Understanding Badminton: The Service Rules Explained

how many service in badminton

Badminton is a popular sport with a passionate following around the world and has been a regular fixture at the Olympic Games since 1992. Serving is a crucial aspect of the game, marking the start of every rally and dictating its flow. There are four main types of services in badminton: the low serve, the high serve, the flick serve, and the attacking serve. The number of serves in a game of badminton depends on the scoring system being used, which could be an 11-point or 21-point system.

Characteristics Values
Number of serves Depends on the scoring system (21-point or 11-point)
Scoring system In the 21-point system, players serve until they win a rally, accumulating points until reaching 21. In the 11-point system, the first player to reach 11 points wins.
Serving side Serve from the right side of the court when the score is even, and from the left side when the score is odd.
Service height The shuttlecock must be struck below 1.15 meters (3.77 feet) from the court's surface.
Service technique The shuttlecock must be held in the open hand and positioned on the strings of the racket before serving. The racket head should be held under the hand at the point of impact.
Service motion The service motion should be smooth and continuous, with an underhand swing.
Service direction The shuttlecock must be hit diagonally, from the right service court to the opponent's left service court, or vice versa.
Service order The first player or team to serve is determined by a coin toss. In doubles, either player on the serving team may serve first.

shunwild

Number of serves depends on the scoring system

Badminton is a dynamic and inclusive sport that people of all ages can enjoy. Serving rules in badminton can be quite complicated, especially for beginners. The number of serves in badminton depends on the scoring system being used: 21-point or 11-point.

In the 21-point scoring system, players serve until they win a rally, accumulating points until they reach 21. Serving is a powerful tool that can shape the entire match, and players continue serving until they reach the required number of points.

On the other hand, the 11-point scoring system is a shorter format, where the first player to reach 11 points wins. This system typically involves each player serving a set number of times, with the serve switching between players after each player has served their allotted number of times.

The side of the court from which a player serves also depends on the scoring system and the current score. In both scoring systems, players serve from the right service court when their score is even and from the left when their score is odd. For example, if the score is 8-4, the serving player serves from the right service court. If the opponent then wins the rally, the score becomes 8-5, and the serve switches to the left service court.

It is important to note that specific rules may vary depending on the level of play, tournament, or association. For instance, in casual play, the traditional rule of serving with an underhand swing below the waist applies, while in tournaments, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) introduced a service height rule in 2018, where the shuttlecock must be struck below 1.15 meters (3.77 feet) from the court's surface to limit power and ensure fairness.

shunwild

How to hold the shuttlecock before serving

The number of serves in badminton depends on the scoring system: 21-point or 11-point. In the 21-point system, players serve until they win a rally, accumulating points until reaching 21. In the 11-point system, the first player to reach 11 points wins.

Now, let's talk about how to hold the shuttlecock before serving. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure a proper grip and technique:

First, hold the shuttlecock in your open hand at its base. Position it carefully on the strings of your racket before serving. Ensure that you maintain a firm grip on the shuttlecock with your bottom fingers and thumb. Gently press on the nib or rubber sole until you are ready to serve. This grip allows for better control and precision during the serve.

It is important to maintain a downward-facing racket head while holding the shuttlecock to ensure proper alignment. Keep your racket head under your hand at the point of impact with the shuttlecock. This technique ensures a legal and efficient service, allowing you to direct the shuttlecock accurately towards your opponent's service court.

Avoid pausing or hesitating before making contact with the shuttlecock. Instead, maintain a smooth, continuous movement during your serve. This helps to maintain a reasonable pace during gameplay and avoids interruptions or delays.

Additionally, pay attention to the height of your serve. The shuttlecock must be struck below 1.15 meters (3.77 feet) from the court's surface. This rule, introduced in 2018, ensures fairness by limiting the power of the serve. In non-BWF tournaments, players traditionally follow the rule of hitting the shuttle below the waist.

Remember, serving is a powerful tool in badminton that can shape the entire match. Understanding the rules and mastering your technique will help you serve like a pro!

shunwild

Racket head position

In badminton, the number of serves depends on the scoring system: 21-point or 11-point. In the 21-point system, players serve until they win a rally, accumulating points until they reach 21. In the 11-point system, the first player to reach 11 points wins.

Now, let's talk about the racket head position and its impact on serving in badminton.

