Quick answer: A badminton set bundles rackets, shuttles and usually a net with posts so you can play straight out of the box. For a garden or kids badminton set, choose light steel or aluminium rackets, nylon shuttles and a pop-up net. If you plan to join a club, upgrade to a proper graphite racket once you are playing every week.
A badminton set is how most people first pick up a racket: a family afternoon in the garden, a holiday on the beach or a school sports day. The good news is that a decent set costs less than a single mid-range racket, and the right one will get everyone rallying within minutes.
The team at Central Sports sells badminton equipment from our shops in Cardiff, Birmingham, Milton Keynes and Hereford, and the most common questions we hear about sets are simple: what should be in the box, what suits children, and what happens to the shuttle when the wind picks up? This guide answers all three.
What is in a badminton set?
Sets vary, but most fall into three types:
- Racket packs: two rackets and a few shuttles, with no net. Ideal if you already have a net or simply want to knock a shuttle back and forth.
- Garden badminton sets: two or four rackets, shuttles, plus a net and two posts. These give you a proper game in the garden or park.
- Club and school sets: a large batch of beginner rackets, nets and a supply of shuttles in one carry bag, designed for groups.
When comparing sets, check four things: how many rackets are included (four lets you play doubles), what the frames are made of, whether a net and posts are included, and what type of shuttles come in the box. Nylon shuttles are standard in sets because they survive mishits, grass and concrete far better than feather.
| Set type | Typical contents | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Twin racket pack | 2 rackets, shuttles | Couples, casual hitting, spare rackets |
| Garden badminton set | 4 rackets, shuttles, net and posts | Families, gardens, beach, holidays |
| Club or school set | Large racket batch, nets, shuttles, bag | Schools, youth groups, beginner clubs |
Choosing a garden badminton set
For garden play, convenience matters as much as performance. A pop-up net and posts that go up in a few minutes will get far more use than a fiddly frame that stays in the shed. Look for a set that packs into its own bag so you can take it to the park or on holiday.
Steel-framed rackets are the norm in garden sets. They are heavier than graphite but they are tough, which matters when rackets get dropped on patios or clash in doubles. For relaxed rallies with family and friends, that durability is worth more than a lighter frame.
Space-wise, you do not need a full court. A full doubles court is 13.4m long and 6.1m wide, but a garden game works on much less. Set the net across the middle of whatever space you have, keep it away from fences, washing lines and greenhouses, and agree your own boundaries before you start. If you want the official dimensions to mark out a proper court, see our badminton court size guide.
Kids badminton sets: what to look for
A kids badminton set should be light enough for a child to swing without straining the wrist. Full-size adult rackets in a cheap set can feel heavy and long for younger children, which makes it harder to make contact and less fun to play.
- Size: younger children usually do better with a shorter junior racket. Older children and teenagers can generally use a full-length racket.
- Weight: lighter is better for learning. A racket that is easy to lift encourages a proper swing.
- Shuttles: nylon shuttles are cheaper and last much longer when they are missed and land on the grass or patio.
- Net height: for small children, lowering the net slightly helps them keep the rally going. Raise it as they improve.
Our junior badminton rackets parents guide goes into sizing in more detail if your child is starting to play regularly.
Outdoor badminton and the wind
The biggest challenge with outdoor badminton is the wind. A standard shuttle is very light with a large skirt, so even a gentle breeze can push it sideways or stop it dead. A few simple habits help:
- Play in the morning or early evening, when the wind is often calmer.
- Position the net so it is sheltered by a wall, hedge or house where possible.
- Swap ends regularly so both sides share the wind.
- Use heavier nylon shuttles rather than feather shuttles outdoors.
There are also shuttles designed specifically for outdoor play. The Air shuttle Pink Pack 3 is a wind-resistant outdoor shuttle made for AirBadminton, the outdoor format introduced by the Badminton World Federation. It is described as stable in wind up to 12 km/h and works with standard badminton rackets, and the pink colour makes it easy to track against the sky.
Upgrading from a badminton set to proper rackets
A badminton set is perfect for fun and family games, but if you start playing indoors every week or join a club, you will notice its limits. Steel rackets are heavier and less responsive than graphite, and the strings in set rackets are not designed for higher tension or regular restringing.
Signs it is time to upgrade:
- You are playing indoors at a sports centre or club once a week or more.
- Your arm or shoulder feels tired after a session because the racket is heavy.
- You want to learn clears, smashes and drop shots properly.
- Your racket strings have snapped and the frame is not worth restringing.
A lightweight graphite beginner racket is a big step up without a big spend. Browse our beginner badminton rackets, or read our guide to the best badminton rackets for beginners for our current recommendations. Once you are playing indoors, our how to play badminton beginners guide covers grips, footwork and basic shots.
Top picks from Central Sports
- Yonex GR 303S Outdoor Badminton Racket (4 piece set) (£39.95): four steel rackets, two nylon shuttles, two posts and a pop-up net, so it is a complete garden badminton set.
- Yonex GR 505 Badminton Racket (Twin Pack) (£25.91): two pre-strung rackets and two shuttles, a simple starter pack if you already have a net.
- Yonex GR-202 ST Badminton Set (£199.95): 20 beginner rackets, two nets and 36 nylon shuttles in a carry case for schools and junior clubs.
- Yonex Muscle Power 2 Jr Badminton Racket - White/Lime Yellow (£12.99): a junior racket for children who are ready for their own racket.
- Air shuttle Pink Pack 3 (£7.59): wind-resistant outdoor shuttles for garden and park play.
- Yonex Nanoflare E13 Badminton Racket - Blue/Red (£29.95): a strung, head-light beginner racket for when you move from the garden to the sports hall.
Badminton set FAQ
What is the best badminton set for the garden?
Choose a set that includes four rackets, nylon shuttles and a net with posts, so you can play doubles as well as singles. A pop-up net and a carry bag make it much easier to set up and store.
Can adults use a kids badminton set?
Adults can, but junior rackets are shorter and lighter, so most adults will find a full-size set more comfortable. For mixed family play, a full-size set with light steel rackets usually works for older children and adults together.
What shuttles should I use outdoors?
Use nylon or purpose-made outdoor shuttles. Feather shuttles are designed for indoor halls and break quickly on grass and in the wind. Our feather vs nylon shuttlecocks guide explains the difference.
How high should a garden badminton net be?
The official height is 1.55m at the posts and 1.524m at the centre. For young children you can lower it a little to keep rallies going. See our badminton net height guide for full details.
Do badminton sets come with a net?
Some do and some do not. Twin racket packs usually contain only rackets and shuttles, while garden sets include a net and posts. Always check the contents before you buy.
Whether it is a garden badminton set for the summer, a kids set for the first rallies or a club bundle for a school, the team at Central Sports can help you pick the right kit. Shop our badminton nets and badminton shuttlecocks, or pop into one of our stores for advice.
