Are you looking for a sport which caters for many types of disabilities and gives you to chance to challenge your friend or opponent to a match with rallies, lobs and even the odd smash?

If so, then para badminton could be perfect for you.

What’s this then?

A growing sport in Britain, para badminton is popular because of its level of inclusion. People with many types of disabilities can play either for fun or competitively, and disabled players can play alongside those who are able bodied.

Who can take part?

Para badminton, like other para-sports, uses a classification system to ensure that players with a similar level of impairment compete against each other.

There are six different variations in total, two for wheelchair users and four for players who are able to play standing.

The difference for those playing in a wheelchair is dependent on the level of impairment in both their limbs and their lower trunk.

The difference for those players who can play without a wheelchair is dependent on their ability to walk and run, any impairment of the upper limbs or if they are short in stature.

What’s the aim of the game?

Para badminton follows most of the standard badminton rules with a few exceptions. Ultimately it’s about scoring more points than your opponent by landing the shuttlecock over the net, within the court, and your challenger being unable to return it.

Slight changes to ensure that the game flows include only one side of each court being used in singles competitions and the distance between short service line and net is outside court limit at all times.

What do I need to play?

Equipment should be provided for you but as long as you have a court all you need is a racket and a shuttlecock.

Where can I play?

There are sports halls up and down the country that cater for para badminton and you can find your nearest place on the Badminton England website.

Players of any standard are welcome to enter para badminton circuit events but in order to participate in the Gold events, players must be classified.

Anything else I need to know?

Para badminton will be an official sport for the first time at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Get playing as soon as possible and you never know where you could be competing over the next decade.

How do I find out more?

The Badminton World Federation is the main governing body for para badminton and works hard to ensure the sport is played around the world.

Badminton England and their website can provide more information on the basics of para badminton and help you get involved.