Amanda Knapp
Badminton is a racquet sport that involves two players (singles) or two pairs of players (doubles) hitting a shuttlecock back and forth using racquets. The scoring system for badminton has evolved over the years to make the game faster and more exciting to watch. In the current scoring system, a badminton game is played up to 21 points, and a point can be scored in every rally, regardless of who is serving. The first player to reach 21 points wins the game. If the score reaches 20-20, a two-point advantage is required to win. If the score reaches 29-29, the first player to reach 30 points wins. Matches are typically played as the best of three games. Points are earned when the shuttlecock lands inside the opponent's court, and a player or team loses a point if the shuttlecock hits the net or lands outside the court.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of players | 2 (singles), 4 (doubles) |
| Scoring system | First to 21 points wins the game. If the score is 20-20, a side must win by two clear points. If it reaches 29-29, the first to get their 30th point wins. |
| Point allocation | A point is scored on every serve and awarded to whichever side wins the rally. |
| Serve rules | The server starts from the right service court and will serve from that side every time they have an even number of points. A player serves from the left every time they have an odd number of points. |
| Court dimensions | Singles court: 13.41m (44ft) long and 5.18m (17ft) wide. Doubles court: 6.1m (20ft) wide. |
| Number of officials | Singles: 6. Doubles: 8. |
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Scoring rules
Badminton matches can be played either as singles or doubles. In singles, two players compete against each other, whereas in doubles, two pairs of players form teams and compete, resulting in a game of four players. The scoring rules are the same for both singles and doubles games.
A point is scored every time a player or team wins a rally. The first side to reach 21 points wins the game, but they must win by two clear points unless the score reaches 29-29, in which case the first side to reach 30 points wins. For example, 22-20 would be a winning score, but 21-20 would not be enough. Players should get into the habit of saying the score out loud to their opponent before starting each rally to keep track of the score accurately. When saying the score, the server's score is always given first. So, if the server has 10 points and the opponent has 15, the score is called out as 10-15.
The server starts from the right service court and will serve from that side every time they have an even number of points. A player serves from the left every time they have an odd number of points. Each player will retain serving if they keep winning 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. If the receiving side takes the point, they assume the serve. The player who did not initially serve will then take over serving for their team once their side has won a point as the receiving side.
After a point is won, the players move to the opposite serving stations for the next point. If a player or team wins a rally while serving from the left service court, they will then serve from the right service court for the next rally, and vice versa.
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Serving rules
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) sets specific service rules to ensure fairness in the game. Here are the serving rules in badminton:
Service Height Rule
Introduced in 2018, the service height rule maintains fairness in high-level tournaments. The shuttlecock, also known as the birdie, must be struck below 1.15 meters (3.77 feet) from the court's surface. This rule limits power and creates an even playing field for all players. The birdie is a cone-shaped object made of feathers or synthetic material attached to a cork or rubber base.
Service Footwork
Proper footwork is essential during the serve. As you strike the shuttle, both feet must be in contact with the ground. Neither the server nor the receiver can lift or move either foot off the ground until the shuttle is struck. Additionally, no part of the feet should touch any lines on the court or the other court boundaries during the serve. Players can stand anywhere within their half, even in the tramlines, as long as they don't touch any lines or go out of bounds.
Diagonal Service
The service must be hit diagonally to the opponent's half-court and over their front service line. This line is the first horizontal line on each side of the court, closest to the net.
Underarm Service
Badminton serves must be executed using an underarm technique. The server's racket head and shaft must be angled downward, and the shuttle must be struck below the waist. This rule ensures that the serve is delivered with a controlled motion rather than excessive force.
No Delay Rule
According to the BWF Laws of Badminton, "neither side shall cause undue delay to the delivery of the service once the server and receiver are ready." While there is no set time limit for the serve, players can be faulted for taking too long. This rule promotes a smooth flow to the game and prevents players from intentionally frustrating their opponents.
