Amanda Knapp
Badminton uses a rally point system, where the winner of each rally gets one point. Matches are played as the best of three games, with each game being won by the first player or pair to reach 21 points. If the game goes to 20-20, the winner must be the first player or pair to get a two-point lead. If the game goes to 29-29, the first player or pair to reach 30 points wins. The rules for doubles are the same, except that each pair wins the points, and the pair serving chooses which individual serves first.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Points to win a set | 21 |
| Number of sets | Best of three |
| Points to win the game | 2 clear points if score is 20-20, up to a maximum of 30 points |
| Interval/Break | 60 seconds after 11 points, 2 minutes after 21 points |
| Scoring | Winner of the rally gets one point |
| Service courts | Two, one on the right and one on the left |
| Serving rules | If the server's score is an even number, they serve from the right service court; if odd, from the left |
| Receiving rules | The receivers never change their service courts unless their side wins a point |
| Scoring in doubles | Each pair wins points |
| Number of officials | Six for individual singles matches, eight for doubles matches |
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What You'll Learn
Scoring system history: 21 points since 2006, previously 5 x 7 points
The current badminton scoring system, in place since 2006, uses a best-of-three-games format, with each game played until a team reaches 21 points. If the score reaches 20-20, the game becomes a win-by-two-points. The maximum score is 30, meaning the closest game possible is 30-29. This system was introduced by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) in May 2006 and came into effect in August of that year.
Prior to 2006, the scoring system in badminton was different. Matches were the best of five games, with each set containing seven points. If the score reached 6-6, the first player to reach six points could choose to play to either seven or eight points. At the end of each set, there was a 90-second break during which coaches were allowed to enter the court. If the overall set score was 2-2, the players would change sides when one player reached four points in the final set.
The change to the 21-point system was made to improve the commercial appeal of the sport to sponsors and media. The previous system was considered unpredictable and matches could be too long. The new system reduced duration inconsistency and changed the game's dynamics, making it faster-paced and more entertaining for spectators.
The 21-point system also introduced rally point scoring, where either team can win a point no matter which team is serving. This was a significant change from the traditional system, where only the team that served could win a point. The removal of the service-over also contributed to making the game faster-paced and more dynamic.
Over time, there have been various scoring systems in badminton. Before 2006, men's singles and doubles games were played until a team reached 15 points, while women's singles games were played until a team reached 11 points. The traditional scoring system also allowed for a single game to determine a match, in which case the game would be played to 21 points.
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Rally points: win a rally, get a point
The scoring system in badminton is quite straightforward. Every time you win a rally, you earn a point. The game starts from zero, and the first player to reach 21 points wins. If the game reaches 20–20, then 21 points are no longer enough to win, and you must establish a two-point lead to secure victory. For example, a winning score could be 22–20 or 25–23, but not 21–20 or 24–23.
In competitive adult badminton matches, all games are played as the best of three. This means that to win a match, you need to win two games. So, a match could be either two or three games long.
It's important to note that the rules for doubles are slightly different. In doubles, each pair wins points together, and the serving pair chooses who serves first. The server's score is always stated first when announcing the score. For instance, if you are serving and have 10 points while your opponent has 15, the score is 10–15. The server's score being even or odd determines their service court. If it's an even number, the server serves from the right court; if it's odd, they serve from the left.
Additionally, the players move to opposite serving stations after winning a point. If the receiving side wins a rally, the serve passes to them, but their service courts remain the same. If their new score is odd, the player with the left service court will serve, and if it's even, the player with the right service court will serve.
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Winning a game: first to 21 points, or 30 if 29-29
In badminton, the first player or team to reach 21 points wins the game. If the game is tied at 20–20, players must play until there is a two-point difference in the score—for example, a score of 22–20 or 28–26 would end the game. However, if the score reaches 29–29, the game ends when a player or team reaches 30 points.
The scoring system in badminton is designed to be simple. Each time a player or team wins a rally, they earn a point. The winner of the rally also gets to serve during the next one. If you are serving, you announce your score first, followed by your opponent's. For example, if you are serving and have 10 points to your opponent’s 15, the score is 10–15.
The server's score determines their position on the court. When the server's score is an even number, they serve from the right service court. When their score is odd, they serve from the left service court. This means that players will keep serving from different sides of the court with each point won.
In doubles, the scoring is similar, but each pair wins the points together. At the start of the game, the serving pair chooses who will serve first, and the receiving pair chooses who will receive. The server will serve from the left court if their score is odd and from the right court if it is even.
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Serving rules: underarm, below waist height, then move to opposite station
In badminton, the first player to score 21 points wins the set, and matches are typically played as the best of three sets. There is no longer a 'second service', and the maximum score is 30 points, meaning 30-29 is the closest possible outcome of a game.
When it comes to serving rules, the following guidelines must be adhered to:
Underarm
The shuttlecock must be struck with an underarm action. The whole shuttlecock should be below the server's waist at the moment of impact with the racket. This rule is designed to prevent players from smashing the shuttlecock as they serve or applying heavy topspin to their drive serves. The waist is considered an imaginary line around the body, level with the lowest part of the server's bottom rib.
Below Waist Height
The server must ensure that the shuttlecock is struck when it is below 1.15m from the ground. This height rule complements the underarm rule, ensuring that serves are consistent and fair.
Continuous Motion
The serve must be delivered in one continuous forward motion. There should be no pausing during the serving action, including between the backswing and forward swing. An extremely slow serving action is also prohibited, as it would cause undue delay.
Foot Placement
Both feet of the server must be in contact with the ground during the serve, and they cannot be touching any of the court lines. This rule applies to both the server and the receiver, who must also have both feet stationary and in contact with the ground until the shuttlecock is struck.
Moving to the Opposite Station
After serving, the server and receiver shall stand within diagonally opposite service courts, without touching the boundary lines of these service courts. This ensures that players maintain a proper distance and position after each serve.
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Doubles rules: each pair wins points, decide who serves and receives
In badminton, the first player or team to reach 21 points wins the set, and matches are typically played as the best of three sets. If the score reaches 20-20, the game continues until one side gains a two-point lead, for example, 22-20 or 28-26.
In doubles, the same rules apply, and there is no longer a 'second service'. The rules for serving and receiving in doubles are as follows:
- Partner A serves first, and they continue serving until they lose a point.
- When Partner A loses a point, their next serve will be after they win another point.
- On odd-numbered points, the left partner serves; on even-numbered points, the right partner serves.
- The receivers remain in their positions throughout the service.
- The only condition for switching is that you switch sides with your partner only after you win a point on your serve.
- If the team that won the point has an odd number of points, the player on the left serves; if it's an even number, the player on the right serves.
- The positions of the receiving pair stay the same as long as they are receiving.
- When the opponent is serving, the server alternates between the left and right sides, serving to the left and right receivers.
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Frequently asked questions
You need 21 points to win a badminton set. If the game is tied at 20-20, you must win by two clear points.
A game is played to the best of three sets.
Each time you win a rally, you get a point.
When serving, the whole of the shuttlecock should be below 1.15 metres from the surface of the court. The server's score is always said first when stating the score.
