Photo: Daniel Gasienica via Compfight cc Zurich. Cathrein, Switserland.
All the exertion should concern the game, not the match as being the mere result that must be reached.
How the game is played
The aims
The badminton game has the form of a contest, which means that a goal has to be reached.
The aim of this match is to reach the number of points that will end the match.
The aim of the game is to realize these points actually. That is done by playing the shuttle in such a way that the opponent isn't able to return the shuttle correctly.
Many sub-aims can be distinguished. A match is parted in two or three sets, and these are by players often tactically parted in half sets or even in halves of those.
A game is played in such a way that it is won as easy and as quickly as possible. But there are reasons to do that in an other way. Sometimes are sub-goals applied by particular ways of playing, to train these. Or the effort isn't so big, to save forces. Tactical goals are to be altered during the game all the time.
The game
The badminton game is the elaboration of the badminton match. This match is the challenge to reach the number of points to end the game against an opponent (So, at least two times 21 points.).
This goal may be achieved by placing the shuttle in a well thought out way. So, it's a tactical game, although it must be said that “tactic” calls many feelings and loaded thoughts into recollection, which could over-cover this neutral idea of mere placing.
To play the game well, there are a number of conditions that must be fulfilled. When fulfilled, the game can be accomplished. Hereby though must be said that almost never all these conditions will fully be present.
The conditions
At least something of the conditions will always be present of course, otherwise it isn't possible to play at all.
In which degree conditions should be present, depends on the level of the badminton and on the way the game is wished to be played. For instance, a high technique level can go with a low physical level, whereby the total level will be somewhere in between.
At least some physical condition is always present of course. A number of physical attributes are able to bolster the game. Stamina, power, reaction time and pace of movements. Combinations are possible too, like power-stamina.
Some mental condition is always present too. Mental qualities which support badminton are self consciousness, an open mind, perceptiveness, imagination, attention, mental stamina, creativity, empathy.
For badminton, technical conditions can be distinguished too. These are automatic reactions, automatic movements, effective movements, efficient movements.
Playing the game requires also at least some tactical awareness. Tactical properties being used are oversight, insight, imagination, anticipation, creativity.