Abstract: A shuttlecock (1) comprising at least a cap (5, 10, 15) and a flared skirt (32, 25, 26), the flared skirt (32, 25, 26) incorporating an inflated device which may be a balloon (17, 22) or an expanded light moulded cone (13) with multiple connected cells made by a blowing agent. In one form the shuttlecock (1) is developed so that the said balloon (17) incorporates a plurality of extending fingers (18) arranged in a form which flares outwardly from the cap (15). In another form the shuttlecock comprises a cap (5, 10), an inner skirt (25) incorporating stems (6), an outer skirt (26) incorporating at least minor stems (7) and a balloon (22) adapted to support the stems (6, 7, 16, 35) and to fill in at least part of the spaces between the stems (6, 7, 16, 35) and to improve visibility. The balloon (17, 22) may be replaceable. The balloon inlet (21) incorporates a seal or a non-return valve and may pass through the cap (5, 10, 15) and/or the skirt connection.