Helena Frye
Badminton is a racquet sport that involves hitting a shuttlecock back and forth over a net. The service, which initiates the match, is an important part of a player's gameplay. There are various rules that govern the service in badminton, such as the requirement for part of both feet to be in contact with the ground when the shuttlecock is struck. One of the most contentious rules relates to the height of the shuttlecock during the serve. The Badminton World Federation (BWF) rules state that the entire shuttlecock must be below 1.15 metres when struck, which is enforced by a service judge using a fixed serve height sighting device in high-level games.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Height of the shuttlecock | Below 1.15 metres or waist height (the bottom of the lowest rib) |
| Racket position | Racket head must be placed below the waist and swung upwards |
| Foot position | Both feet must be in contact with the ground and cannot be touching any court lines |
| Service rules | One continuous motion, no pauses, and no undue delay |
| Scoring | A point is scored when the serving or receiving side wins a rally (a series of shots until the shuttlecock touches the ground, hits the net, or goes out of bounds); the first side to reach 21 points wins the game |
| Doubles service rules | The player who serves first does so from the right side of the service court after scoring an even number of points and from the left service court after an odd number of points |
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What You'll Learn
- The official rule is that the shuttlecock must be below 1.15 metres when struck
- The waist rule: the shuttlecock must be below the waist when struck
- The feet rule: at least one foot must be in contact with the ground when serving
- The continuous motion rule: the serve must be one continuous motion
- The short backhand serve is a popular style for professionals
The official rule is that the shuttlecock must be below 1.15 metres when struck
The official height rule for badminton serves is that the shuttlecock must be below 1.15 metres when struck. This rule has been implemented by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) to standardise the height across matches and make it easier to detect fouls.
Previously, the rule stated that the shuttlecock had to be below the server's waist when struck, but this was problematic as it was hard to determine the exact height of an individual's waist. This led to a lot of debate during matches and players trying to get around the rule to gain a height advantage. With the new rule, the height limit is clearly defined and can be easily enforced by a service judge using a fixed serve height sighting device.
The sighting device can be placed at 1.15 metres to check if the shuttlecock is raised above the line before it is struck. If it is, the service judge will call a height fault. This device is used in all high-level games to ensure compliance with the rules. However, for casual games or those played at clubs or schools, a device may not always be available, and the waist height rule may still be used.
It's important to note that there are other rules pertaining to the serve in badminton as well. For example, the server must start from the right side of the service court and continue to do so each time after scoring an even number of points. Additionally, the receiver must have both feet in contact with the ground until the shuttle is struck, and the serve must be one continuous motion without any pauses.
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The waist rule: the shuttlecock must be below the waist when struck
The waist rule in badminton refers to the maximum height at which a player can legally strike the shuttlecock during a serve. According to the official badminton rules, the shuttlecock must be struck below the server's waist level, which is defined as the lowest part of the server's lower rib. This rule ensures that the serve is delivered underhand, promoting fair play and consistency in the game.
To determine the waist level for the serve, the server can stand upright with their feet shoulder-width apart and identify the position of their lowest rib, which is generally just above the hip bones. This point is considered the waist in the context of badminton serving rules. By measuring from the floor to this point, players can determine the height at which they should aim to strike the shuttlecock during their serve.
The waist rule helps prevent players from gaining an unfair advantage by hitting the feathers of the shuttlecock first, which can create a significant amount of spin. It also likely improves the durability of the shuttlecocks by reducing the amount of spin. The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has updated the service rule, specifying that the entire shuttlecock must be below 1.15 metres when struck. This new rule is measured by a service judge using a plastic device that measures the height from the court surface.
While the 1.15-metre rule is now used in international tournaments, some sources indicate that the old waist rule is still commonly used in casual games, clubs, and domestic tournaments. It is important for players to be aware of the rules being enforced in their specific playing environment to ensure compliance during matches. Practicing with the racket head pointing downwards and striking the shuttlecock below the waist can help players develop a consistent and legal serving technique.
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The feet rule: at least one foot must be in contact with the ground when serving
The feet play a crucial role in badminton serving, and understanding the rules around foot placement is essential for executing a legal serve. One of the fundamental rules pertaining to the feet is that at least one foot must remain in contact with the ground during the entire service action. This rule ensures stability and helps prevent players from gaining an unfair advantage by jumping or lifting both feet during the serve.
The "foot-up" rule, as it is sometimes called, promotes fair play and maintains the integrity of the service motion. By keeping one foot grounded, the server is restricted in their ability to generate excessive power or employ unconventional techniques that may disrupt the natural flow of the game. It also helps ensure that the serve is executed in a controlled manner, reducing the risk of injury to both players.
