the birdie
![Picture](/uploads/6/3/0/8/6308630/584120490.jpg)
Energy is a huge factor in a badminton match. Kinetic energy is transferred on every single hit, from the racket to the birdie. As the birdie makes its way through its projectile path, it loses kinetic energy and gains potential energy. At the very highest point, the inverse happens as it descends.
the racket
![Picture](/uploads/6/3/0/8/6308630/873741665.jpg)
There are a number of features on a badminton racket that allows the player to swing with maximum velocity and hit the birdie with the highest amount of kinetic energy. The first is a long, thin, light handle that allows the player to overcome drag and hit the birdie with velocity. Another feature is the weight. Most think that a higher mass racket would help increase the power. But really, the velocity at which you swing the racket is the most effective along with the tension of the strings. Lighter rackets allow you to swing them the hardest and transfer the most energy to a birdie. Materials like carbon fiber and titanium are used to keep the racket light. String tension also dictates the power of each hit. Most strings on rackets have a tension of 18 to 30 lbs of force. Lower tension strings create elasticity when the birdie hits them and therefore results in more power. High tension strings allow for more control and accuracy when hitting the birdie.