How to Make a Long-Lasting Chinese Shuttlecock

The game of Chinese shuttlecock, or Jianzi, dates back to the 5th century BC and was wildly popular during the Han, Song, and Tang Dynasties. The main purpose of the game is to keep a weighted shuttlecock in the air using your feet. The game can be played on a court, similar to badminton or volleyball, or more informally, with players in a small circle kicking the shuttlecock back and forth, not letting it touch the ground. The basic shuttlecock is made using materials such as feathers, tin, or lead, but if made improperly, won't last long.

Things You'll Need

  • Quarter or washer
  • Thin string
  • Feathers
  • Duct tape
  • Scissors
  • Straw or piece of hard, round, lightweight plastic
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Instructions

    • 1

      Find a quarter or smaller washer and place it on a piece of strong duct tape or electrical tape.

    • 2

      Cut a thick straw or piece of lightweight plastic about 1-inch long. Then cut several small slits, about 1/4-inch long, at the bottom.

    • 3

      Pull back the tabs that were created when the slits were cut into the straw or piece of plastic so they are flared outward. Place the piece of straw or plastic, tabs down, on top of the quarter or washer.

    • 4

      Cut the piece of tape in the middle. Pull each side back so it folds over the top of the tabs on the straw or piece of plastic. Press hard on the tape to ensure the straw or piece of plastic is tightly secured to the quarter or washer. You can add an extra piece of tape to further secure the pieces if you think you need it.

    • 5

      Secure several feathers together at the base using the duct tape. Feathers can be taken from household equipment like a feather duster or purchased at an arts and crafts store.

    • 6

      Insert the feathers into the straw or piece of plastic. Leave a small section of the base of the feather exposed and wrap a thin piece of the duct tape around it so the feathers are secured to the straw or piece of plastic.