that are easy to swing, use plastic shuttlecocks for outdoor and everyday play, and focus on grip and footwork before upgrading to a performance racket.
There’s a sound that means winter has arrived in India. Not the first cold breeze. Not the smell of peanuts roasting. It’s the soft thwock of a shuttlecock in the lane outside, just after dinner.
Badminton might be India’s most loved family sport. Parents play it. Grandparents play it. Kids who can barely hold a racket insist on playing it. And the best part? You don’t need a court, a coach or a big budget to start.
If you’re buying your first badminton racket set for beginners, here’s everything you need to know, without the jargon.
Why is badminton such a great sport for kids and families?
Because almost anyone can play it from the very first day, and it’s surprisingly good exercise.
Father and daughter playing badminton on a terrace at dusk”; “Volt Pro badminton racket set with cover bag and shuttlecocks”; “Neon cork plastic shuttlecocks in a pack of five”; “Kids playing badminton in a society lane in winter”.
- Easy to start: Most kids hit the shuttle within minutes.
- Full-body workout: Lunges, jumps and swings work the legs, arms and core.
- Sharper reflexes: Tracking a fast shuttle builds hand-eye coordination.
- Fits small spaces: A terrace, lane or society lawn is enough for casual rallies.
- Real family time: A parent and child can genuinely play together, whatever their skill level.
In my opinion, that last point is the real magic. How many sports let a 7-year-old and a 45-year-old rally together and both have fun? Badminton also features in our list of sports to lose weight naturally.
What should a beginner badminton set include?
A good starter set should include two rackets, at least two shuttlecocks and a cover or carry bag. Buying a set saves money and means you can play the day it arrives.
Here are two easy starting points:
- The Volt Pro 21 badminton racket set of 2 with 2 shuttlecocks and cover bag comes in blue, green, red and yellow.
- The Volt Pro Active badminton racket set of 2 with carry bag is another simple choice for the whole family.
How do you choose a badminton racket for a child?
The right racket for a child is light, short enough to control and easy to grip. Check these four things:
- Weight: If your child’s wrist bends back when they swing, the racket is too heavy.
- Length: Very young kids control shorter rackets better.
- Grip: Small fingers should wrap comfortably around the handle.
- Durability: Kids will hit the floor, the wall and probably a sibling. A sturdy frame matters more than fancy specs right now.
Plastic or feather shuttlecocks: which is better for beginners?
Plastic shuttlecocks are better for beginners and outdoor play. They last much longer and handle wind and rough use far better.For everyday family games, go plastic. The Volt Pro Active plastic shuttlecock with neon cork (pack of 5) is easy to spot at dusk, which is exactly when most family games happen.
How do you hold a badminton racket properly?
Hold the racket as if you’re shaking hands with it. This is called the handshake grip.
Keep your grip relaxed until the moment you hit the shuttle. A tight grip tires your forearm quickly and slows down your wrist. Most beginners squeeze too hard. Loosen up, and you’ll instantly hit cleaner shots.
What are some easy badminton drills for beginners?
These five drills build skills fast, and kids love turning them into challenges:
- Shuttle bounce: Bounce the shuttle on your racket 20 times without dropping it.
- Serve practice: Serve gently to a partner 10 times in a row.
- Rally count: How many hits can you and your partner make without a miss?
- Footwork shadow: Move to the four corners of your court without a shuttle.
- Target practice: Place a bucket on the other side and aim for it.
Try this one evening: set a family record for the longest rally, write it on a sticky note on the fridge, and try to beat it every day. You’ll be amazed how competitive everyone gets.
How do you play badminton safely outdoors?
Play on a flat, dry surface, away from roads and electric wires. Wear proper sports shoes, not slippers. In winter, start before the evening dew makes the ground slippery. In summer, skip the hottest hours of the day.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best badminton racket for beginners?
A light, durable racket from a ready-made set of two, with shuttlecocks and a bag.
At what age can a child start badminton?
Many children start casual rallies around age 5 or 6 with light, short rackets.
Are plastic shuttlecocks good for beginners?
Yes. They last much longer and are ideal for outdoor and casual play.
Is badminton good exercise?
Yes. It works the legs, arms and core and raises your heart rate.
Can I play badminton on a terrace?
Yes, if it’s flat, has safe railings, and is away from strong wind and wires.
How long do badminton strings last?
It depends on use. Restring or replacing when strings fray or feel loose.
Is badminton a good family sport?
It’s one of the best. Parents and kids can play together from day one.
Conclusion: Your first rally is just one set away
You don’t need a club membership or a coach to fall in love with badminton. You need two rackets, a few shuttlecocks and someone you love on the other side of an imaginary net.
This winter, swap one evening of TV for a family rally in the lane. I promise, it’ll become the part of the day everyone looks forward to.
Start your family rally. Browse the Volt Pro badminton range, and set your family’s first rally record this weekend.
