Shuttlecocks make Badminton unique - a shuttle's unique aerodynamic properties make a huge variety of shots and tactics possible.
Feather shuttlecocks in particular will fly straight for some distance without losing much height, and then suddenly start to descend almost vertically.
This makes it possible to hit a hard and fast clear over your opponent's head but still have it fall safely inside the court. This degree of control leads to furious rallies that utilize every inch of the court.
The speed which shuttlecocks can be hit also makes badminton unique - the fastest smash hit in a match was a thunderous 332kph (206mph), much faster than any shot hit in tennis or squash. This smash record was set by Fu Haifeng of China.
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