
Badminton is a fast-paced sport with a variety of rules that govern the flow of the game. One of the most important aspects is the service, which has specific rules about how it should be executed. The rules regarding service in badminton have been a topic of discussion and have undergone changes in recent years, with the Badminton World Federation (BWF) introducing new regulations. The service rules in badminton can be called into question during a game, and understanding them is crucial for players to avoid service faults and penalties. So, how many times can you call a service in badminton, and what are the rules that govern it?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Height of shuttlecock before serving | 1.15 metres (3.8 feet) from the court's surface |
| Service side | Right side for even points, left side for odd points |
| Service technique | Underarm, with the racket shaft angled downward |
| Service direction | Diagonally to the opponent's half court and over their front service line |
| Service faults | Double swings, dragging feet, touching the net, hesitation, etc. |
| Determining faults/lets | If the shuttlecock strikes fixtures above the court, the home club/tournament director decides |
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What You'll Learn
- Service rules: The shuttlecock must be held \<1.15m from the court's surface before serving
- Service sides: Serve from the right side at the start and on even points; left side on odd points
- Service faults: Service faults occur when the shuttlecock is not hit below the waist or in an upward motion
- Scoring system: Matches are best of 3 games to 21 points. Games must be won by 2 clear points
- Service toss: A coin toss determines whether the winner serves first or chooses their court end

Service rules: The shuttlecock must be held \<1.15m from the court's surface before serving
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has established official rules for badminton serving. One such rule states that the shuttlecock must be held less than 1.15 meters above the court surface before serving. This regulation was implemented in March 2018 to enhance the enforcement of service laws during BWF tournaments.
The 1.15-meter rule is designed to prevent players from gaining an unfair advantage by restricting the height from which the shuttlecock can be struck. This rule applies to both casual and competitive play, ensuring consistency in the sport. It is worth noting that the height restriction pertains to the entire shuttlecock, not just the cork or feathers.
To ensure compliance with this rule, players must be mindful of their serving technique. It is permissible to toss the shuttlecock slightly into the air before striking it, as long as the initial height of the shuttlecock is below the legal point of 1.15 meters. This technique is commonly employed by singles players executing high serves, where they drop the shuttlecock from their hand and strike it at a lower height.
While this rule sets a maximum height for the shuttlecock during serving, it is also important to consider other factors that contribute to a legal serve. For instance, the shuttlecock must be struck with an underarm motion, and the server's feet must remain in contact with the ground until the shuttlecock is hit. Additionally, the service must be delivered in a forward continuous motion, and the cork, not the feathers, must be struck first.
Understanding and adhering to the service rules in badminton are crucial for fair and enjoyable gameplay. The 1.15-meter rule specifically addresses the maximum height at which the shuttlecock can be struck during serving, contributing to the overall strategy and skill required in the sport.
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Service sides: Serve from the right side at the start and on even points; left side on odd points
Serving in badminton follows a specific pattern, alternating between the right and left sides of the court depending on the score. This pattern ensures fairness and adheres to the official rules of the game.
When starting a badminton match, the first serve is always from the right side of the court. This initial serve occurs when the score is 0-0, which is an even number of points. Therefore, the player or team starts serving from the right service box.
Throughout the game, the serving side alternates between the right and left sides based on the point score. If the server's score is an even number, they serve from the right side, known as the "deuce court". On the other hand, if the server's score is an odd number, they serve from the left side, referred to as the "ad court". This rule applies consistently during the game, regardless of whether it is a singles or doubles match.
It's important to note that players only switch sides when a point is won "on serve." This means that the pair who served at the start of the point wins the rally. By doing so, it ensures that each time the serve is won back, a different player in the pair serves. Additionally, in casual play, the coin toss is sometimes replaced by a shuttlecock toss, where the winning player or team is determined by the direction in which the shuttlecock's base is pointing.
In summary, the service side in badminton is determined by the point score. Serving starts from the right side on even points and switches to the left side on odd points. Understanding and following these service rules is essential for playing badminton correctly and ensuring a fair game for all participants.
