Saw this video and the below statement really encapsulates the very basics of playing: "There is racquet length, arm length - when a player uses this length when they are playing, they don't move too much, and they take the shuttle earlier - which means, they are making their court SMALLER." - Lee Jae Bok
http://www.youtube.com/user/coachingbadminton Lee is on Youtube now, nearly 400 free coaching videos and he uploads some new video every day at the moment!