Badminton

Some of the top players the world are:

• Lin Dan (China), is often regarded as the greatest singles player of all time. He is a time time Olympic champion, 5 time World champion, six time All-England champion.
• Lee Chong Wei (Malaysia) is the only Mayalsian player to hold the top position in the world ranking for over one year.
• Taufik Hidayat (Indonesia) has won the Indosesian Open a record of six times won the gold medal for men's single competition in the 2004 Summer Olympics.

It really depends on where and how you're playing! For example, many people like playing badminton as a yard game at family gatherings and picnics. If that's your situation, costs will have to include buying a net and set of rackets and shuttlecocks, which all-together will cost around $100 to 150. However, once you've paid the upfront costs, you'll be able to play completely free as much as you want. On the other hand, playing on an indoor court usually costs money each time, or can require a membership to the club or center, and can be up to $45 per session.

You can usually find open courts at your local swimming pool, YMCA, or sports center. Often, people will already be playing there. Call and see what the options are near you, and remember, you can always recruit a friend to learn the game.

While feathered shuttlecocks are considered the "highest quality," they are usually much more expensive than plastic ones, and for most beginners, plastic birdies will do their job just fine.

Most sporting goods stores (including Dick's and the sports departments of chains like WalMart and Target) will have what you're looking for. If you want top-of-the-line clothing, shoes, and rackets, and aren't fortunate enough to have a specialty shop nearby, you can go online to the retailers themselves.