Amanda Knapp
Badminton is a fast-paced racket sport that can be played either as singles or doubles. The scoring system in badminton has evolved over the years, with the current scoring system being the 3 x 21 rally point system. In this system, the first player or pair to reach 21 points wins the game, and if the score reaches 29-29, the first player or pair to score the 30th point wins. The scoring system is designed to prevent games from dragging on for too long and to improve the commercial and broadcasting appeal of the sport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of points to win | 21 points, with a minimum lead of 2 points |
| Maximum score | 30 points |
| Scoring | One point is awarded per rally win |
| Service courts | Swap service courts after each point scored |
| Serving order | Serving order is determined by the score. If the score is odd, the serve is from the left court, and if even, from the right court |
| Score calling | The server's score is called out first, followed by the opponent's score |
| Double-digit scores | Some players call out the exact score, e.g., 12-11, while others use shorthand, e.g., "two-one" |
| Even scores | "Love-all" or "all" is used for even scores, e.g., "14-all" |
| Zero | Sometimes referred to as "nil" or "love" |
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What You'll Learn
Scoring a point
The receiver's position is determined by the server's score. The receiver always stands diagonally opposite the server. Both players will be in the even service courts or in the odd service courts. One player cannot be in an even service court while the other is in an odd service court. When the server's score is an even number, they serve from the right service court. When the server's score is an odd number, they serve from the left service court.
In doubles, each pair wins points instead of individuals. The serving pair chooses who serves for the first rally, and the receiving pair chooses who receives. The even/odd rule still applies. If the server's score is odd, they serve from the left court; if it is even, they serve from the right court. The receiver will stand diagonally opposite the server. When the serving side wins a rally, the same person serves again but from the other service court. The serve does not alternate between partners. It stays with one person until the opponents win a rally and get the serve.
It is a good habit to say the score to your opponent before starting each rally to prevent disputes. When saying the score, always state the server's score first. For example, if you are serving and have 10 points to your opponent's 15, the score is 10-15. If the score is even, such as 14-14, you can say "14 all". If it is 0-0, you can say "Love-all".
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Rally point system
Badminton uses a rally point system, where every time a player or pair wins a rally, they get a point. The game starts from zero, and the first player or pair to reach 21 points wins. However, they must win by at least two points, so if the score reaches 20-20, the game continues until one side has a two-point lead. For example, 22-20 or 25-23 would be winning scores, whereas 21-20 or 24-23 would not.
If the score reaches 30-29, the game is won by the former. This 30-point upper limit is intended to prevent games from dragging on too long, especially at the top level of play, where long games can put athletes at risk of injury.
In club badminton, the game usually ends at 21 points, and players are chosen for the next game. However, in standard league or tournament play, matches are the best of three games, so a match could last either two or three games.
When saying the score, it is considered good practice to communicate it to your opponent before starting each rally. The server's score is always said first. So, for example, if you are serving and have 10 points to your opponent's 15, the score is 10-15, not 15-10.
In doubles, the scoring is the same, except that instead of individuals winning points, each pair wins points together.
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Deciding who serves first
The method for deciding who serves first in badminton depends on the type of game being played. In a major tournament, a coin toss is used to decide which side will serve first. The player who wins the toss and chooses to serve first will serve from the right side of the service court. In more casual club or league games, players will usually throw the shuttle up in the air and let it land, with the side it points towards being the one to serve first.
Once the first server has been decided, the rules for deciding who serves next depend on the score. If the server's score is odd, they will serve from the left court; if it is even, they will serve from the right. So, if a player serves first and wins the first point, their next serve will come from the left court. If they then lose a point, the serve passes to their opponent, who will serve from the right court.
The receiver's position is determined by the server's position. The receiver always stands in the service box diagonally opposite the server. This means that both players will be in the even service courts or both will be in the odd service courts—one of each is not allowed.
In doubles, the basic service rules are the same, but there are some additional complexities. The player who serves first will do so from the right side of the service court and will continue to do so each time they gather an even number of points. A serve after winning an odd number of points will come from the left service court. The receiving pair chooses who receives the first rally, and the pair that wins a point becomes the server for the subsequent point.
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Service courts
The service court in badminton refers to the right or left side of the court from which a player serves. There are two service courts, one on the right and one on the left. The server's score determines which service court they use. If the server's score is an even number, they serve from the right service court. If their score is odd, they serve from the left service court. Therefore, the right service court is also known as the even service court, and the left service court is known as the odd service court.
The receiver always stands in the service box diagonally opposite the server. This means that both players will be in their respective even or odd service courts simultaneously. It is not possible to have one player in an even service court and the other in an odd service court.
The only way to change service courts is to win a point when your side is serving. When the receiving side wins a rally, the serve passes to them, but their service court remains the same as the previous rally. If the new score is odd, the player with the left service court will serve, and if the score is even, the player with the right service court will serve.
In a badminton match, the player who serves first does so from the right side of the service court. If the server has won an even number of points, they will serve from the right side of the service court for the next point. If the server has won an odd number of points, they will serve from the left side of the service court for the next point. This rule applies to both singles and doubles matches.
The doubles service rules in badminton are slightly more complicated. The basic service rule remains the same, with the player who serves first doing so from the right side of the service court. However, in doubles, each pair wins points together, and the scoring can become more complex.
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Winning a game
To win a game of badminton, you need to be the first player to reach 21 points. However, you must win by a margin of at least two points. So, if your opponent has 20 points, you need to score two consecutive points to win the game. For example, a score of 22-20 or 25-23 would be a winning score. If you reach 29-29, then the next point wins.
There is an upper limit of 30 points. If your opponent reaches 30 points first, they win, even if you are trailing by just one point.
It is a good idea to get into the habit of saying the score out loud to your opponent before each rally. This will help prevent disputes, as it is easy to lose track of the score. When saying the score, always give the server's score first. For example, if you are serving and have 10 points to your opponent's 15, the score is 10-15.
In a badminton match, the aim is to win the best of three games. After 11 points, there is a one-minute break, and there is a two-minute break between games.
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Frequently asked questions
The scoring system in badminton is pretty simple. A point is scored on every serve, regardless of who is serving. The player who wins the rally gets a point and serves the next point. The first person to reach 21 points wins the game.
The server must hit the shuttlecock so that it passes over the net and lands in the opponent's service court. The birdie, or shuttlecock, is cone-shaped and will always fly cork-first. The server must hit the birdie below waist height, serving diagonally into their opponent’s service box.
In a major tournament, a coin toss is used to decide which side will serve first. In more casual club or league games, players usually throw the shuttlecock in the air and let it land, serving first if it points towards their side.
There are two service courts on either side of the net: the right service court, also known as the even service court, and the left service court, also known as the odd service court. The server's score determines which court they use.
