
Badminton is a racquet sport that involves hitting a shuttlecock back and forth with an opponent, with each player/pair taking turns to serve. Matches are typically played as the best of three sets, with each set played up to 21 points. To win a match, a player or pair must win two sets. If the score reaches 20-20, players must gain a lead of two points to win, for example, 22-20. In doubles matches, each pair wins points, and the serve stays with one person until their opponents win a rally.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of sets in a standard badminton match | 3 |
| Number of points to win a set | 21 |
| Number of points to win a ladies' singles game | 11 |
| Number of points to win a men's singles or doubles game | 15 |
| Number of points to win in the event of a 20-20 tie | 2-point advantage |
| Number of points to win in the event of a 29-29 tie | 30 |
| Number of officials in individual singles matches | 6 |
| Number of officials in doubles matches | 8 |
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What You'll Learn

Scoring system: 2 points clear to win if 20-20, and at 29-29, first to 30 wins
The scoring system in badminton has undergone several changes over the years. The current scoring system in badminton is known as the rally point system, where a player must win by a margin of two points.
In the event of a tie at 20-20, players must continue playing until one player gains a two-point advantage. For example, a score of 22-20 or 25-23 would win the game, whereas 21-20 or 24-23 would not be sufficient. If the game continues and the score reaches 29-29, the winner of the next point wins the match, with a final score of 30-29. This rule was implemented to prevent games from becoming too lengthy, especially at the professional level, where long games can increase the risk of injury for athletes.
The service side is determined by the server's score. If the server's score is odd, they serve from the left side of the court, and if it is even, they serve from the right. In doubles, partners will only switch sides if they are serving and have just won a point. In doubles, each pair wins points together, and service is determined by who is in the proper service area given the service score and whether it is even or odd.
The original scoring system in badminton dates back to as early as 1873. Matches were decided by the best of three games, with each game played to 15 points for men's singles and doubles, and 11 points for ladies' singles. The traditional system also allowed for a single game to determine a match, in which case the game would be played to 21 points. In 2002, the International Badminton Federation (BWF) experimented with a different scoring system to improve the commercial and broadcasting appeal of the sport. This system shortened games to seven points and decided matches by the best of five games. However, this system was abandoned due to similar match times, and a modified version of the traditional system was adopted.
In 2006, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) adopted the current 3 x 21 rally point system, where matches are decided by the best of three games, each played to 21 points.
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Singles: Two players, one on each side
Badminton is a fast-paced racket sport that can be played as singles or doubles. In singles, two players compete against each other, standing on opposite sides of the court. The aim is to hit a shuttlecock, also known as a shuttle or birdie, over the net and into the opponent's court.
The rules for singles and doubles badminton are similar, with some variations in serving and the positioning of players on the court. In singles, the service side is determined by the server's score. If the server's score is odd, they serve from the left side of the court, and if it is even or zero, they serve from the right. This differs from doubles, where partners switch sides only when they are serving and have won a point.
A standard badminton match is typically played as the best of three games, with each game played to 21 points. If the score reaches 20-20, the game continues until one player gains a two-point advantage. In the event of a 29-29 tie, the first player to score the 30th point wins the game.
In singles matches, a total of six officials are required: an umpire who oversees the match, court, and surroundings, and four line judges who indicate whether the shuttlecock landed 'in' or 'out' on their assigned lines.
The length of a badminton game can vary depending on players' skill levels, match format, playing speed, number of rallies, and competition level. Some games may last about 15 minutes, while competitive matches can stretch over an hour.
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Doubles: Two pairs of players, four in total
Badminton is a racquet sport played using racquets to hit a shuttlecock across a net. While the game can be played with larger teams, the most common forms are singles (one player per side) and doubles (two players per side).
In doubles, two pairs of players compete against each other, resulting in a game of four players. The server will start on the right-hand side and keep serving, alternating sides with their teammate as long as they keep winning points. If the receiving side wins the point, they assume the serve. The non-serving player on each team will only assume the service once their side has won a point as the receiving side.
Doubles matches in badminton are played as best of three games, with each game played up to 21 points. A point is scored on every serve and is awarded to the side that wins the rally. The winning side gets the next serve. If the game reaches 20-20, a side must win by two clear points. If the score goes beyond 29 points, the first side to reach 30 points wins.
At high levels of play, doubles rallies are extremely fast, and men's doubles are considered the most aggressive form of the game. Mixed doubles, on the other hand, require greater tactical awareness and more subtle positional play.
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Service rules: Serve diagonally, underarm, and below waist height
A typical badminton match is the best of three games, with each game played to 21 points. In the event of a 20-20 tie, the players continue until one player gains a two-point advantage. If the game reaches 29-29, the winner of the next point wins the match.
The service rules in badminton are as follows: the serve must be delivered diagonally, underarm, and below waist height. In singles, the service side is determined by the server's score. If the server's score is odd, they serve from the left side of the court; if it is even or zero, they serve from the right. In doubles, partners will only switch sides if they are serving and have just won a point. The side that wins a game will begin serving the next game.
The whole shuttle must be struck below 1.15m, with the server's racket pointing downward. As you strike the shuttle, both feet must be in contact with the ground, and neither can be touching any of the court lines. The serve must be one continuous motion, with no pauses during the serving action.
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Equipment: A racquet and shuttlecock are required
A racquet and shuttlecock are required equipment for playing badminton. The shuttlecock, also known as the birdie, is what makes badminton the fastest racquet sport in the world. It is cone-shaped and made of feathers or synthetic material attached to a cork or rubber base. The feathers are arranged so that the shuttlecock will always fly cork-first when struck and will maintain this trajectory until it is hit again. The birdie is typically made up of 16 feathers and measures between 62-70mm in length, weighing between 4.74 and 5.5g. The diameter of the circle formed by the feather tips should be between 58-62mm, while the base should be 25-28mm in diameter and rounded.
When choosing a racquet, there are several factors to consider, such as weight, balance, and stiffness. For example, if you want to focus on delivering powerful smashes, a head-heavy racquet like those in the Yonex Astrox line would be a good choice. On the other hand, if control is more important to you, go for a head-light racquet like the Yonex Nanoflare series, which allows for faster swing speeds. If you want a versatile racquet that can provide a balance between offense and defense, an even-balanced racquet like the Duora series is ideal.
It's important to choose a racquet that suits your playing style and ability. Some racquets are designed to provide more control, while others are made for power. Additionally, the weight of the racquet can impact your swing speed and maneuverability. A heavier racquet may provide more stability and power, but a lighter racquet can offer greater swing speed and control.
The grip size of the racquet is also an important consideration. A grip that's too small can lead to excessive grip pressure and fatigue, while a grip that's too large can make the racquet feel unwieldy and affect your wrist action. It's important to find a grip size that feels comfortable and allows you to maintain a relaxed grip during play.
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Frequently asked questions
A badminton match is played as the best of 2 out of 3 games. So, a match can last either two or three games.
Each badminton game is played to 21 points. However, if the score reaches 20-20, the game does not end at 21 points. To win, a player or team must now get a lead of two points. For example, the final score could be 22-20 or 23-21.
Yes, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) is considering changing the scoring system to 15x3, meaning matches would be played to 15 points instead of 21.










































