Helena Frye
Badminton is a fast-paced racket sport that has gained popularity as an Olympic sport. Matches are played in a best-of-three format, with each game typically played to 21 points. The first side to reach 21 points wins the game, but if the game is tied at 20-20, the game continues until one side gains a two-point lead or reaches 30 points. This scoring format, known as the rally point system, allows both players to score a point during a rally, regardless of who served. The introduction of this scoring system in 2006 brought about changes to the sport, with players employing different tactics and mental strategies to secure their victory.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of sets in a badminton match | 3 |
| Number of sets to win a badminton match | 2 |
| 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 for a break during a set | 11 |
| Number of points for a break between sets | 21 |
| Number of officials in a singles match | 6 |
| Number of officials in a doubles match | 8 |
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What You'll Learn
Singles matches
The badminton court for singles matches is rectangular and divided into halves by a net. The court measures 13.41m (44ft) in length and 5.18m (17ft) in width. The net is 1.55m (5ft 1in) high at the ends and 1.52m (5ft) high in the middle. The service courts are marked by a centre line that divides the width of the court, a short service line at a distance of 1.98m (6ft 6 inches) from the net, and the outer side and back boundaries. The server starts from the right service court and serves from that side every time they have an even number of points. They serve from the left when they have an odd number of points, and they retain the serve as long as they keep winning points.
Badminton singles matches are usually played in a best-of-three format, with the winner being the first player to win two sets. In some tournaments, the first set is played to 21 points, the second to 15 points, and the third (if required) to 11 points.
It is common in badminton to see one player dominating the first set but then losing the second set by a large margin. This can be due to a variety of factors, including nerves, tactics, or a change in mentality. At big tournaments, it is not uncommon for a top player to lose the first set due to the occasion getting to them, only to find their footing in the second set.
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Doubles matches
A badminton doubles match is played between four players – two players in each team on either side of the net. One player serves to a player on the opposing team. The opponent then returns the serve and hits the shuttlecock back to the other side. The rally continues until one team wins a point. The team that wins the point gets to serve for the next point.
The scoring system of a doubles match is similar to a singles match, consisting of the best of three games, each of 21 points. In the old system, each game was played to 15 points in the case of men's doubles and 11 points for ladies' doubles. In 2006, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) changed the rules to a rally point system, allowing both players to score a point during a rally, regardless of who served. To win a game, a player or team must reach 21 points. If the game is tied at 20-20, the game doesn't end until one side has a two-point lead, but it stops at 30 points. The first team to 30 wins the game, even without a two-point lead. Securing two out of three games means winning the match.
During a point, a player can return the shuttlecock from inside and outside the court. A player is not allowed to touch the net with any part of their body or racquet. A player must not deliberately distract their opponent and is not allowed to hit the shuttlecock twice. A 'let' may be called by the referee if an unforeseen or accidental issue arises. After a point is won, the players move to the opposite serving stations for the next point. The rules do not allow second serves.
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Scoring system
Badminton is a fast-paced sport with an engaging structure and length of games, which makes it highly popular among players and spectators alike. The scoring system of badminton has undergone several changes over the years, with the Badminton World Federation (BWF) adopting new rules to improve the commercial and broadcasting appeal of the sport.
The Old Scoring System
The original scoring system in badminton dates back to as early as 1873. In the old system, competitors may not have been able to score after many exchanges, as serving is often slightly more difficult than defending, especially in professional badminton. Matches were decided by the best of three games, with each game played to 15 points in men's singles and doubles, and 11 points in ladies' singles. 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.
The New Scoring System
In 2006, the scoring system was changed to a rally point system, allowing both players to score a point during a rally, regardless of who served. This system, endorsed by the BWF, consists of three games played to 21 points, with a requirement for a two-point lead to win. If the game reaches 20-20, it continues until one side gains a two-point lead, but it stops at 30 points, with the first side to reach 30 winning the game. This scoring system adds excitement to the sport, as each game can turn at any moment.
Rules and Regulations
Badminton has specific rules and regulations that govern the scoring system. For instance, a point is won on every serve and occurs when an opponent fails to return the shuttlecock or hits it out of the designated court area. A player may also lose a point if they touch the net or enter their opponent's side of the court. The players move to opposite serving stations after winning a point, and there are no second serves. A 'let' may be called by the referee in case of unforeseen or accidental issues, and a game must include two rest periods – a 90-second rest after the first game and a 5-minute rest after the second.
