Feather Tipping 101: How to change the speed of the shuttle
1. Introduction
Sometimes when you play with feather shuttles, the speed can be different from what you would like. The easiest way to change the speed is by bending/breaking the tip of the shuttles, to make them faster or slower. Here is a clear explanation of how it works.
Tipping is what we call breaking the end of the feathers on a shuttle to alter the speed of the shuttle in flight. This is because it changes the air resistance on the shuttle, and therefore can move faster or slower.
Tipping outwards = More air resistance = slower
Tipping inwards = Less air resistance = faster
A shuttle’s speed varies based on temperature, humidity, air density and from batch to batch. Therefore if you want to have a consistent shuttle, you can buy different speeds, or change the shuttle by tipping. But be aware, tipping makes the shuttle less durable.
2. Step by Step
Test the speed of the shuttle: Stand behind the backline, and hit the shuttle with a flat forehand shot to the other side of the court. Normally, the shuttle should fall around the double service line on the opponent’s side.
Decide if the shuttle is faster or slower: Check how far the shuttle went while testing them, and decide if you (and your opponent) want to tip the feathers. You can tip 4 feathers or 8. Tipping 8 is more extreme than tipping 4, and most of the time 4 should be enough. Tip them towards the inside to make the shuttles faster and tip them to the outside to make them slower.
The tipping process: Break the end of the feather as close to the top as you can. Tip every 4th feather or every 2nd feather. Since there are 16 feathers in total, you have to keep to these numbers to spread it evenly, otherwise the shuttle will rotate and be uneven.
After tipping: test the shuttles again from the backline to see if your alterations had the desired outcome. If not, adapt them further. Keep in mind you cannot (cleanly) undo what you have already done.
3. Common mistakes
Every 4 feathers means skipping 3 every time ;)
Tipping 8 feathers even though 4 was enough
Tipping it far from the top, making the shuttle unplayable
Tipping inwards is not very common, most of the time tipping outwards is needed.
4. FAQ
Q: Why do I never see top players tip their shuttles?
A: At big (international) tournaments, a few shuttles are tested by a player before the tournament starts. Then it is decided what speed variation the players will play with that day. Since they play with the top line of each brand, the shuttles are very consistent from tube to tube, and they only pick different speeds, never tipping the shuttles.
Q: Can you also change the speed on nylon shuttles by tipping?
A: No, this can only be changed by buying different tubes.
Q: What to do if the opponent does not want to change, and I do or vice versa?
A: Tough situation. Normally the referee will decide then. If there is no referee, you have to find a way to come to a compromise. In my opinion, not tipping trumps tipping.
Q: What shuttle is best to buy?
A: I currently have no review on shuttles. But most of the time buying from an A-brand, middle of the range is fine for almost all players. Cheaper shuttles and brands tend to break much earlier.
5. To conclude
You can change the speed of the shuttle by tipping inwards or outwards
You can tip 4 or 8 feathers
Break the feathers close to the top
I hope you learned something, and share it with that one friend who still needs to learn this skill!
