Kristian Ferrell
Badminton is a racket sport that involves hitting a shuttlecock over a net to score points. The standard badminton court is rectangular and measures 13.4m (44ft) in length and 6.1m (20ft) in width for doubles matches, while singles courts are slightly narrower at 5.18m (17ft). The court is divided by a net that spans the width of the court and is placed 1.55m (5.1ft) above the ground at the sides, sagging slightly towards the centre to a height of 1.52m (5ft). The court features several lines that demarcate the service areas and playing boundaries, with the actual lines being 4cm (1.57 inches) thick and usually coloured white or yellow.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Length | 44 feet (13.4 metres) |
| Width (doubles) | 20 feet (6.1 metres) |
| Width (singles) | 17 feet (5.18 metres) |
| Total area | 880 square feet (or 124.82 square metres for doubles) |
| Diagonal length | 48 feet (14.723 metres) |
| Service line (short) | 6.5 feet (1.98 metres) from net |
| Service line (long) | 2.5 feet (0.76 metres) from back boundary |
| Net height (centre) | 5 feet (1.52 metres) |
| Net height (sides) | 5 feet 1 inch (1.55 metres) |
| Line width | 40 mm (1.57 inches) |
| Line colour | White or yellow |
| Clearance | 2 feet (0.61 metres) |
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What You'll Learn
Court dimensions for singles and doubles
A standard badminton court is a rectangular surface divided into two halves by a net in the middle. The court is usually marked for both singles and doubles matches, with boundary widths varying between the two match types.
For singles matches, the court is 13.4 metres (44 feet) long and 5.18 metres (17 feet) wide. The baselines, also known as the "singles back service line", are set out at the left and right ends of each side of the court. In singles matches, the shuttlecock must land within the singles sideline and the baseline during service.
For doubles matches, the width of the court is extended to 6.1 metres (20 feet). The net in the middle of the court is 1.55 metres (5 feet 1 inch) tall at the ends and 1.52 metres (5 feet) tall in the centre. The service courts are split by a centre line and are set back from the net by a "short service line" of 1.98 metres (6.5 feet). Doubles matches also require a "long service line", which is placed 0.76 metres (2.5 feet) in from the back boundary.
The actual lines on the court should be 4 centimetres (1.57 inches) thick and should be coloured white or yellow. Clearances of 0.61 metres (2 feet) should be provided around the entire badminton court. The Badminton World Federation (BWF) recommends a vertical clearance of 9 metres (30 feet) for indoor courts and 11.88 metres (39 feet) for major tournaments to prevent shots from hitting the roof.
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Service lines
A badminton court has two service lines: the short service line and the long service line. The short service line is 1.98m (6.5 feet) from the net, while the long service line is 0.72m (2.36 feet or 0.76m) from the baseline. The service lines are specifically marked for this purpose.
In singles, the shuttlecock must land within the singles sideline and the baseline on the opposite side of the court. For example, when serving from the right-hand side, the shuttlecock must travel diagonally over the net into the left-hand side of the opponent's side of the court. The service must be beyond the short service line and within the boundary lines.
In doubles, the service should be beyond the short service line, but it is the long service line that acts as the marker for the backcourt. The long service line is placed 2.5' (0.76m) in from the back boundary.
When serving, players must not have their feet touching any of the court lines. Both feet must be in contact with the floor when striking the shuttlecock, and players must strike the cork rather than the feather. The Badminton World Federation (BWF) states that the base of the shuttle (the cork) must be struck first when serving. This rule was added to prevent players from gaining an advantage by hitting the feathers first and creating excessive spin on the shuttle.
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Net height
The net is a crucial element in a game of badminton, with players required to return the shuttlecock from one side of the court to the other during the match. The net spans the entire 20-foot (6.1-metre) width of the court and is placed over the doubles sidelines, even when singles games are played.
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) regulates the height of the net. In official tournaments, strict adherence to these regulations is essential to ensure fairness and consistency across matches. The net is 5 feet 1 inch (1.55 metres) tall at its edges and sags very slightly towards the centre, where it is required to be 5 feet (1.52 metres) tall. This slight sag in the centre of the net is allowed, and the net is made taut by the use of weighted tension poles on the outside edges of the court.
The height of the net is important for fair play. If the net is too high, players can more easily hit powerful shots over their opponents' heads, disrupting the flow of the game. Conversely, a net set too low can result in frequent faults as shuttlecocks may hit the net even during regular shots.