The racket head position during a serve in badminton has evolved over the years. Previously, the rule required the racket head to be pointed downwards during the serve. However, with the introduction of the 1.15-metre service height rule, even this restriction was removed, allowing the racket to be at any angle. This change has legalised the so-called "drive serves."

When serving, it is essential to maintain a downward-facing racket head while holding the shuttlecock. This ensures proper alignment and control during the serve. The racket head should be positioned under your hand at the point of impact with the shuttlecock. This technique ensures a legal and efficient service, enabling you to direct the shuttlecock accurately towards your opponent's service court.

To execute a smooth swinging motion during the serve, you can start by holding the shuttlecock in your open hand at its base. Carefully position it on the strings of your racket and maintain a firm grip with your bottom fingers and thumb. This grip provides better control and precision. The smooth, continuous movement during the serve is crucial, avoiding deliberate pauses or hesitations before making contact with the shuttlecock.

Additionally, the bevel grip is a technique where you start in a backhand grip and move your racket head so that the strings are facing diagonally, with your thumb on the ridge or bevel. This grip is useful for backhand rear-court shots, some forehand and backhand net shots, and singles defence. The panhandle grip, where the thumb is on the side of the racket, is also useful for late backhand rear-court shots and net kills or drives.

shunwild

Striking the shuttle above waist height

To start, it's important to note that the rules for serving in badminton vary depending on the scoring system being used (21-point or 11-point) and the specific guidelines of the level, tournament, or association. Now, let's delve into the topic of "Striking the Shuttle Above Waist Height."

In badminton, the rules regarding striking the shuttle above waist height have evolved over time. Traditionally, there was a ""waist rule," which meant that players could not strike the shuttle above their waist when serving. However, this rule has been updated in modern times.

Today, the official rule for serving in badminton states that the entire shuttle must remain below 115 cm from the ground at the point of impact. In other words, you are not allowed to strike the shuttle above 1.15 meters. This rule ensures fairness and maintains a consistent striking height for all players, regardless of their height or leg length.

While there is no restriction on how high you throw the shuttlecock before serving, it is important to remember that it must be below 115 cm when you strike it with your racket. This rule is enforced by trained umpires using a sighting apparatus, as specified by the Badminton World Federation (BWF).

It is worth noting that striking the feathers of the shuttlecock first is considered illegal and results in a fault, giving the point to your opponent. Additionally, you must release the shuttlecock from your hand before striking it with your racket. This means you cannot hold onto the shuttlecock and strike it above 115 cm, even if your racket is below that height.

shunwild

Service court boundaries

A badminton court is a demarcated playing area with boundaries and markings that apply to both singles and doubles matches. The court markings are usually done in white paint or tape for better contrast and visibility, although bright yellow may be used if more suitable.

The service court boundaries in badminton vary depending on whether it is a singles or doubles match. In both cases, the shuttlecock must fall within the area enclosed by the side boundaries and the short and long service lines. The long service line for singles is the rear boundary of the court itself, while the long service line for doubles is marked by a separate line running parallel to the rear boundary. The doubles court is wider and has a shorter serve-length distance than the singles court.

When serving, players must stand behind the service line within their designated service court. The serve must be diagonal across the court, from the right service court to the opponent's left service court, and vice versa. This rule maintains fairness and avoids giving either player an advantage.

In addition to the service court boundaries, there are other rules that players must follow when serving. For example, the shuttlecock must be struck below 1.15 meters (3.77 feet) from the court's surface in high-level tournaments sanctioned by the Badminton World Federation (BWF). This rule limits power and ensures fairness. Players must also use an underhand swinging motion when serving and avoid pausing or hesitating before making contact with the shuttlecock.

Frequently asked questions

In the 21-point system, players serve until they win a rally, accumulating points until they reach 21. In the 11-point system, the first player to reach 11 points wins.

The first player or team to serve is determined by a coin toss conducted by the umpire. The winner of the coin toss can choose to serve first or receive first.

Players always serve from the right side of the court when they have an even number of points and from the left side when they have an odd number of points.

Hold the shuttlecock in your open hand and position it on the strings of your racket. Keep a firm grip with your bottom fingers and thumb, maintaining control and readiness. Ensure a smooth, continuous swinging motion when making contact with the shuttlecock.

Written by
Reviewed by

Explore related products

Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment