Saoirse Downs
Badminton is a fast-paced racquet sport played competitively and recreationally. It can be played as singles or doubles. In singles, there are two players competing against each other, and in doubles, two pairs of players form teams and compete, resulting in a game of four players. The aim is to score points by hitting the shuttlecock over the net and into the opponent's court, making sure the opponent cannot return it. The first side to 21 points wins a game, with points awarded to whichever side wins the rally. The winning side gets the next serve. If the score reaches 20-20, the game continues until a side wins by two clear points. If the score reaches 29-29, the first side to reach 30 points wins.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of players | Singles: 2; Doubles: 4 |
| Number of games to win a match | 2 out of 3 |
| Points to win a game | 21 |
| Points to win if the game is tied at 20 | 2 clear points |
| Maximum points in a game | 30 |
| Points scored when opponent faults | 1 |
| Service courts | 2 (left and right) |
| Serving side when score is odd | Left court |
| Serving side when score is even | Right court |
| Court dimensions for singles | 13.41m x 5.18m |
| Court dimensions for doubles | 13.41m x 6.1m |
Explore related products
Scoring points
In singles, the player starts serving from the right-hand service court, also known as the even court, and alternates to the left-hand court, or odd court, each time they score a point. The same is true for doubles, except the pair starts serving from the right-hand side and then alternates between sides with their teammate, as long as they keep winning points. In doubles, the serve stays with one person until the opponents win a rally and get the serve.
A match is the best of three games, with each game played to 21 points. If the score reaches 20-20, a side must win by two clear points. If the score reaches 29-29, the first to 30 points wins the game.
Will Atkinson: Rising Basketball Star's Journey and Achievements
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Serving rules
Serving is an important part of badminton, and there are several rules that players must follow. Firstly, the serve must be hit underarm, with the racket shaft pointing downwards, and the shuttlecock must be below the server's waist height when struck. The whole of the shuttlecock should be below 1.15 metres from the surface of the court. Both feet should be in contact with the floor, and no part of the foot should be touching the service line or court boundaries. After a point is won, players move to the opposite serving stations for the next point.
In singles, the server starts from the right service court and will serve from that side whenever they have an even number of points. They switch to the left service court when they have an odd number of points. Each player retains the serve as long as they keep winning points. In doubles, the server starts on the right and alternates sides with their partner as long as they keep winning points. If the receiving side wins a point, they assume the serve, and the player who did not initially serve will then serve once their side has won a point as the receiving side.
The serve must be hit diagonally to the opponent's half-court and over their front service line, which is the first horizontal line on each side of the court, closest to the net. There are no second serves in badminton, and the shuttlecock is not allowed to bounce. A fault occurs if a player hits the shuttlecock into the ceiling, and the point is awarded to the opposing player. If the shuttlecock strikes any other fixtures above the court, such as lights or beams, it is up to the tournament director or home club to determine if it is a let or a fault.
Downingtown West Basketball Star Will Howard's Rise
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Court positions
In badminton, the receiver's position is determined by the server's position. The receiver must stand in the diagonally opposite service box. In other words, both players will stand in the even service courts or the odd service courts.
In doubles, each player has a service court at all times. When serving, a player must stand inside their service box. Their partner does not have to stay within one of the service boxes and can stand anywhere on the court.
The basic footwork strategy in badminton is to always return to the centre of the court after hitting the shuttlecock. This is because the centre of the court provides the best position to react to your opponent's shots.
It is also important to get behind the shuttlecock, as this grants you more stability and options. If you are not quick enough, you may end up playing the shot from a position behind your body, which will be less effective.
Badminton is a fast-paced sport, so quick feet and good positioning are crucial. You need to be constantly ready for your opponent to strike the shuttlecock or change up the game.
Badminton Olympians: Most Medals Ever
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Rally winners
In doubles, the pair wins the point, not the individual player. The player who wins the rally will serve next, but they will switch sides with their partner. In singles, the winning player retains the serve and serves from the alternate service court. In doubles, the serve stays with one person until the opponents win a rally and get the serve. The receiver's service court does not change.
In casual club games, the game typically ends at 21 points and new players are chosen. In standard league or tournament play, matches are the best of three games. So, a match could last two or three games.
It is important to note that a player can also earn a point if their opponent commits a foul. This includes serving the shuttlecock outside the court, touching the net with the body or racket, extending the racket past the net, or hitting the shuttlecock multiple times.
Basketball Shoes: Why No Wide Toe Boxes?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Match structure
Badminton matches are typically played as the best of three games. The first side to reach 21 points wins a game, provided they have a two-point lead over their opponent. If the score reaches 20-20, the game continues until one side has a two-point lead, or until one side reaches 30 points, at which point the game ends.
In singles, there are two players competing against each other. The player who serves first is decided by a coin toss in major tournaments, or by a shuttle toss in more casual games. The server will then serve from the right-hand side of the court. If the player wins the rally, they will continue to serve, but from the left-hand side of the court. If they lose the rally, the serve passes to their opponent.
In doubles, two pairs of players form teams and compete against each other. The first server is decided by the serving pair, but the server will still start on the right-hand side. If the serving pair wins the rally, the same player will serve again, but from the left-hand side. If the receiving pair wins the rally, the serve passes to them, and they will serve from the right-hand side.
In both singles and doubles, players must change ends under certain conditions. In a three-game match, players will change ends at the conclusion of the first game, at the end of the second game, and in the third game when one side reaches 11 points.
Epic Badminton Rally: The Longest Ever
You may want to see also
