Shuttlecock Speed Selector
The same shuttle flies further in a warm hall or at altitude, because the air is thinner. Enter your hall’s temperature and altitude to get a starting shuttle speed on the 75–79 scale — then confirm it on court with the BWF speed test.
On brands that label 1–5, that is usually speed 3 — but each brand maps its numbers differently, so check the tube and confirm with the speed test below.
The BWF speed test
Stand above one back boundary line and hit the shuttle with a full underhand stroke, upwards and parallel to the side lines. A shuttle of the correct speed lands between 530 mm and 990 mm short of the opposite back boundary line. Short of that window, use a faster shuttle; beyond it, a slower one.
The rule of thumb
33°C and above → 75, 27–32°C → 76, 18–26°C → 77, 10–17°C → 78, below 10°C → 79, then one step slower for roughly every 750 m of altitude. It is a starting point, not a standard: manufacturers publish their own charts, and they differ.
FAQ
Which shuttle speed should I use?
77 is the usual starting point for a comfortable indoor hall near sea level. Go slower (76 or 75) in hot halls or at altitude, and faster (78 or 79) in cold ones, then confirm with the speed test.
Is a higher shuttle speed number faster?
On the 75–79 scale, yes: 75 is the slowest and 79 the fastest. Brands that use 1–5 map their numbers differently, so check the tube.
Read the guide: Shuttlecock Speed Explained: 75–79, Speed Numbers and the BWF Speed Test →
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