Author: TomC

Congratulations to the following winners of our third annual tournament, and thanks to John and Gavin for organising.

Have you wondered whether it makes a difference if you play rubbers strictly in the order suggested on the score sheets, or is it better to play any available pair as soon as a court becomes free?

Find out in the attached newsletter.

Algorithm code available here.

The importance of lifting to the rear of the court…

The linked research article shows the physics behind how much a shuttle slows down when smashed – its speed halves for every 3.35m it travels!

Eric Collet 2026 Phys. Scr. 101 125007

The time-of-flight increases by about 50% for a smash from a range of 11.5m compared to a range of 10m.

Also, since nylon shuttles deform more when smashed, their speed is much greater than feather shuttles.

Congratulations to the following winners of our third annual ‘fun’ tournament, and thanks to John for organising.

Many thanks to Jane and everyone on the social committee for organising this year’s Christmas meal at the Harpenden Arms.

A special contribution from Ben Sadler as part of earning his Cub Scouts Sports Enthusiast badge: Backyard Badminton Guide: Setup, Gear & Fun, an introduction and background to the sport of badminton.

Presentation of the league trophy to captain Nick on 24 June 2025 at the league’s AGM.

Congratulations to Nick as the overall winner of this year’s club tournament. Thanks to John for organising and to Meera and Matt for assisting.

Overall winner

Runners up

Congratulations to Derek as the overall winner of this year’s fun tournament. Great variety of games and well organised, John and Caroline.

Many thanks to Jane for arranging drinks at the Oddfellows Arms and dinner at Okka. Great to see so many members there.