Badminton in Tbilisi: how to start
Where to play, what to bring, where to get a racket and how to find people to play with: a short plan for beginners and for anyone who has just moved to Tbilisi.
Find a court
Tbilisi does not have many badminton halls yet, so we keep the ones we have checked in one place: the address, the number of courts, opening hours, the price and the booking link. Courts are booked by the hour, for two players or for four if you play doubles.
For the first time, book an hour: enough to warm up, get used to the shuttle and play a couple of games. Come ten minutes early to change shoes and warm up your shoulders and knees.
On the list now: Mizano (Saburtalo).
What to bring
A racket, a few shuttles and indoor shoes with non-marking soles: running shoes slip and do not hold your foot in a lunge. Add comfortable sportswear, water and a towel.
Start with nylon shuttles: they last longer and forgive a poor hit. Feather shuttles are for tournaments and experienced players.
Where to buy a racket and shuttles
Our shop sells original Yonex: rackets, shuttles, shoes, strings and bags. What is in stock you collect in Tbilisi or get delivered across Georgia; anything else we bring to order straight from Yonex in Germany.
An inexpensive racket is enough to start with: an expensive one pays off later, once you have the technique. A pre-ordered racket can come already strung.
The rules in 5 minutes
Every rally scores a point, a game goes to 21, a match is best of three games. Serve underhand, below 1.15 m, and diagonally: from the right with an even score, from the left with an odd one. A shuttle on the line is in.
Beginners' usual faults: serving above 1.15 m, touching the net with the racket or the body, and a shuttle that hits a player. That is enough to get on court; the rest is on one page, with pictures.
Who to play with
Two people are enough for a game: ask a friend, a colleague or a neighbour. Two of you play singles or just rally; four play doubles, the most fun way to start: less running, longer rallies.
Looking for players of your level? Come to an amateur tournament: that is where regular players meet, and where you arrange your next game.
Games and tournaments are announced on our social accounts:
Amateur tournaments
SMASH Georgia runs tournaments for amateurs. Events are split by level, so beginners play beginners. You sign up on this site with your phone number, and you do not need a doubles partner: tick “Looking for a partner” and the organiser will pair you.
Do not wait until you are “good enough”: after a couple of months of playing, a tournament is the best way to learn your level and find regular partners.
Next tournament: SMASH Open 2026, 21 November 2026 – 22 November 2026, Sabaduri Hills.