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Court size
The standard length of a badminton court is 13.4 metres or 44 feet, and the width depends on whether you are playing singles or doubles. The court for singles measures 17 feet wide, shrinking by 1.5 feet (0.46 metres) on both sides for doubles, which measures 20 feet wide. The net line is the most important element of a badminton court, as it creates two spaces on each side that measure 22 feet by 20 feet. The badminton net should measure 5 feet in height and should be placed in the middle of the court, stretching from sideline to sideline. The short service line links the net to the sideline and is usually 6 feet 6 inches from the centre of the court to each sideline. It is often used as a reference point for serving.
The service courts are split by a centre line that divides the width of the court and are set back from the net by a 'short service line' of 6.5 feet or 1.98 metres. Doubles games also require a 'long service line' placed 2.5 feet or 0.76 metres from the back boundary line. The court size is the same for both competition types, with the only difference being the width, as mentioned above.
The flooring of the badminton court should be safe and suitable for gameplay. The surface should be made of materials such as wood, synthetic mats, or rubber flooring. The flooring should not create glare that could impede the players' vision, and a light reflectance value between 0.2 and 0.4 is recommended. The lines on the court should be easily distinguishable from the court's surface and are typically painted in white or yellow.
Badminton courts usually require a 2-foot (61-centimetre) safety perimeter around the court, according to the Badminton World Federation (BWF). However, some organisations, such as Sport Scotland, mandate a larger clearance of 2 metres (6.56 feet) between the court and any walls or hazardous obstacles.
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Equipment
Badminton is a fast-paced, high-intensity sport with little to no breaks. The equipment used in the game is designed to support players in their quick movements and powerful shots. Here is a detailed overview of the essential equipment used in badminton:
Rackets
Badminton rackets have evolved from their original wooden form. Modern rackets are made with composite materials such as aluminium, graphite, or titanium, resulting in a rigid yet lightweight frame. Rackets typically weigh between 3 and 3.5 ounces, and the stringed area cannot exceed specific dimensions—27.9 cm in length and 22.1 cm in width. The strings, made of synthetic threads, must be flat and form a uniform pattern.
Shuttlecocks
Shuttlecocks, also known as birdies, come in two main types: plastic and feather. Plastic shuttlecocks are ideal for beginners as they are more durable and help build strength due to their weight. Feather shuttlecocks, on the other hand, are commonly used in adult competitive tournaments. They provide a different flight experience and are more delicate, requiring proper technique to avoid damage.
Net
The standard net height for Olympic badminton is 1.55 metres at the posts and 1.52 metres at the centre of the court. The net measures at least 6.1 metres in width. It is made of a dark-coloured cord mesh and is edged with white tape doubled over a cable at the top. The net is held in place by posts positioned on the outer sideline (doubles sideline).
Court
The badminton court is rectangular and marked with boundary lines. The dimensions of a standard court are 13.4 metres in length and 5.18 metres in width for singles matches, and 6.1 metres in width for doubles matches. The service courts are marked by a centre line and a short service line, with the service courts for singles matches being narrower than those for doubles.
Attire and Accessories
Badminton players typically wear shorts and short-sleeved shirts. In competitive matches, players also wear hand grips, wristbands, and ankle guards for protection and comfort. It is mandatory in Olympic competition for players to have their names printed on the back of their shirts. Doubles partners must wear matching uniforms, distinct from their opponents' colour. Badminton shoes are also essential, providing better traction and grip for quick movements.
Badminton equipment plays a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience. While the above covers the essentials, there are also other accessories that players may choose to utilise, such as extra grips, customised equipment, and other personal preferences to enhance their performance and comfort on the court.
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Frequently asked questions
A standard badminton match consists of three games, with each game played up to 21 points. A player must win by two clear points.
Winning two out of three games secures victory in a badminton match.
Olympic badminton matches also consist of a best-of-three format.
A game can go up to 30 points if it is tied at 29-29. In this case, the player who scores the 30th point wins.
No, the number of sets has changed over time. In 2002, the International Badminton Federation (IBF) experimented with a best-of-five games format with each game played up to seven points. This was abandoned and replaced by a modified version of the traditional scoring system. In 2006, the IBF adopted the current format of three games to 21 points.
