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Level 0 — The Spectator: Where the Journey Begins

Every journey starts with curiosity.

Before the first serve, before the shuttle contacts with the strings first time, there’s a spark — a moment of interest. That moment is Level 0 — the Spectator level.

At this stage, someone hasn’t yet played badminton. They might have watched a match on TV, Decent players played live in front of them, seen friends play at school, or scrolled past a clip online and thought: That looks fun.
Level 0 is where the connection to the sport begins — and where the future of badminton is shaped.


Why Level 0 Matters

Level 0 may look passive, but it’s the most influential stage of a player’s journey.
It’s the moment when perception forms: What kind of sport is badminton?

Is it a casual garden game or an explosive, technical, and tactical discipline played by world-class athletes?

The answer depends on what the newcomer sees and hears — and that’s why everyone who introduces badminton carries responsibility.


The Responsibility of Clubs, Schools, and Organisations

Non-governmental bodies and federations

Badminton’s governing and supporting organisations must ensure that what the public sees represents the true depth of the sport. That is why any social media posts matter from local clubs.


Promotions, community sessions, and campaigns should show that badminton is fast, athletic, and intelligent, not merely “killing time” for a light workout.

When federations emphasise the real game, they plant accurate expectations — and curiosity grows into ambition.

Clubs

Local clubs are often the first real contact point for future players. We must have junior section at most clubs.
The tone, attitude, and level of knowledge among club leaders and volunteers will define the player’s first impression.

A welcoming smile matters — but so does expert awareness.
Coaches and helpers should understand enough about higher-level badminton to explain where the journey can lead, even to those taking their first steps.

If a club treats beginners as “just social players,” they quietly limit what those players might imagine for themselves.
If a club treats every participant as a potential athlete, it unlocks motivation, pride, and belonging.

Schools and Games with Parents

For most children, Level 0 usually begins at school.

Teachers introducing badminton — and parents supporting that experience — act as gateways to the sport.
If they would present badminton as both fun and technically rich, they would help children see it as more than just a PE activity.

Nowadays, the Majority PE teachers, in Primaries and also High Schools — are not yet developed enough knowledge on the sport of badminton.

It causes a very early decision to quit and label badminton as a lower ranked activity, rather then a high performance sport. That is why a lot of children turns away at schools, at their the entry level. Based on what they have seen, they think that “This is badminton, basically boring.” Without ever seeing decent levels of singles or doubles.

Children who see skill, power, and purpose are far more likely to stay engaged, develop discipline, and possibly dream of competitive play. NGBs and Associations should have an annual road show where they make exhibition matches for Primary school children, not later when they enter Key Stage 2.

Shared knowledge and respect

Everyone providing the entry level — teachers, coaches, volunteers, or parents — should be knowledgeable about what top-level badminton demands:

  • Physical fitness and speed
  • Technical precision
  • Tactical intelligence
  • Mental resilience

Understanding this full picture allows them to introduce the sport with truth and inspiration, not simplification.


The Individual at Level 0

For the individual, Level 0 is about observation, curiosity, and motivation.
They’re not yet swinging a racket, but they’re mentally approaching the court.


They might ask questions, search for a local club, or attend their first open session.

That interest — however small — is the seed of growth.


From Curiosity to Commitment

The transition from Level 0 to Level 1 happens the moment someone says:
“I want to try.”

That’s when curiosity turns into action.
But whether that happens depends heavily on what they’ve seen at Level 0 — how the sport was presented, and who/what inspired them.

That’s why this level matters so much: it’s where the ecosystem of badminton either expands or shrinks.

Every time a child smiles during their first school rally, or a parent decides to join a club night, badminton grows — not just in numbers, but in spirit.


Takeaway

Level 0 reminds us that badminton isn’t built only on champions — it’s built on beginnings.
How we introduce the sport determines who will stay, who will train, and who might one day reach the highest levels.

I believe that the first contact with badminton should always be enjoyable, inspiring, and open-minded.
If curiosity is nurtured with respect and knowledge, Level 0 becomes the most powerful stage of all — because it’s where the dream begins.


If you like that article, you might like the next one here, or the previous one here.