C
Clarity News Hub

How fast does a shuttlecock go?

Author

Emily Ross

Published Jan 08, 2026

A shuttlecock is a high-drag projectile used in the sport of badminton. It has an open conical shape formed by feathers or plastic embedded into a rounded cork base. The shuttlecock's shape makes it extremely aerodynamically stable.

How fast can you hit a shuttlecock?

Reaching speeds of up to 90.0 m/s (201 mph), a badminton shuttlecock can travel faster than a Eurostar train at its maximum in-service speed of 83.3 m/s (186.4 mph) or even a pelota ball in a game of jai alai with the fastest record speed of 84.0 m/s (188 mph).

Whats faster a tennis ball or shuttlecock?

The shuttlecock slows down faster than a tennis ball because it is struck at the cork end and then flips around so the cork end points in the direction of travel. Still a 400 KPH shot will reduce to about 200 KPH by the time it crosses the net; still faster than a tennis ball.

What is the fastest object in sports?

The fastest object measured in sports is the badminton birdie. Tan Boon Heong of Malaysia hit a smash measured at an eye-watering 493 km/h (306 mph) while testing out new racket technology.

What is the fastest ball ever caught?

The fastest projectile speed in any moving ball game is c. 302km/h 188mph in Jai-Alai (Pelota).

17 related questions found

What is the fastest sport on grass?

Hurling is the fastest game on grass, the most skilful game in the world.

What shuttlecock do pros use?

The Nylon shuttlecocks are durable, and they offer more speed. That's one of the reasons new players prefer them. Whereas professional players like using feathered shuttles as they provide better control to the players. In fact, feathered shuttles are the ones used in international events like the Olympics.

Why does a shuttlecock go so fast?

The higher the altitude, the faster will be the shuttlecock. It is because the air density is lower compared to an area near sea level. If you are playing on a lower ground (for example, below sea level), the speed of the feather birdie will be slower. So, you must choose according to the altitude of the area.

How many times the shuttlecock may be hit?

A player is not able to hit the shuttlecock twice. A 'let' may be called by the referee if an unforeseen or accidental issue arises. A game must include two rest periods.

Can the shuttlecock hit the net on the serve?

It is legal if the shuttlecock hits the net and goes over except on a serve. 6. It is interference if the shuttlecock touches the basketball net or rim and should be replayed.

Can a shuttlecock hurt you?

Shuttlecock injuries can be serious and sight threatening. Untrained badminton enthusiasts should be educated about the mechanisms and fatal consequences of ocular trauma due to this sport. Severe closed injuries, especially those involving the posterior segment, may cause permanent visual impairment.

How long does a shuttlecock last?

Normally, the feather will start to "degrade and dry out" a little bit after 6 months , 1 year is the upper limit. If the shuttle is stored for like 2 years, you will see the difference right away when you compare it to a new tube of shuttles.

Why is shuttlecock left wing?

Aerodynamics is the reason. According to a deputy commissioner of the Badminton World Federation, the feathers from the left and right wings are curved differently: shuttlecocks made from the left wing will spin clockwise, while those from the right have an undesired, inconsistent spin.

Why is shuttlecock called birdie?

A birdie is the “ball” of badminton and consists of a cork and either synthetic nylon, duck, or goose feathers. It is also known as a shuttle or shuttlecock, but is also informally known as a birdie because of the feathers used to create it and how it flies like a bird.

What is black shuttlecock?

Results for black shuttlecock

At the same time, the black shuttlecock is made of plastic, and it's lightweight and durable. This shuttlecock is very suitable for training and competition. And the shuttlecock is made of cork and wood, with strong resistance and high hardness.

Are plastic shuttlecock good?

The “plastic” shuttlecock with foam base is ideal for novices, as it's lightweight and durable. Its foam base stands up to impact well and withstands friction with the net. Its plastic skirt is more hardwearing and forgiving of mistakes in lining up your shot. It also gives the shuttlecock a parabolic trajectory.

What is Ireland's national sport?

Hurling, one of the two national sporting games of Ireland, is seen as one of the fastest field sports on earth and only played with a facemask and helmet as protection, making injury an unavoidable feature of the game without further padding.

Do hurling players get paid?

According to an investigation by the Sunday Independent, top players have been on the receiving cash inducements and pay-to-play deals, flying in the face of the games' amateur status. Players spoken to by the paper have confirmed that payments are made at both club and county level.

Who invented hurling?

Hurling is older than recorded history. It is thought to predate the arrival of the Celts. It has been a distinct Irish pastime for at least 3000 years. The earliest written references to the sport in Brehon law date from the fifth century.

How heavy is a handball?

The two principal forms of team handball differ in number of players and dimensions of the field. The ball used in both is 58–60 cm (about 23–24 inches) in circumference and weighs 425–475 grams (15–17 ounces); women and younger players use a smaller ball.

Are footballs lighter than they used to be?

It is a myth that the modern ball is lighter than the balls used in the past. Since 1937, the dry weight of the ball has been specified by Law 2: 14-16oz. Prior to that, the rules governing the ball's dry weight specified something lighter – 13-15oz.

Is it a violation to double hit the shuttlecock?

Double hits are considered illegal in the game of badminton and will result in a point for your opponent. If you and your teammate both come in contact with the shuttle simultaneously, a double-hit has occurred. You should never be hitting the shuttlecock more than once anytime it is on your side of the net.