Maintaining contact with the ground is not just a technical requirement but also a strategic consideration. The choice of which foot to keep grounded can impact the power and angle of the serve. For example, a right-handed player might prefer to keep their left foot grounded to generate more power, while keeping the right foot grounded can provide more stability and control.
It's important to note that while one foot must remain on the ground, players are allowed to move their feet during the service motion. This includes adjusting their stance, stepping forward or backward, or shifting their weight. However, any such movement must be done within the parameters of a continuous action. Jerky or abrupt movements that indicate a pause or completion of the service action are not permitted.
Adhering to the "feet rule" is crucial in competitive badminton. Violating this rule can result in a fault being called, leading to a point or serve being awarded to the opponent. Therefore, players must be mindful of their footwork during the serve and ensure that their movements comply with the official rules of the game. Understanding and mastering the feet rule is an essential skill for any badminton player aiming to improve their serving technique and overall gameplay.
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The continuous motion rule: the serve must be one continuous motion
To ensure a legal serve in badminton, one must adhere to the continuous motion rule. This rule dictates that the server must execute the serve in one fluid, uninterrupted motion. Any pauses or abrupt changes in direction during the serving action are considered violations.
The continuous motion rule specifically pertains to the backswing and forward swing of the racket. Once the server initiates the backswing, they must smoothly transition into the forward swing without hesitation. Failing to do so may result in a fault being called by the service judge.
Examples of illegal serves under this rule include stopping at the backswing and then abruptly moving forward or exhibiting multiple forward and backward movements before striking the shuttle. These interruptions break the fluidity of the serving action and are therefore deemed violations.
It is important to note that the continuous motion rule complements other serving regulations, such as the requirement to strike the cork of the shuttle and the restriction on lifting either foot off the ground before striking the shuttle. These rules collectively ensure fair play and maintain the integrity of the game.
While the continuous motion rule is crucial, it is just one aspect of a legal serve in badminton. Understanding and adhering to all the serving rules are essential for players to execute legitimate serves and maintain the flow of the game.
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The short backhand serve is a popular style for professionals
The short backhand serve is a popular style in badminton, especially in professional games. This is because it gives players an advantage right from the start of the rally. The low and short backhand serve is highly effective because the shuttlecock has a shorter distance to travel to reach the opponent compared to a forehand serve, making it faster. This means that the opponent has less time to react. The short backhand serve is also preferred because it is easier to control the serve with a backhand grip, as the technique allows for a shorter swing with more precision. The backhand grip also helps generate power in the shot using the fingers and thumb, allowing players to hit the shuttlecock flat across the net. The short backhand serve is also deceptive as it involves a short backswing and a short follow-through, which can catch opponents off-guard.
The short backhand serve is also popular because it is almost always returned under the net cord, which means there is a relatively low risk of getting difficult returns. Professional players use their footwork to move immediately after serving to be ready for a return, while amateurs tend to adjust their stance only when they see the return strike. The short backhand serve is also a dominating choice for service because it is used in both singles and doubles matches. In singles, players almost only play low and short backhand serves to keep their offensive advantage and provoke an attack on their next strike. In doubles, the backhand service is often extremely fast and can be used to set up the next strike. The short backhand serve is a versatile and effective strategy in badminton, which is why it is so popular among professionals.
The rules around the serve height in badminton have also contributed to the popularity of the short backhand serve. The official rule states that the entire shuttlecock must be below 1.15 meters when struck, which can be enforced using a fixed serve height sighting device. This rule has replaced the older rule, where the shuttlecock had to be below waist height, which was difficult to enforce as waist height could vary from person to person. The new rule provides a clear height restriction that applies to all players, making it easier to detect fouls and ensuring a fair playing field.
While the short backhand serve is a popular strategy, it is important to note that there is no single perfect technique when it comes to serving in badminton. Professional players have their own unique styles, and it is essential to experiment and find what works best for the individual. The short backhand serve is a powerful tool in a player's arsenal, but it should be combined with other serves and tactics to keep opponents guessing and maintain an offensive advantage.
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Frequently asked questions
The entire shuttlecock should be below the server's waist when struck. The waist is considered to be an imaginary line coinciding with the server's lowest rib.
The official rule states that the entire shuttle must be below 1.15 metres when it is struck.
A service judge uses a fixed serve height sighting device to check if the shuttle is raised above the line before it is struck and will call a height fault if it is.
Other rules include having part of both feet in contact with the ground before striking the shuttle and ensuring that the racket head is placed below the waist when serving.
