Shuttlecock kicking is one of folk games in China. According to historical documents and unearthed relics, the sport originated in the Han Dynasty and was all the rage in the Tang and Song Dynasties. It was so popular that there were even shops solely dedicated to the making and selling of shuttlecocks. In the Ming Dynasty, there appeared formal shuttlecock kicking competitions. The Qing Dynasty saw the heyday of the game. Both the shuttlecock making and kicking techniques reached unprecedented levels.

Due to its recreational and flexible nature, shuttlecock kicking is not only a hit with the Chinese people, but also gaining increasing popularity in other parts of the world. In recent years, the game is widely practiced in many countries in Europe and Asia.