
In badminton, the shuttlecock, also known as the birdie, is not permitted to be hit below the net's height, even if it successfully reaches the opponent's side of the court without passing through or under the net. This is contrary to the rules of tennis and table tennis, where it is legal to hit the ball around the net and net posts as long as it lands within the legal court area on the opponent's side. In badminton, the shuttlecock must pass over the net, except when the opponent returns it. While it is not considered a fault if the birdie touches the net, it can slow down its speed and make its flight path less predictable.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can the birdie hit the net in badminton? | Yes, the birdie can touch the net in badminton. |
| Is it legal to hit the birdie around the net posts? | No, it is not legal per the BWF Laws of Badminton. |
| Is it a fault if the birdie touches the net? | No, it is not a fault. However, if any part of the player's body or the racket touches the net, it is a fault. |
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What You'll Learn

The birdie hitting the net is not a fault
In badminton, the shuttlecock, also known as the birdie, is not allowed to be hit below the net's height. This is because, unlike tennis or table tennis balls, shuttlecocks cannot spin on their horizontal axis and thus cannot have a curved trajectory. The only way for a shuttlecock to have a curved trajectory is through drift, but this would require the shuttlecock to be much higher than the net.
However, if the shuttlecock touches the top of the net, it is not considered a fault. According to the BWF Laws of Badminton, it is not a fault unless a part of the player's body or the racket touches the net. In fact, some players may even aim for the tape at the top of the net as this makes the flight path of the shuttlecock less predictable.
Although it is not a fault for the shuttlecock to touch the net, there are many other situations in which a fault may occur. For example, if the shuttlecock lands inside the serving area, it does not mean that it is automatically considered a good serve.
In conclusion, while the birdie hitting the net is not a fault in badminton, players should be aware of other rules that may result in a fault during a game.
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The birdie must pass over the net
In badminton, the birdie must pass over the net during a game. This is because, unlike tennis or table tennis, badminton uses a shuttlecock, which cannot spin on its horizontal axis and therefore cannot have a curved trajectory. The only way to achieve a curved trajectory is through drift, but this only occurs when the shuttlecock is much higher than the net.
The birdie can touch the net, and this is not considered a fault. In fact, players should aim for the tape at the top of the net as this makes their shot less predictable. However, if any part of the player's body or their racket touches the net, it is a fault.
It is important to note that the rules of badminton do not allow for shots that go around the net. This is because the shuttlecock cannot spin in a way that would create a curved trajectory necessary for such a shot.
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The shuttlecock's trajectory
The shuttlecock, also known as a birdie, is a key piece of equipment in the game of badminton. Its trajectory and the rules surrounding it differ from other sports such as tennis and table tennis.
Firstly, it is important to note that the shuttlecock cannot spin on its horizontal axis and therefore cannot curve like a ball. This limits the potential trajectories that a player can use during a game. The only way to achieve a curved trajectory is through drift, which requires the shuttlecock to be hit much higher than the net, so it is not a viable option for shots around the net.
When considering the rules of badminton, the Laws of Badminton state that it is not legal to hit a shot around the net posts. The shuttlecock must pass over the net, with the only exception being if the opponent returns it and it touches the tramlines on the same side. In this case, it is considered a fault by the returning player, despite the shuttlecock landing in the legal court area.
While the shuttlecock can touch the net during a shot, this can be a risky strategy. Although it is not considered a fault, the shuttlecock will slow down and its flight path will become less predictable. This unpredictability can work to the advantage of the player, adding an element of surprise to their shot.
In conclusion, the trajectory of the shuttlecock in badminton is primarily straight over the net, with the only curved trajectories achievable through drift when hitting high shots. The rules of badminton dictate that shots must pass over the net, with the shuttlecock's interaction with the net being a strategic consideration for players.
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The birdie landing inside the serving area
The rules of badminton specify that a correct service is when a player hits the shuttlecock with their racket over the net to the opponent's side without the shuttlecock getting stuck in the net or going out of bounds. The shuttlecock must land inside the service box, or the coloured area on the opponent's side of the court, for the serve to be considered good. If the shuttlecock touches the opponent's body or racket while travelling to the ground inside the service box, the opponent commits a foul.
The service box boundaries differ between singles and doubles matches. In singles, the service box is narrower and extends from the centre line to the mid-court line. In doubles, the service box is wider and extends from the centre line to the sideline.
It is important to note that the server must always serve from the right side of the court when they have an even number of points and from the left side when they have an odd number of points. This applies to both singles and doubles matches.
If the shuttlecock fails to clear the net or lands outside the service box, the receiving player or side wins the point. Therefore, it is crucial for the server to ensure that their serve lands inside the service box on the opponent's side of the court.
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The opponent's return
The rules of badminton state that the shuttlecock, or birdie, must pass over the net during a shot. However, there is an exception to this rule when it comes to the opponent's return. If a player hits the shuttlecock out, but their opponent returns it and it lands within the tramlines on the same side, this is considered a fault under the rules of badminton.
In this scenario, the opponent's return has resulted in a fault, even though they successfully returned the shuttlecock within the boundaries of the court. This exception to the rule highlights the importance of understanding the nuances of the rules when playing badminton. It also underscores the strategic considerations that players must make during a match.
While it is not a fault for the shuttlecock to touch the net, it can impact the speed and predictability of the shot. When the shuttlecock clips the top of the net, it slows down, and its flight path becomes less predictable. This can be advantageous in certain situations, adding an element of surprise to the game.
The rules regarding the opponent's return and the shuttlecock touching the net showcase the strategic depth of badminton. Players must not only master their shot techniques but also develop a keen understanding of the rules to make informed decisions during gameplay. This includes knowing when to take risks, such as aiming for a shot close to the net, and capitalizing on opportunities presented by their opponent's mistakes.
In conclusion, the opponent's return in badminton can sometimes result in a fault, even if the shuttlecock lands within the tramlines. This exception to the rule adds a layer of complexity to the game, encouraging players to be strategic and adaptable in their gameplay. Understanding and utilizing the rules surrounding the opponent's return can be a crucial aspect of developing one's skills and competitive edge in badminton.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is legal for the birdie to touch the net during a serve or shot in a rally. However, it is not legal for the birdie to go under or through the net.
The birdie will slow down a bit, and its flight path will become less predictable.
No, this would be a fault. Only the birdie is allowed to touch the net.
Theoretically, this is possible, but it is not a practical shot to attempt in a game. This is because, unlike tennis or table tennis balls, shuttlecocks cannot spin on their horizontal axis and therefore cannot curve.
This is not always a legal serve or shot. There are many situations where it could be considered a fault.











































