Sports Biomechanics: Analyzing the Dynamics of Shuttlecock Speed in Badminton Services Trajectory

The badminton serve plays a crucial role in determining rally dynamics and tactical advantage. Due to its feathered structure, the shuttlecock experiences significant aerodynamic drag, leading to rapid deceleration and a steep trajectory. This study presents a mathematical analysis of shuttlecock motion during a low serve by incorporating gravitational and quadratic drag forces. The governing differential equations are solved to determine velocity components, time to peak position, and effective speed at the net. The results demonstrate the influence of initial velocity and service angle on shuttlecock speed, providing practical insights for optimizing serve performance and reducing opponent reaction time.