Helena Frye
Badminton is a racket sport that can be played as singles or doubles. In singles, two players compete against each other, while in doubles, two pairs of players form teams and compete, resulting in a game of four players. The objective of the game is to score points by successfully serving the shuttlecock, also known as a birdie, and getting your opponent to commit a fault, such as failing to return the shuttlecock or hitting it into the net. To win a game, a player or team must be the first to reach 21 points, winning by at least two points. Badminton requires quick reflexes and strategic shot placement to outwit your opponent and score points. So, are you ready to grab your rackets and give it a try?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of players | 2 players or 2 teams of 2 players each |
| Objective | Be the first to score 21 points; win by 2 points |
| Court dimensions | 44 ft (13.4 m) long and 20 ft (6.1 m) wide for doubles; 13.41 m (44 ft) long and 17 ft (5.18 m) wide for singles |
| Net height | 5 ft 1 in (1.55 m) at the ends; 5 ft (1.52 m) in the middle |
| Shuttlecock dimensions | 62-70 mm long; 4.74-5.5 g in weight |
| Shuttlecock composition | 16 feathers; cork/rubber base |
| Faults | Hitting the shuttlecock out, touching the net, striking the shuttlecock twice, etc. |
| Racket composition | Metal and nylon |
| Racket length | 26 inches (66.0 cm) |
| Racket weight | 4.5-5.5 ounces |
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What You'll Learn
Rules of badminton
Badminton is a sport played with a racquet and a shuttlecock. The game is played between two single players or two teams of two players each. A net divides the rectangular court in half.
Serving
The game starts with a coin toss, and the winner gets to choose to serve, receive, or pick a side. The serve must be hit underarm and below the server's waist height. The whole of the shuttle should be below 1.15 metres from the surface of the court when hit by the server, with the racquet shaft pointing downwards. The shuttlecock is not allowed to bounce. After a point is won, the players move to the opposite serving stations for the next point. There are no second serves.
Rally
A rally is a sequence of one or more strokes starting with the service, until the shuttlecock is no longer in play. A player wins a rally when their opponent fails to return the shuttlecock, causing it to touch the floor on their side of the court, or when their opponent commits a fault. A shuttlecock can only be struck once by each side before it crosses the net. If a shuttlecock hits the ceiling, it is a fault.
Scoring
A match consists of the best of three games. To win a game, a player or pair must be the first to score 21 points. If the game is tied at 20-20, the winner is the first player or pair to achieve a two-point lead. If the score reaches 29-29, the player or pair that scores the 30th point wins the game.
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Badminton scoring system
Badminton is a popular sport that can be played as singles or doubles. The badminton scoring system has evolved over the years, with the original scoring system dating back to 1873. The game has five disciplines at the Olympics, with China being the dominant force in this sport.
In the traditional scoring system, a match or rubber is decided by the best of three games. Each game is played to 15 points in men's singles and doubles, while ladies' singles games are played to 11 points. The first service is usually determined by a coin toss or by dropping the shuttlecock on top of the net and letting it point to the server. A point is scored when the shuttlecock, or birdie, lands inside the opponent's court. The shuttlecock is not allowed to bounce, and it must be hit underarm and below the server's waist height.
In 2002, the International Badminton Federation (now the Badminton World Federation or BWF) experimented with a different scoring system to improve the commercial and broadcasting appeal of the sport. This new system shortened games to seven points and decided matches by the best of five games. However, this experiment was abandoned, and a modified version of the traditional scoring system was adopted.
The current scoring system in badminton is as follows: the first side to 21 points wins a game, and a match is the best of three games. In casual club games, this is usually where players stop and choose players for the next game. However, in standard league or tournament play, the match is what matters, and a match can last two or three games. A point is scored on every serve and is awarded to the side that wins the rally. The winning side gets the next serve. If the score reaches 20-20, the game continues until one side has a two-point lead, and if the score reaches 29-29, the first side to score 30 points wins.
In doubles, the serving pair chooses who serves first, and the receiving pair chooses who receives. The server will start on the right-hand side and keep serving from alternating sides with their teammate as long as they keep winning points. If the receiving side takes the point, they assume the serve. The player who did not initially serve will then assume the serve once their side has won a point as the receiving side.
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Badminton equipment
Badminton is a fast-paced and exciting sport that requires speed, agility, quickness, strategy, and excellent hand-eye coordination. To play badminton, you will need the following equipment:
Badminton Rackets
Also known as racquets, these are lightweight and easy to handle. There are various brands and models to choose from, such as Yonex, Apacs, Babolat, Victor, and many others. The weight, shaft flexibility, and balance of the racket are important factors to consider when selecting one.
Shuttlecocks
The shuttlecock, also called a "bird" or "birdie," is a small cork hemisphere pierced by 16 goose feathers. It weighs about 0.17 ounces (5 grams). Shuttlecocks are essential to the game, as they are hit back and forth between players using the rackets.
