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Badminton is a fast-paced racket sport played with a shuttlecock, also known as a birdie or shuttle. The aim is to hit the shuttlecock back and forth over a net, without letting it touch the ground on your side. The game is played with two players or two teams of two players each. To set up a court, you need a rectangular space that is 44 feet long and 17 feet wide for singles, and 20 feet wide for doubles. The net should be placed in the middle, with the top 5 feet off the ground. Players use a lightweight racket to strike the shuttlecock, with the main strokes being the forehand and backhand, similar to tennis. The grip and holding techniques for the racket are important to master, as they affect control, power and accuracy. The serve grip, for example, involves holding the racket handle with a relaxed grip and placing your fingers slightly apart for flexibility and control.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of players | 2 or 4 |
| Court dimensions | 44 ft x 20 ft (doubles); 44 ft x 17 ft (singles) |
| Net height | 5 ft |
| Service rules | Serve diagonally across the net to the opponent's service court; serve from the right when the score is even, and from the left when it's odd; no second serves |
| Scoring | A point is scored when the shuttlecock lands inside the opponent's court; a match is won by the best two out of three games; to win a game, a player must reach 21 points, or be the first to reach 30 points if the game is tied at 29-29; if the score is tied at 20-20, a player must win by two clear points |
| Faults | Hitting the shuttlecock into the net or outside the court; striking the shuttlecock twice with the racket; touching the net with any part of the body or racket; deliberately distracting the opponent |
| Strategy | Plan your next move and think one step ahead; don't smash the shuttlecock every time; hit the centre of the shuttlecock ("sweet spot"); hit the shuttlecock at the top of its arc |
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What You'll Learn
Know the rules
Badminton is an indoor sport played with a racquet and a shuttlecock. The aim of the game is to score points by successfully hitting the shuttlecock over the net. Here are the rules you need to know to play badminton:
The Court
The badminton court measures 44 feet (13.4 m) long by 20 feet (6.1 m) wide. For singles matches, the width is reduced to 17 feet (5.2 m). The net should be positioned halfway across the court, made of three-quarter inch mesh, at a height of 5 feet (1.5 m) above the ground. The court has service courts on each side, with the server required to serve from one service court to the service court diagonal from it. Players must change courts after each point is scored.
The Players
Badminton can be played with either two players (singles) or four players (doubles). In doubles, two pairs of players form teams and compete against each other.
The Shuttlecock
The shuttlecock, also known as the birdie, is cone-shaped and made of feathers or synthetic material attached to a cork or rubber base. It is important to understand the unique properties of the shuttlecock, as it will always fly cork-first once struck until it is hit again. Aim to hit the centre of the shuttlecock, also known as the "sweet spot", to get the most control and power.
Scoring
A player or team wins a point when the shuttlecock hits the ground in their opponent's court, including the lines. A point is also awarded to the opponent if the shuttlecock hits the net or lands outside the court. The game is won by the first player or team to reach 21 points. If the score reaches 20-20, the game continues until one side has a two-point lead. If the score reaches 29-29, the first side to score 30 points wins. To win the overall match, a player or team must win two out of three games.
Faults and Other Rules
There are several ways a fault can occur in badminton, resulting in a point for the opponent:
- If the shuttlecock is served and does not reach the net or land in the service area.
- If any part of the racket when striking is not higher than the serving player's hand.
- If the shuttlecock is hit twice by the same player.
- If a player touches the net with any part of their body or racquet.
- If a player deliberately distracts their opponent.
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Set up the court
To set up a badminton court, you will need a space that measures 44 feet (13.4 metres) long by 17 feet (5.2 metres) wide for a singles game, and 44 feet (13.4 metres) by 20 feet (6.1 metres) for a doubles game. Mark out the boundaries of your court on the ground, ensuring that it is rectangular in shape.
Next, you will need to set up a net in the middle of the court. The net should be positioned at a height of 5 feet (1.5 metres) above the ground. If you are playing singles, the net should be placed at the 17-foot (5.2-metre) mark; for doubles, it should be at the 20-foot (6.1-metre) mark.
Each side of the court has a right and left service court. The service courts are 3.96 metres (13 feet) long and 2.59 metres (8.5 feet) wide. There is also a doubles service line that is 0.76 metres (2.5 feet) in from the baseline.
Once you have marked out the court and set up the net, you are ready to start playing!
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Understand serving
Serving is a critical aspect of badminton, as it sets the tone for each rally and can provide an early advantage if executed effectively. Here's a step-by-step guide to understanding the serve in badminton:
Positioning and Footwork
When serving, the player must stand inside a service court without touching any boundary lines. In singles, stand 2-3 feet behind the short service line, closest to the net. During the serve, it's important to keep at least part of both feet on the ground. While the back left foot will naturally lift as you swing the racket, keep your toes on the ground, and avoid dragging your foot.
Service Sides and Direction
The direction of the serve depends on the score. If your score is even, serve from the right service court, aiming towards the diagonally opposite service court on the left. Conversely, if your score is odd, serve from the left service court, aiming to the right. In doubles, the extra space on the sides of the court is also considered fair game for serving and returning.