Net Contact
Touching the net with your body or racket before or during the serve is not allowed. This rule ensures that players do not gain an unfair advantage by interfering with the opponent's ability to return the serve.
Distractions
Distracting your opponent during the game, especially during the serve, is illegal. This rule maintains sportsmanship and fair play, allowing players to focus on their technique and strategy without interference.
Determining Faults and Lets
If the shuttlecock strikes any fixtures above the court, such as lights or beams, it is up to the home club or tournament director to determine whether it is considered a let or a fault. It is advisable to clarify these rules with a home official or agree upon them with your opponent before the start of the game.
Serving Sides
In singles, the server starts from the right service court and will serve from that side whenever they have an even number of points. They will switch to the left service court when they have an odd number of points. In doubles, the server starts on the right and alternates sides with their teammate as long as they keep winning points. If the receiving side wins a point, they assume the serve, and the teammates take turns serving.
Scoring
A point is scored on every serve and awarded to the side that wins the rally. The winning side gets the next serve. Matches are typically played as the best of three games, with each game going up to 21 points. If the score reaches 20-20, the game continues until one side achieves a two-point lead. If the score reaches 29-29, the first side to score the 30th point wins.
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Winning a game
To win a badminton game, a player or pair must be the first to reach 21 points. This rule was introduced in 2006 by the Badminton World Federation, replacing the previous system where men's singles and doubles games were played to 15 points, and ladies' singles to 11 points. In competitive adult matches, games are played as the best of three, and a match is won by the player or pair who wins two games.
In badminton, a point is scored every time a rally is won. The winner of the rally will then serve the shuttlecock, and the players will move to the opposite serving stations. The serve does not change hands after each point, but only when the opponent wins a rally. The receiver will always stand in the service box diagonally opposite the server. If the server's score is an odd number, they will serve from the left service court, and if it is an even number, they will serve from the right.
If the score reaches 20-20, the game continues until one player or pair has a two-point lead. For example, 22-20 or 25-23 would be winning scores, but 21-20 would not be enough. If the score reaches 29-29, then the game is won by the first player or pair to reach 30 points. This rule is intended to prevent games from continuing indefinitely, which could increase the risk of injury for athletes.
It is important to keep track of the score to avoid disputes. It is recommended that players announce the score to their opponent before each rally, starting with the server's score. For example, if the server has 10 points and the opponent has 15, the score is announced as 10-15.
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Scoring 21 points
Badminton matches are played as the best of three games. The first side to reach 21 points wins the game. However, if the score reaches 20-20, the game must be won by two clear points, meaning the final score must be at least 22-20. If the score reaches 29-29, the first side to reach 30 wins the game.
In badminton, a point is scored on every serve and awarded to whichever side wins the rally. The winning side gets the next serve. Players must swap service courts each time they score a point. In singles, the server starts from the right service court and will serve from that side every time they have an even number of points. A player serves from the left every time they have an odd number of points. Each player will retain serve as long as they keep winning points.
In doubles, the rules are slightly different. 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 assume the serve. The player who did not initially serve will then take over serving for their team. In doubles, the receiver's position is determined by the server's score. The receiver always stands in the service box diagonally opposite the server.
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Scoring a point
In doubles, the rules are slightly different. 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 takes the point, one of their players will assume the serve. The player who did not initially serve will then assume the serve once their side has won a point as the receiving side.
In both singles and doubles, the first side to 21 points wins the game. However, if the score reaches 20-20, a side must win by two clear points. If the score reaches 29-29, the first side to reach 30 points wins. It is good practice to say the score out loud to your opponent before each rally to keep track of the score and prevent disputes.
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Frequently asked questions
You need to score 21 points to win a badminton game.
The upper limit is 30 points. If the score reaches 29-29, the first to get their 30th point wins.
A badminton match is the best of three games. To win a match, you need to win two games.
You score a point by winning a rally. A point is scored when the shuttlecock lands inside the opponent's court.
The server starts from the right service court and will serve from that side every time they have an even number of points. The player serves from the left court when they have an odd number of points.
