
In badminton, a player reaching over the net with their racket or body during a rally is generally considered a fault, as per the Laws of Badminton. However, there is some ambiguity regarding the rules, especially in social or leisure games. While touching the net with the racket or body during play is a fault, some sources suggest that crossing the net with the racket after hitting the shuttlecock on your side is allowed, as long as you don't invade your opponent's court. This ambiguity has sparked discussions among badminton enthusiasts, with some suggesting creative strategies to counter opponents who reach over the net.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Racket passing above the net | Allowed, as long as the shuttlecock is hit on the player's side of the net |
| Touching the net | Fault |
| Shuttlecock passing around the net posts | Not allowed |
| Hitting the shuttlecock before it crosses the net | Fault |
| Reaching across the net to hit the shuttlecock | Not allowed |
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What You'll Learn

Hitting the shuttlecock around the net posts
In badminton, the shuttlecock cannot spin on its horizontal axis, so it cannot have a curved trajectory. This means that the only way to hit the shuttlecock around the net posts would be to create enough spin to make a curve trajectory, which is not possible with a regular shot.
If a player is reaching over the net to hit the shuttlecock on your side of the court, this is an illegal move. To counter this, you can try hitting faster shots, such as flat drives, which will force the opponent to step back from the net. Drop shots are another option, as they theoretically cannot be intercepted at the net. You can also try a punch clear, which will make the opponent move back from the net.
Additionally, it is important to note that touching the net or its posts during a rally is a fault. If the shuttlecock hits the net and falls to your side of the court, the rally is over, and your opponent has committed a fault.
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Racket passing above the net
The laws of badminton state that it is considered a fault if a player invades their opponent's court by reaching over the net with their racket or person. This is outlined in §13.4.1 and §13.4.2 of the laws of badminton. However, there is an exception to this rule. A player is permitted to follow through with their racket passing over the net in the course of a stroke after the initial point of contact, provided the shuttle is hit on their side of the net.
In the case of a particularly tall player, their height may provide an advantage in reaching across the net. To counter this, opponents can employ strategies such as playing punch clears, flat drives, or faster drop shots that force the tall player to maintain a distance from the net.
It is important to note that the shuttlecock must pass over the net during the game. Failing to do so, as mentioned in §13.3.2 of the laws of badminton, results in a fault. This differs from sports like tennis and table tennis, where it is permissible to hit the ball around the net posts as long as it lands in the legal court area on the opponent's side.
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Touching the net during play
However, it is not a fault if the player's racket passes above the net during the follow-through action, provided that the shuttle is hit on their side of the court. This is allowed as per Section 13.4.2 of the Laws of Badminton, which states that a player may follow the shuttle over the net with their racket in the course of a stroke after the initial point of contact.
In the case of a very tall player, it is suggested that the opponent plays a punch clear to the tall player's side, forcing them to stand back from the net. Additionally, flat drives can be used to make tall players crouch or move away from the net. Playing the shuttlecock to the space behind the tall player can also be a strategy to counter their reach.
It is important to note that touching the net is not the only factor that determines a fault in badminton. For example, if the shuttlecock fails to pass over the net, or if a player hits the shuttlecock more than once consecutively, these are also considered faults.
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Striking the shuttlecock before it crosses the net
It is important to note that the player's racket or body must not touch the net during play. If this happens, it is also a fault, and the point is awarded to the opposing side. The same rule applies if a player's clothing touches the net, as it could cause the net to move and create an unfair advantage.
However, once the shuttlecock has passed over the net, it is generally acceptable for a player's racket to cross the net to strike the shuttlecock. This is not considered a fault, and play can continue.
The rules regarding the shuttlecock's interaction with the net are also important to consider. According to the Badminton World Federation (BWF) rulebook, if the shuttlecock becomes suspended on top of the net or caught in it after passing over, it is called a "let." This means the point is replayed, and neither team wins the point. However, during the service, if the shuttlecock gets caught in the net or suspended on top of it, it is a fault by the server, and the receiving player wins the point.
In summary, striking the shuttlecock before it crosses the net results in a fault and the loss of a point. Players must also be cautious not to touch the net with their rackets, bodies, or clothing during play. Understanding these rules is crucial for fair and proper gameplay in badminton.
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Drop shots and intercepting at the net
Drop Shots:
- Deception is Key: Keep your opponent guessing by disguising your play. Make them believe you're about to perform a powerful smash or clear, and then execute a delicate drop shot instead. This will catch them off-guard, leaving them rooted in the wrong position.
- Speed Matters: While beginners might think slowing down the swing helps with drop shots, it's important not to hit them with too little force. A slow drop shot will give your opponent enough time to react and reach the shuttle. Instead, use enough force to catch them off-balance.
- Technique: Focus on your wrist movement to deceive your opponent. For a forehand grip, stand sideways with your non-racket hand facing the net. Shift your weight to your rear foot, bend your elbow, and prepare to hit the shuttle. As you make contact, straighten your elbow, tapping the shuttle gently. The angle of your racket will determine the shuttle's direction.
- Strategy: Use drop shots to force your opponent into the frontcourt, making them lift the shuttle and creating an opportunity for you to attack with punch clears or drive lifts.
Intercepting at the Net:
- Positioning: Avoid standing in the middle of the court, as it makes intercepting shots to the sides difficult. Instead, position yourself slightly to the side that your partner is on. This also helps your partner know which side to cover. Adjust your position based on your partner's playing style and your opponents' tendencies.
- Communication: Communicate with your partner. Listen to the sound of their strings when hitting; a louder sound indicates a smash, while a softer sound suggests a drop shot. This information will help you anticipate the shot and adjust your position accordingly.
- Timing: Being too close to the net can make it challenging to react in time. Stand slightly further back to increase your chances of intercepting shots without mistiming or missing them.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is considered a foul if a player reaches over the net in badminton. According to §13.4.2 of the laws of badminton, it is a fault if a player invades the opponent's court over the net with their racket or person, except when the striker follows the shuttle over the net with the racket after the initial point of contact.
If a player hits the shuttlecock before it crosses the net, they lose the point or rally.
Some strategies to counter a tall opponent who reaches over the net include playing punch clears to their side, utilizing flat drives to force them to move back, and hitting drop shots that land closer to the service line to make them more challenging to intercept.











