The height of the net can be influenced by several factors. Firstly, the tension of the net can affect its height, with nets that are too loose sagging too much. Temperature and humidity can also play a role, as environmental conditions can affect the elasticity of the net material, potentially altering its height.
Badminton nets are often mobile and can be set up quickly when ready for play. When setting up a net, it is important to ensure it is securely attached to the supporting posts or poles to prevent it from shifting during play.
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Court markings for wheelchair badminton
A standard badminton court has a length of 44 feet (13.4 metres) and a width of 6.1 feet (20 metres) for doubles matches, and 5.18 feet (17 metres) for singles matches. The net that divides the court is 6.1 feet (2 metres) wide and 5.1 feet (1.55 metres) high at the sides, sagging slightly to the centre of the net, which is required to have a height of 5 feet (1.52 metres). The service courts are split by a centre line and are set back from the net by a 'short service line' of 6.5 feet (1.98 metres). Doubles games also require a 'long service line', placed 2.5 feet (0.76 metres) in from the back boundary. The actual lines should be 1.57 inches (4 centimetres) thick and should be coloured distinctly from the surface of the court, usually white.
Wheelchair badminton is a variation of the game that is accessible and inclusive for disabled players of all levels. The court markings for wheelchair badminton are the same as those for the standard game. However, it is important to ensure that there is sufficient space surrounding the court to allow for wheelchair manoeuvrability. As such, it is recommended that there is a safety border of at least 2 metres from the sidelines and baselines to any surrounding walls or structures. For a standard doubles court, this would require a minimum space of 94.07 square metres (1012.56 square feet). Ideally, the space should be 10.10 metres (33.14 feet) wide and 17.41 metres (57.12 feet) long, with a surface area of 124.82 square metres (1343.55 square feet).
In addition, as badminton is usually played indoors, there should be adequate vertical clearance to prevent shots from hitting the roof. The recommended vertical clearance is 30 feet (9.14 metres), while the Badminton World Federation (BWF) states that there must be a vertical clearance of 39 feet (11.88 metres) for major tournaments.
Temporary court line markers are often used to set up a badminton court, especially when marking out a tennis court for badminton.
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Safety perimeter
A badminton court is composed of a series of lines that form a rectangular shape. The court's dimensions are 13.4 metres in length and 6.1 metres in width. While the lines are a part of the court, they also serve an important safety function by establishing a perimeter that ensures the players' safety and helps to regulate the game.
The safety perimeter of a badminton court is demarcated by the outer boundary lines, which enclose an area of 44 square metres. These lines are not merely decorative or indicative of the court's dimensions; they play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of the players. The lines provide a visual guide for players, helping them to maintain their balance and positioning during play.
The boundary lines serve as a critical safety feature, preventing players from venturing too close to the edges of the court, where they could collide with obstacles or fall off the playing surface. This is particularly important in ensuring the safety of players during fast-paced rallies, where quick movements and sudden changes in direction are common. By providing a clear boundary, the lines help players maintain their orientation and avoid potential hazards outside the court.
In addition to the outer boundary, the inner lines of the court also contribute to safety. The centre line and the short service line divide the court into distinct areas, each with its own purpose and associated rules. These lines guide players on their positioning during different phases of the game, helping to prevent collisions and ensuring a safe distance between opponents.
The safety perimeter created by the court lines also contributes to the overall fairness and regulation of the game. The lines ensure that players adhere to specific areas of the court during service and play, promoting equal opportunities for both sides. They provide clear references for judging shots and determining whether a player has breached a rule, such as stepping into the opponent's area during service.
In conclusion, the lines of a badminton court serve a dual purpose: they define the playing area and create a safety perimeter that is essential for player protection and game regulation. This perimeter helps players maintain their balance, avoid hazards, and adhere to the rules of the game, ultimately contributing to a safer and more enjoyable badminton experience.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no definitive answer to this as it depends on the court. However, there are at least 8 lines on a badminton court: the 4 sidelines, the short service line, the long service line, the baseline, and the net line.
The short service line is 1.98m (6.5 ft) from the net. It is often used as a reference point for serving.
The long service line is 0.72m or 0.76m (2.36 ft or 2.5 ft) in from the baseline. In singles, the shuttlecock must land beyond the short service line and within the boundary lines. In doubles, it acts as the marker on the backcourt.
The baselines, also known as the "singles back service line", are set out at the left and right ends of each side of the court. They represent the perimeter of the court's length and run the full width of a regulation court (20 ft/13.41m).
The net line is the line over which players hit the shuttlecock. The net itself should measure 5 ft in height and be placed directly over the middle of the court, stretching from sideline to sideline.
