
Badminton is a high-intensity sport with little to no breaks, and it's crucial to maintain momentum to win a set. To win a badminton set, players need to score 21 points, with a minimum lead of 2 points. Players earn a point each time they win a rally, and the first player to reach 21 points wins the game. In a match, which is the best of three games, a player or team must win two or three games to emerge victorious. Various factors influence the outcome of a badminton set, including stamina, tactics, mentality, and nerves. Understanding the rules, such as serving and receiving positions, scoring fouls, and service courts, is also essential for winning a badminton set.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Points needed to win a set | 21 |
| Points needed to win a game | 2 more points than the opponent |
| Cap on points | 30 |
| Number of games to win a match | 2 out of 3 games |
| Serving | Serve from the right service court at the start of the game |
| Serving | Serve from the left service court if you have an odd number of points |
| Serving | Serve from the right service court if you have an even number of points |
| Serving | Serve diagonally into the opponent's service box |
| Serving | Serve from a different side each time if you keep winning rallies |
| Serving | If playing doubles, the server will start on the right-hand side and keep serving, while alternating sides with their teammate |
| Scoring | Score a point each time you win a rally |
| Scoring | Score a point if your opponent makes a foul |
| Scoring | Fouls include serving the shuttlecock outside the court, touching the net with your body or racket, extending your racket past the net, or hitting the shuttlecock multiple times |
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What You'll Learn

Understand the scoring system
Badminton is played in sets, and the first player to win two sets takes the match. In each set, the first player to reach 21 points wins, but they must be at least two points ahead of their opponent. For example, if the score reaches 21-20, the game continues until one player gains a two-point lead, so the final score could be 25-23. If the game reaches 30 points, it is capped, and the player who reaches 30 first wins, regardless of the point difference.
In badminton, you get a point each time you win a rally. A rally is when the shuttlecock, also known as the birdie, is in play. The shuttlecock is the cone-shaped 'ball' made of feathers or synthetic material attached to a cork or rubber base. The cork-first direction of the shuttlecock makes the game unique and unpredictable.
The server always starts from the right service court and will continue to serve from the right every time they have an even number of points. They will serve from the left every time they have an odd number of points. 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. If the receiving side wins the point, they get to serve.
Fouls are also worth one point and are awarded to the opposing player. A foul can include serving the shuttlecock outside the court, touching the net with your body or racket, extending your racket past the net, or hitting the shuttlecock multiple times.
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Know the rules of serving
Serving is an important part of a badminton player's gameplay. Here are the rules you need to know:
Determining the Server
The server in a badminton match is determined by a coin toss. The player who serves first in any game shall do so from the right side of the service court on which they begin the match. If the server has won an even number of points during a game, they serve from the right side of the service court for the subsequent point. If they have won an odd number of points, they serve from the left side. In doubles, the basic service rules remain the same, but the laws also dictate that the player who serves first shall do so from the right side of the service court and continue to do so each time after gathering an even number of points during a game, while a serve after winning an odd number of points shall come from the left service court.
Serving Techniques
The shuttlecock must be struck below 1.15 metres (3.77 feet) from the court's surface. This regulation limits power, levelling the playing field. In non-BWF tournaments, players follow the traditional rule of hitting the shuttle below the waist. The entire shuttlecock should be below the waist of the server, which is considered to be an imaginary line coinciding with the server's lowest rib. The player must stand behind the service line within their designated service court. Both feet must be in contact with the ground when serving, and the feet cannot be touching any of the lines on the court or be outside the playing court.
Faults
Fouls include serving the shuttlecock outside of the court, contacting the net with your body or racket, extending your racket past the net, or hitting the shuttlecock multiple times. Other faults include stopping at the backswing and then moving forwards, moving forwards and backwards multiple times before striking the shuttle, and taking too long to serve. Distracting the opponent during the serve is also illegal.
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Learn how to hit the shuttlecock
To win a badminton set, you need to be the first player to score 21 points. If the game reaches 30 points, the player with 30 points wins, regardless of their lead. To score points, you need to win rallies and earn points when your opponent makes a foul.
Now, to win rallies and earn points, you need to learn how to hit the shuttlecock. Here are some tips to help you improve your shuttlecock-hitting skills:
The Smash Shot
The smash shot is a powerful shot that can help you gain an advantage in a rally. To execute a smash shot, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent. Hold your racket upright and as far back as possible, and try to connect with the shuttlecock at its highest point. Inhale deeply, stretch out your non-racket arm to shoulder level, and swing with your full racket arm, exhaling as you do so. As you swing, shuffle your feet forward and snap your wrist downward to add power and steepness to the stroke.
The Drive Shot
The drive shot is a fast and flat shot that keeps your opponent on their toes. Hold the racket with a firm grip and use a short swing to make contact with the shuttlecock. Aim to hit the shuttlecock hard, flat, and fast towards your opponent's mid-court or back-court.
The Net Shot
The net shot is a tricky shot that can surprise your opponent. Hold the racket lightly and use a short swing to gently hit the shuttlecock just over the net and close to your opponent's court.
The Flick Shot
The flick shot is deceptive and can catch your opponent off guard. Hit the shuttlecock softly with a quick wrist action, using a light grip and a short swing, aiming to create a steep angle so that it falls just over the net and deep into your opponent's court.
General Tips
- Always try to hit the shuttlecock at its highest point.
- For lifts and clears, bring your racket higher to create your own pendulum.
- Follow through with your swing and keep a step behind the shuttlecock to maintain an ideal position for contact.
- Be on your toes and ready to smash at any instant.
- When the shuttlecock is hit to your end of the court, get underneath and behind it as quickly as possible to set up a powerful smash.
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Tactics and strategy
Momentum is crucial in badminton, and players should aim to maintain their momentum while disrupting their opponent's rhythm. This can be achieved by varying the pace and direction of shots, using deceptive shots like drops and slices, and exploiting their opponent's weaknesses.
It is important to adapt your tactics based on the conditions of the venue. For example, lighting and draft can impact the visibility of the shuttlecock, affecting your ability to track and respond to shots. Understanding these factors can help you adjust your strategy accordingly.
Players should also be mindful of their stamina management. Badminton is a physically demanding sport with minimal breaks, and stamina can impact the execution of shots and movements. Conserving energy and maintaining focus can help players sustain their performance throughout the set.
Another important aspect is understanding the scoring system and adjusting your tactics accordingly. In badminton, players typically play the best of three games, with each game continuing until one player reaches 21 points, or 30 points in some cases. Players should be aware of the score and adapt their strategies as the game progresses, especially when approaching the deciding points of a game.
Additionally, players should utilise their serves effectively. In singles, the server starts from the right service court for even points and switches to the left for odd points. In doubles, the server starts on the right and alternates with their partner, serving from opposite service courts. Serving accurately and strategically can help players gain an advantage and control the pace of the game.
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Stamina and mentality
Badminton is a highly intensive sport with little to no breaks, and it is common for players to lose stamina as the game progresses. As players lose stamina, certain shots and movements become more difficult, and they may stop giving it their all in preparation for the next set. Therefore, it is crucial to have the stamina to maintain your pace and accuracy until the very last point of the game.
Mental toughness is a vital aspect of badminton. A player can possess all the physical attributes, but without mental toughness, they may struggle to perform under pressure. Mental toughness enables players to push themselves beyond their limits and maintain focus when they are exhausted. It helps them to remain calm, make better decisions, and keep fighting even when they are far behind in the game.
Mindset plays a significant role in performance. It can impact your stamina, heart rate, and overall physical and mental state. Having a positive mindset, believing in your skills, and adopting a 'never say die' attitude can give you the mental strength to overcome your fears and perform at your best.
Additionally, engaging in diverse sports such as running, cycling, or swimming can enhance your physical and mental resilience, positively impacting your badminton skills.
In summary, to win a badminton set, you need a combination of stamina and mental toughness. Stamina will enable you to endure the intensive nature of the sport, while mental toughness will help you stay focused, confident, and resilient throughout the game.
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Frequently asked questions
To win a badminton set, you need to be the first to reach 21 points. If your opponent manages to draw level at 20-20, you must maintain a 2-point lead and reach at least 22 points to win the set.
You win a point every time you win a rally. A rally is won when your opponent commits a fault or fails to return the shuttlecock.
Faults include serving the shuttlecock outside the court, touching the net with your body or racket, extending your racket past the net, or hitting the shuttlecock multiple times.
A badminton match is typically the best of three sets. Therefore, to win a match, you need to win at least two sets.











