Badminton Shoes
Specialised badminton shoes are designed to provide comfort, stability, and speed for players. Brands such as Yonex and Victor offer shoes that enhance agility and performance.
Badminton Clothing
Badminton clothing is designed to be lightweight and comfortable, allowing for ease of movement. Shorts, shirts, and skirts are available for both men and women. Some clothing options also incorporate eco-conscious materials.
Nets
Portable net systems allow for badminton courts to be set up in various spaces. Nets are suspended between two standards and can be purchased individually or as part of a complete badminton set.
In addition to the equipment mentioned above, you may also want to consider accessories such as badminton bags, socks, and replacement grips for your racket. These items can enhance your overall badminton experience and ensure you have everything you need to play effectively.
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Badminton court dimensions
Badminton is a racket sport played with a shuttlecock. The sport can be played in singles (one player per side) or doubles, and the court dimensions vary slightly between the two styles of play.
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) is the governing body that dictates the standard dimensions of a badminton court. According to the BWF, the length of a standard badminton court is 13.40 metres or 44 feet for both singles and doubles competitions. The width of the court, however, differs depending on the type of match. For singles, the width is 5.18 metres or 17 feet, whereas for doubles, the width is extended to 6.10 metres or 20 feet. The full court measures 14.723 metres or 48.30 feet diagonally.
The badminton net is another important component of the court. The net should be placed directly in the middle of the court, stretching from sideline to sideline. The net stands at a height of 1.55 metres or 5 feet 1 inch at the ends and dips to 1.52 metres or 5 feet in the middle.
The service courts are also crucial to the game. The short service line is 1.98 metres or 6.5 feet from the net, while the long service line is 0.72 metres or 2.36 feet from the baseline. In singles, the service must be beyond the short service line and within the boundary lines. In doubles, the service should be beyond the short service line, but the long service line acts as the marker for the backcourt.
It is worth noting that while the dimensions of a standard badminton court are consistent for all levels of play, from junior to Olympic matches, there is a variation for junior players. A junior badminton court has a reduced length of 34 feet, while the width remains the same at 20 feet. The net is also lowered to 2.5 feet or 30 inches for junior players.
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Badminton serving rules
Serving correctly is an important part of a badminton player's gameplay. The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has laid down specific rules to ensure fairness in the sport. Here are the key rules to keep in mind:
Positioning
The player must stand behind the service line within their designated service court. The player can stand anywhere in their half, even in the tramlines, as long as they are not touching any of the court lines or outside the playing court. In singles, the court is thinner, and the wide, outside tramlines are out of bounds. In doubles, the court is full width, and these tramlines are considered 'in'.
Feet Movement
Both feet must be in contact with the ground when serving. Neither the server nor the receiver can lift either foot off the ground until the shuttlecock has been struck. The feet cannot touch any of the court lines or extend beyond the court boundaries.
Shuttlecock Height
The shuttlecock must be struck below 1.15 metres (3.77 feet) from the court's surface. This rule, introduced in 2018, is used in elite BWF competitions and international tournaments. In non-BWF tournaments, the traditional rule of hitting the shuttlecock below the waist applies.
Direction and Boundaries
The shuttlecock must be hit diagonally to the opponent's half-court and over their front service line. If the shuttlecock lands outside the serving boundary, it is considered out. In singles, the back of the court is in, while in doubles, the sides are in, and the back is out. If the shuttlecock hits the net but goes over and lands past the service line, the server wins the rally. If it lands short of the service line or wide of the court, the receiver wins the point.
Other Rules
Distracting the opponent during the serve is illegal. Touching the net with the body or racket before or during the serve is also not allowed. The server must not cause undue delay once both the server and receiver are ready. Examples of illegal serves include stopping at the backswing and then moving forward, and moving forward and backward multiple times before striking the shuttlecock.
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Frequently asked questions
Badminton is a racket sport played by either two players (singles) or two teams of two players each (doubles). To start, serve the shuttlecock (also known as a birdie) to the other player or team on the opposite side of the court, then wait for them to hit it back. Keep hitting it back and forth until one side misses or hits the net, at which point the other side gets a point. The first side to get 21 points wins the game.
Faults in badminton occur when a player or team fails to appropriately return the shuttlecock. This can include hitting the shuttlecock into the net, hitting it out of bounds, or failing to serve it into the correct opposing court. Faults can also be called if a player obstructs their opponent or touches the net with their body, clothes, or equipment.
In addition to the number of players, the court dimensions differ between singles and doubles matches. In singles, a badminton court is 13.41m (44ft) long and 5.18m (17ft) wide. In doubles, the width extends to 6.1m (20ft). The serving rules also differ between singles and doubles matches. In doubles, the server will start on the right-hand side and keep serving while alternating sides with their teammate as long as they keep winning points.
A shuttlecock, also known as a birdie, is a piece of equipment used in badminton. It is made up of 16 feathers and is between 62-70mm long, weighing between 4.74 and 5.5g. The feathers are arranged so that the shuttlecock will always fly cork-first once struck until it is hit again.
