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. So it is better to tip 4 first before tipping 8, since you cannot go back.

See below pictures to show you exactly which feather to tip for every 4 and every 2 feathers and where to tip it:

Badminton shuttle top-down: every 4 feathers tipped = a little slower

Badminton shuttle top-down: every 2 feathers tipped = much slower

3. Playing styles

Different speeds suit different types of tactics / players. below you can find a quick summary of what play styles suit what shuttle.
Slower shuttles are more suited for players who:
- Are more consistent
- Are very fit (long rallies)
- Are less explosive
- Are tactically strong
- Like to defend

Faster shuttles are more suited for players who:
- Are explosive
- Rely on a strong smash
- Like to attack
- Enjoy shorter rallies
- Are strong at the net

Keep this in mind the next time you decide to change the speed, so it suits your playing style the best.

4. Mental trick

Sometimes, players change the speed of the shuttle during the match and not at the start. This can be done for good reasons, but also as a way to swing the outcome of a match. Please be aware that changing the shuttle has consequenses on how you play tactically, and different speeds might suit different playing styles. The opponent might want to change the speed just because it can give them a edge in the match. Also note, changing the speed takes time, and it also give the opponent some time to rest and to rethink their tactics. And finally, the changing of speed might also be a turning point in your head, losing focus or thinking about how you cannot play with this new speed. Please be very aware what changing the speed during the match does for the game. Or maybe use it as a trick yourself if things are not going so well, if that is your style.

5. 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.

• Tipping during the match and letting this affect the outcome of the game negatively for you.

6. 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. The top tier shuttles are very expensive and most of the time do not counter this by so much extra durability. I would recommend trying out a few different tubes and deciding which one you think has the best price/quality ratio.

7. To conclude

• Speed of the shuttle is based on many factors

• 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

• Do not change the speed of the shuttle during the match, only if it does not affect your game negatively

I hope you learned something, and share it with that one friend who still needs to learn this skill!