Basic Serving Techniques
The most common serve in badminton is the forehand low serve. To execute this serve, hold the shuttle perpendicular to the ground with a forearm grip. Bring the racket back to shoulder height, then drop the shuttle and swing the racket forward, timing it so that the racket meets the shuttle below your waist. This serve is more about gently pushing the shuttle rather than hitting it hard, and it limits your opponent's swing, increasing your chances of scoring.
Another basic serve is the underarm backhand serve. Point both feet forward, with the racket leg slightly ahead. Hold the racket with a loose backhand grip, keeping the racket head below your waist. Hold the shuttle by the feathers with the non-racket hand in front of the racket's face, ensuring the feathers face the top part of the net. Take the racket slightly behind to generate momentum, then use a flick of the wrist to hit the shuttle.
Advanced Variations
Once you master the basics, you can explore different types of serves, such as the high serve and the flick serve. The high serve aims to make your opponent return the shuttle from the farthest point in the court, giving you an advantage. The flick serve is useful when you notice your opponent trying to anticipate and kill your service—it forces them to change their movement. Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all serving technique. Adapt your serves based on your form, your opponent's style, and the progress of the game.
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How to score points
To score a point in badminton, you must successfully hit the shuttlecock over the net and land it inside your opponent's court before they hit it. A point can also be gained if your opponent hits the shuttlecock into the net or outside the court's boundaries. If the shuttlecock hits the net and passes through, under, or lands on top of it, a point is awarded to the opposition.
Players must serve diagonally across the net to their opponent. When serving, the shuttlecock must be hit underarm and below the server's waist. If the shuttlecock is served above the waist, it is a fault, and the opposition wins the point. If the shuttlecock does not clear the net or land inside the service area, the opposition scores a point and gains the serve. The server must also ensure that no part of their racket is higher than their hand at the point of striking the shuttlecock; otherwise, it is a fault, and the opposition wins the point.
When playing singles, you can serve to your opponent's diagonal service box and the back singles line on that side of the court. In doubles, the extra 15 feet on the left and right sides of the court are considered fair game for serving and returning. After each point is scored, players must change courts.
It is important to note that you should not smash the shuttlecock every time. Instead, use the smash when the shuttlecock is high in the air, and you have plenty of time to approach it. This will allow you to end the point in your favour. Always plan your next move and think one step ahead of your opponent. Try to hit the centre of the shuttlecock, also known as the "sweet spot," to benefit from speed and height.
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Advanced techniques
The Smash
While the smash is a basic move, it is important to know when to use it. Avoid smashing the shuttlecock every time you hit it. Instead, use the smash when the shuttlecock is high in the air, and you have time to approach it. This will allow you to end the point in your favour. If you smash at every opportunity, you will tire yourself out and risk hitting the net.
Deception
Deception is a key part of badminton. A good player will always plan their next move and think one step ahead of their opponent. For example, if your opponent hits a smash directly at you, you will likely try to hit it back in the same position, which will probably result in the shuttlecock hitting the net. A more advanced player will understand this and position their shot to manipulate their opponent's next move.
Spinning Net Shot
A spinning net shot is an advanced technique that sends the shuttle tumbling just over the net into your opponent's court. To perform this shot, get into a standard forehand (handshake) grip with your hand and fingers relaxed. Use proper footwork to move to your front court. Extend your racket arm up in front of you at about shoulder height. Allow your racket face to tilt slightly down toward the net, with your wrist in a comfortable position. Keep your elbow loose, straighten your posture, and extend your non-racket arm out behind you for balance. As you lunge, tighten your grip and use a slicing motion to send the shuttle over the net. Focus on a swift, controlled technique rather than power.
Backhand Smash
The backhand smash is one of the most powerful and explosive advanced skills in badminton, but it requires a strong technique. Before attempting this shot, you should be confident in your standard smash and backhand swing. To perform the backhand smash, start with a relaxed bevel grip, with your thumb shifted towards the edge of the handle to improve wrist movement and smash accuracy. Use proper footwork to move towards the backhand side of your back court, pivoting at the last second to face away from the net. When swinging, pull your racket arm back with your elbow pointing up towards the net. Then, in one swift motion, use your forearm and wrist power to whip your racket and hit the shuttle in a downward trajectory. The racket should move in a rapid "arc" motion—first pointing downward, then up to make contact with the shuttle, and finally following through.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need two or four players, a badminton court, a net, a shuttlecock, and badminton rackets.
The badminton court should be 44 feet (13.4 m) long by 17 feet (5.2 m) wide for singles, and 44 feet (13.4 m) by 20 feet (6.1 m) wide for doubles. The net should be placed in the middle at 5 feet (1.5 m) height.
Points are scored when a player successfully hits the shuttlecock into their opponent's court, and the opponent fails to return it. The shuttlecock must land within the boundaries of the court, otherwise, a point is awarded to the opponent. The first player to reach 21 points wins the game. If the score reaches 20-20, the game continues until one player gains a 2-point lead. If the score reaches 29-29, the first player to reach 30 points wins.
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