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There are several ways to win a point in badminton, and the rules of the game have been modified over the years to make it more exciting and competitive. The current scoring system in badminton allows players to win a point every time they win a rally, regardless of who served. This system replaced the older one, which was deemed to favour stronger players and allowed games to go on endlessly. The first player to reach 21 points wins the game, but if the game is tied at 20-20, a lead of two clear points is required to win. If the score reaches 29-29, the next point wins.
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What You'll Learn
Scoring a point when serving
To score a point in badminton, a player must win a rally. The first player to reach 21 points wins the game, but they must win by at least two points. For example, if the score is 21-20, the player with 21 points has not won the game, and the game continues until there is a two-point difference. If the score reaches 29-29, the next point wins the game.
The server's position depends on their score. If the server's score is an odd number, they serve from the left service court. If their score is an even number, they serve from the right service court. The receiver always stands in the service box diagonally opposite the server. In doubles, the server's partner also has a service court, but it is on the same side of the court as the receiver. The receiver's partner does not have a service court. After a point is scored, the players swap service courts. If the receiving side wins a rally, the serve passes to them, but their service courts do not change. If the new score is odd, the player with the left service court will serve; if the score is even, the player with the right service court will serve.
A legal serve must be hit diagonally over the net and across the court. It must be hit underarm and below the server's waist height. The whole of the shuttlecock should be below 1.15 metres from the surface of the court when hit by the server, with the racquet shaft pointing downwards. The shuttlecock is not allowed to bounce. If a player is serving and wins the rally, they continue serving until the opponent wins a rally. If playing doubles and your partner wins the rally, they get to serve. If you are serving and your opponent wins the rally, they get to serve.
A player can also score a point when serving if their opponent performs a foul. Fouls include serving the shuttlecock outside of the court, contacting the net with the body or racquet, extending the racquet past the net, or hitting the shuttlecock multiple times.
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Winning a rally
To win a badminton rally, you must score a point. The rules for scoring a point have changed over time, with the current rules allowing both players to score a point during a rally, regardless of who served. Here are some ways to win a point and, consequently, a rally:
Scoring with the Shuttlecock
The most common way to win a point is by using the shuttlecock to your advantage. You can do this by landing the shuttlecock inside your opponent's court. Alternatively, if your opponent returns the shuttlecock, you can make it hit the net or land outside the court to win the point. During a point, a player can return the shuttlecock from inside or outside the court, but they cannot hit it twice.
Fouls
If your opponent commits a foul, you can earn a point. Fouls include serving the shuttlecock outside the court, touching the net with any part of the body or racket, extending the racket past the net, or hitting the shuttlecock multiple times.
Let Calls
A 'let' may be called by the referee if an unforeseen or accidental issue arises. This can result in a point being replayed or, in some cases, a point being awarded to a player.
Service Court Advantages
In addition to the above strategies, understanding the service courts can provide an advantage in winning rallies. The receiver always stands in the service box diagonally opposite the server, and the receivers never change their service courts. When you win a point while serving, you get to keep serving and switch to the other service court. This can be advantageous as it allows you to continuously serve from different sides, creating varying angles and potentially throwing your opponent off balance.
Strategy and Adaptation
Some players like to relax during the first game, sizing up their opponent before going for the kill in subsequent games. Adjusting your style after losing the first game can also be a successful tactic.
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Opponent's foul
To win a point in badminton, it is essential to know the rules and avoid committing fouls. Opponents can commit various types of fouls, which can result in losing a point or the service. Here are some detailed explanations of common opponent fouls:
Opponents can commit fouls in several ways, resulting in a point for the other side. One common foul is a double-hit, where an opponent hits the shuttlecock twice in a row or simultaneously with their partner. This is illegal, and the rally ends with a point awarded to your side.
Service Faults
Service faults are a common type of opponent foul. If an opponent serving from the left side of the court fails to serve to the right side of your court, it is a foul. Similarly, if they hesitate for too long before serving or drag their feet during the service, it is considered a service fault. Service faults also occur if the opponent's swing is not in an upward direction or if the shuttlecock is hit above the waist.
Over-the-Net Fouls
Over-the-net fouls are the most common type of foul in badminton. Opponents commit this foul by touching the net during play or failing to clear the net with the shuttlecock. Hitting the shuttlecock before it passes over the net onto your side is also a foul.
Distracting Behaviour
Opponents may also commit fouls through distracting behaviour. Any movement, no matter how slight, during your serve can be considered a foul. This includes shifting their feet or making gestures. Verbal distractions like trash-talking are also considered fouls, and the opponent may lose the point or the right to serve.
Knowing these common opponent fouls can help you identify when your opponent makes a mistake, allowing you to gain an advantage and win points. Remember, being aware of the rules and avoiding these fouls yourself is crucial to improving your badminton game.
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Service courts
A badminton court has two service courts on each side: the right service court and the left service court. These are also known as the even and odd service courts, respectively. The receiver always stands diagonally opposite the server, meaning both players will be in the even service courts or the odd service courts.
When the server's score is even, they serve from the right service court; when odd, they serve from the left. This means that with each consecutive point won, the server alternates between the left and right service courts. The receiver's court does not change, and they will never be in the same service court as their partner.
The only way to change service courts is to win a point when your side is serving. If the receiving side wins a rally, the serve passes to them, but their service courts remain the same. If the new score is odd, the player with the left service court will serve, and if the score is even, the player with the right service court will serve.
In doubles, the court is wider and has a shorter serve-length distance than in singles. Both types of courts contain two service lines: the "short" service line and the "long" service line. For both doubles and singles, the shuttle 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, while for doubles, it is marked by a separate line running parallel to the rear boundary.
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Scoring systems
Badminton's scoring system has evolved over the years, with the current mechanism prioritising faster gameplay and competitive balance. The game is played between two players (singles) or four players (doubles), with the primary objective of being the first to score 21 points. This is achieved through a series of rallies, where a player or pair adds a point to their tally by winning a rally. The server's score determines the receiver's position, with the receiver always occupying the diagonally opposite service court.
An important aspect of the badminton scoring system is the service court rotation. The server alternates between the right (even) and left (odd) service courts based on their score. This ensures that players serve from different sides with each rally, adding a layer of strategic complexity to the game.
In competitive play, matches are typically played as the best of three games. To win a match, a player or pair must win two games. If the game reaches a score of 20-20, the dynamic changes slightly. Instead of the first player to reach 21 points winning, players must now establish a two-point lead. This means scores like 22-20 or 25-23 are winning scores, while 21-20 or 24-23 are not. Additionally, if the game reaches 29-29, the next point scored wins the game, regardless of the two-point lead rule.
The scoring system also incorporates rules to prevent delaying tactics and ensure fair play. For instance, a player cannot serve from the same side in consecutive rallies, and there are specific rules regarding fouls. A foul, such as hitting the shuttlecock twice or extending the racket past the net, results in a point for the opposing player or pair.
While the 21-point scoring system is prevalent in leagues and tournaments, variations exist. Some recreational players opt for shorter games, utilising scoring systems like 11 or 15 points. These alternatives aim to prevent fatigue and maintain player freshness, although they may result in more frequent court changes.
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Frequently asked questions
You need to reach 21 points to win a game. If the game is tied at 20-20, you need to win by two clear points.
The game is capped at 30 points. If the score reaches 29-29, the next point wins the game.
You can score a point by winning a rally or when your opponent fouls. A foul can include serving the shuttlecock outside of the court, hitting the shuttlecock multiple times, or touching the net with your body or racket.