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Service faults: Service faults occur when the shuttlecock is not hit below the waist or in an upward motion
Service faults in badminton occur when the shuttlecock is served incorrectly. One type of service fault occurs when the shuttlecock is not hit below the waist or in an upward motion. This means that the server's racket head and shaft must be angled in a downward direction, and the shuttlecock must be struck when it is below waist height. In elite BWF competition, service height is measured, and the shuttlecock must be below 1.15 metres from the floor when struck.
It is also a service fault if the shuttlecock is not hit to the correct area of the court. The service must be hit diagonally to the opponents' 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. If the shuttlecock is served to the wrong side of the court, this is a fault. For example, if a player is positioned on the left side of the court, they must serve the shuttlecock to the right side of the opponents' court.
Service faults can also occur if the shuttlecock makes contact with something above the court, such as lights or a basketball hoop. In this case, it is up to the home club or tournament director to determine whether it is a let or a fault. It is good practice to clarify these rules with a home official or your opponent before the game begins.
Another type of service fault is the double-hit foul, which occurs when a player hits the shuttlecock twice in a row. This is illegal in badminton and will result in a point for the opponent.
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Scoring system: Matches are best of 3 games to 21 points. Games must be won by 2 clear points
Badminton matches are typically played as the best of three games, with each game played to 21 points. However, winning a game requires a lead of two clear points, meaning that if the game reaches 20-20, the winning score would be 22 points, not 21. If the game continues, the winning score could be 23-21, 24-22, and so on, but a score of 21-20 would not be sufficient to win the game.
In the event of a third game, players change ends when one side reaches 11 points. This is also done at the conclusion of the first game, and if a third game is required, players change ends again at the end of the second game.
The scoring system in badminton has evolved over time. Previously, the game used a 15-point scoring system, which could result in longer games as players exchanged serves. The current 21-point system was introduced in 2006, is designed to be faster-paced and more engaging, particularly for tournament play and viewers.
The 21-point system is the standard for league and tournament play, while the 15-point system is still used in some club settings. The 21-point format adds a layer of strategy and intensity, as players cannot afford to relax their focus even for a few points without risking falling behind.
Additionally, the scoring rules differ slightly between singles and doubles matches. In singles, players serve from the right (or even) service court when their score is even and from the left (odd) service court when their score is odd. In doubles, the serving pair chooses who serves first, and the same player continues serving as long as their team wins the rally, but they switch service courts with each point won.
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Service toss: A coin toss determines whether the winner serves first or chooses their court end
To determine the first player or team to serve in badminton, a coin toss is conducted by the umpire. The winner of the coin toss then gets to choose between two categories: service and court ends.
If the winner of the coin toss chooses service, they can decide whether to serve or receive first. Typically, the winner of the rally serves at the start of the next point. When serving, the shuttlecock must be hit diagonally to the opponents' 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. The service must also be hit underarm, with the server's racket head and shaft angled in a downward direction, and the shuttlecock below the waist when struck. In elite BWF competition, the shuttlecock must be below 1.15 metres from the floor when hit.
If the winner of the coin toss chooses court ends, they can decide which side of the court to start playing from. In general, when a player or team has an even number of points, they serve from the right side of the court, and when they have an odd number of points, they serve from the left side.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no limit to the number of times you can call service in badminton. However, it is important to note that the rules of the game dictate that the shuttlecock must be below 1.15 metres from the court's surface before serving, and the serve must be hit 'underarm', with the racket shaft angled downward.
Calling service more than once during a game is not common, but it may occur if there are issues with the serve, such as a service fault or if the shuttlecock strikes any fixtures above the court. In these cases, the rules outline how to proceed, and there is no penalty for calling service multiple times.
You may need to call service again if there are issues with the serve that cannot be resolved by a let. For example, if the server commits a service fault by not executing the serve below the waist or in an upward motion, you may call for a re-serve.
Calling service in badminton ensures that the game is played fairly and according to the rules. It helps to maintain the integrity of the game and can provide a strategic advantage if used effectively.











































