Shuttlecock Speed Tester
Run a birdie test with the landing distance, hall temperature and altitude to see whether a feathered shuttle is too slow, correct pace or too fast.
Result
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Verdict
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- Measured distance
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- Distance off range
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· Free
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How the official shuttle speed test works
The official BWF shuttle speed test, in Law 3, uses a full underhand stroke with contact over the back boundary line. Hit the shuttle upward and parallel to the sidelines; measure how far short of the other back boundary line it lands. A birdie test applies to feathered shuttles.
A correct-pace shuttle lands not less than 530 mm and not more than 990 mm short. Under 530 mm means it flew too far and was too fast; over 990 mm means it fell short and was too slow. Nylon shuttles are far less sensitive to these conditions.
Higher temperature and higher altitude make air less dense, so the shuttle flies farther: use a slower, lower-numbered shuttle. Cold or sea-level halls need a faster, higher-numbered shuttle. Manufacturers publish different tables, so this tool gives the direction and reasoning without inventing a precise speed-number mapping.
Correct pace = 530 mm ≤ distance short of far back line ≤ 990 mm For feathered shuttles, bend feather tips outward to increase drag and slow the shuttle, or inward to speed it up. Make small, even adjustments around all sixteen feathers and retest.
Shuttlecock speed tester FAQ
What does a correct-pace landing mean?
The shuttle must land from 530 mm through 990 mm short of the other back boundary line, including both boundaries.
What if the shuttle lands beyond the back line?
It is too fast for this test because it landed less than 530 mm short. The calculator treats beyond the line as a negative short distance.
How should I adjust a feathered shuttle?
Bend feather tips outward in small, even adjustments to slow it, or inward to speed it up. Adjust all sixteen feathers evenly and retest.
How do temperature and altitude affect shuttle speed?
Higher temperature or altitude means less dense air and a shuttle that flies farther, so use a slower shuttle. Cold or sea-level halls need a faster one.
Does this test apply to nylon shuttles?
The official test applies to feathered shuttles. Nylon shuttles are far less sensitive to temperature and altitude than feathered shuttles.