
Badminton is a fast-paced racquet sport played between two players or two pairs of players. A key rule of the game is that the shuttlecock, also known as the birdie, can only be hit once on each side before it must be sent over the net to the other side. This rule is crucial to the sport, as it ensures that the game is fast-paced and fair for both players and spectators.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of times the birdie can be hit on each side | Once |
| Number of hits before the birdie crosses the net | Once |
| Consequence of more than one hit on a side | Fault and a point for the opposing team |
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What You'll Learn

The birdie can only be hit once by each side
The rules of badminton state that the birdie can only be hit once by each side. This rule is fundamental to the sport and is strictly enforced in official matches. It is important to note that the birdie, also known as the shuttlecock, must be hit by each side only once before it goes over the net to the opposing side. This rule ensures that the game is fast-paced and that both players and spectators remain engaged.
The enforcement of this rule means that each team has only one chance to return the shuttlecock to their opponent's side. For example, if a player hits the birdie and it goes over the net, it is considered one hit. The player's partner then has one more opportunity to hit the birdie before it must be returned to the other team. This alternating hitting pattern is essential to the flow of the game.
If a side hits the birdie more than once before it goes over the net, it is considered a fault, and the opposing team is awarded a point. This rule is crucial to maintaining the fairness of the game, as it gives each side a clear and equal opportunity to hit the birdie. The rule also adds to the excitement of the game, as players must make strategic decisions and execute precise shots without the luxury of multiple attempts.
The "one-hit" rule applies to both singles and doubles matches. In a singles match, where there is only one player on each side, the player has the sole responsibility of returning the birdie to the opponent's court in a single attempt. In doubles matches, partners must coordinate their shots effectively to ensure that the birdie is returned successfully within their allotted single hit.
It is worth noting that while the "one-hit" rule is standard in badminton, there may be variations in informal or recreational games. In some casual settings, players might agree to allow multiple hits on each side to encourage longer rallies and promote a more social playing experience. However, in competitive badminton, the rule that the birdie can only be hit once by each side is strictly adhered to and is essential to the sport's nature and strategy.
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A second touch results in a fault
The rules of badminton only permit the birdie to be hit once per side. This rule is fundamental to the sport and is strictly enforced in official matches. It is designed to maintain the fast-paced nature of the game and requires players to return the birdie to the other side of the net without giving it a second touch.
A fault is also called a 'let' and results in the point being replayed. This is not to be confused with a 'let serve', which is a serve that is re-served without penalty. A 'let serve' may be called if the birdie hits the net during the serve, or if it is unclear whether the birdie landed in or out.
The birdie, also known as the shuttlecock, is a feathered object that players hit with their rackets. It is important to note that the rules permit players to reach over the net to hit the birdie, but the birdie must only be hit once per side before it is sent over the net.
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The birdie must be hit under the net
The rules of badminton specify that the birdie, or shuttlecock, can hit the net and is still considered in play, as long as it passes over the net and lands inside the boundaries of the court. If the birdie hits the net and tumbles over onto the opponent's side, then you win the point. However, if it gets stuck on your side of the net or fails to go over, you lose the point.
The birdie is allowed to hit the net multiple times during a rally, and the game can continue. This is known as a "net cord". If the birdie gets caught in the net, it is a fault, and the opponent wins the point. The net is considered an extension of the court lines, so the shuttlecock cannot pass through the net or go around it.
The birdie may only be hit once on each side before it crosses the net. This rule is crucial to the fast-paced nature of the game and ensures fairness by giving each side a clear opportunity to return the birdie. If the birdie is hit more than once on one side before it goes over the net, it is a fault, and the opposing team receives a point.
When serving, a player must ensure that the birdie is hit below waist height and that it passes the net. The serve must be directed diagonally to the opponent's court.
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A point is won when the birdie hits the floor
In badminton, a point is scored when the shuttlecock, also known as the birdie, touches the floor. The rules of the game state that the birdie may only be hit once on each side before it goes over the net. This means that each team has only one chance to return the birdie to their opponent's side. If a player hits the birdie and it goes over the net, that is considered one hit. Their teammate then has one more turn to hit the birdie before it must go back over to the other team. If the birdie is hit more than once on one side, it is considered a fault, and a point is awarded to the opposing team.
The birdie must be hit in a way that sends it over the net and onto the floor of the opponent's court. If it goes through the net or hits the opponent, a point is also won. This rule is fundamental to the sport, ensuring a fast-paced game and providing each side with a fair chance to hit the birdie.
The service, or initiation, is the first hit of the birdie in a play. The player serving must hit the birdie so that it crosses the net and enters the opponent's court. The receiving player can then only hit the birdie once to return it back over the net. Following this, each team alternates in hitting the birdie, with each side allowed only one hit per turn.
The birdie can be hit in various ways, such as a smash, clear, drive, or drop. A smash is a powerful hit that goes downwards into the opponent's court, while a drop is lightly tapped over the net so that it lands softly on the other side. A clear is a high, deep hit that pushes the opponent to the back of their court, and a drive is a hit that establishes a better position in your court. These different types of hits allow players to employ different strategies during the game.
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The birdie is also known as the shuttlecock
The object that players hit in a game of badminton is commonly referred to as a "birdie". However, it is also known as a shuttlecock, a term that is used interchangeably with birdie. The shuttlecock or birdie is a feathered object that players hit with their rackets.
The shuttlecock is constructed from 16 or so overlapping feathers, usually plucked from the wings of a goose or duck, and embedded into a rounded cork base. The cork is then covered with thin leather. The feathers from the right or left wings are used separately, rather than mixing feathers from different wings, as these feathers are shaped differently. The feathers must be properly humidified to enhance the shuttle's speed and durability. Dry feathers are brittle and break easily, while saturated feathers cause the shuttle to fly too far and fast.
The shuttlecock is also used in other games, such as Jianzi, a traditional Asian game where players aim to keep a heavily weighted shuttlecock from touching the ground. Battledore and shuttlecock is another ancient game similar to modern badminton.
Some players prefer to refer to the shuttlecock as a "cock", and consider the term "birdie" to be a sign of a less serious player.
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Frequently asked questions
Each side can only hit the birdie once before it has to be sent over the net.
If a side hits the birdie more than once, it is considered a fault and the opposing team gets a point.
The rule helps to maintain a fast-paced game and ensures that each side has a fair chance to hit the birdie back.



















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