Andrew Pace
Badminton is a fast-paced racquet sport that is played both recreationally and competitively. The aim of the game is to score points by hitting a shuttlecock over a net and into the opponent's court. The scoring system in badminton is simple: a player earns a point every time they win a rally, and they need to reach 21 points to win the game. If the game is tied at 20-20, a player must win by two clear points. If the score reaches 29-29, the player who scores the 30th point wins. The game also has specific serving rules, requiring players to swap service courts each time they score.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Scoring System | Rally point system |
| Points to win | 21 points |
| Winning margin | 2 clear points unless the score is 29-29, in which case the first to 30 points wins |
| Number of games | Best of three |
| Scoring a point | The shuttlecock lands inside the opponent's court or if the opponent fails to return it |
| Service | Underarm and below the waist |
| Shuttlecock height | Below 1.15m from the surface of the court |
| Shuttlecock weight | 4.74-5.5g |
| Rest periods | 90 seconds after the first game and 5 minutes after the second game |
| Number of officials | 6 for singles, 8 for doubles |
| Change of ends | After the first game, after the second game, and when one side reaches 11 points in the third game |
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Scoring a point
The player who scores a point will then serve the shuttlecock for the next rally. The server and receiver stand in diagonally opposite service courts. When the server has an odd number of points, they serve from the left court, and when they have an even number, they serve from the right court. This means that the server will switch sides after each point scored.
In competitive adult matches, games are played to the best of three games. To win a game, a player must reach 21 points, winning by at least two points. If the game is tied at 20-20, a player must win by two clear points. If the score reaches 29-29, the first player to score 30 points wins the game.
It is important to keep track of the score during a game. One way to do this is to announce the score before each serve. In tournaments, an umpire may perform this task. Alternatively, a player can use a scorecard to keep track of the points.
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Rally point system
The rally-point scoring system in badminton is fairly straightforward. It means that every rally results in a point, regardless of who is serving. This makes for faster and more exciting matches.
In this system, the first player to reach 21 points wins the game, provided they are two points ahead. If the score is 20-20, the game continues until one of the players reaches 30 points or gains a two-point lead. At 29-29, only one more point is needed to win. Players switch sides after each game and in the third game once a player reaches 11 points. This ensures equal playing conditions and reduces the effect of any advantages due to factors like wind direction or lighting.
When it comes to serving and receiving, the server must serve diagonally to the opponent's service box. In singles, the server changes when a point is scored by the receiver. In doubles, the server also changes between team members. For example, if Player 1 from Team A serves and the opponent scores a point, then Player 1 from Team B may now serve. If Team A then scores, Player 2 from Team A may serve.
It's important to note that the receivers never change their service courts. The only way to change service courts is to win a point while your side is serving. When the receiving side wins a rally, the serve passes to them, but their service courts remain the same. If their 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.
Additionally, in doubles, each pair wins points instead of individuals. At the start of the game, when the score is 0-0, the serving pair chooses who serves for the first rally, and the receiving pair chooses who receives. The even/odd rule still applies. If the server's score is odd, they serve from the left court; if it's even, they serve from the right.
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Serving rules
Serving is a crucial part of a badminton player's gameplay. The shuttlecock, also known as the birdie, is cone-shaped and made of feathers or synthetic material attached to a cork or rubber base. The serve must be hit diagonally over the net and across the court, with the whole shuttlecock below 1.15 metres from the surface of the court when hit by the server. The server must also ensure there is no undue delay once both players are ready.
The first server of the game is determined by a coin toss. The player who serves first does so from the right side of the service court. After the first point is won, the players move to the opposite serving stations. If the server's score is an even number, they serve from the right service court; if it is an odd number, they serve from the left service court. This basic rule applies to both singles and doubles matches.
The server must hit the shuttlecock with their racket, ensuring it does not get stuck in the net or go out of bounds. The serve must be hit underarm, with the racket shaft pointing downwards, and the shuttlecock should not bounce. Both feet of the server must be in contact with the court surface, and no part of the foot should be touching the service line or court boundaries.
A let may be called by the referee if an unforeseen or accidental issue arises. For example, if the shuttlecock strikes any fixtures above the court, such as lights or beams, it is up to the tournament director or home club to determine whether it is considered a let or a fault.
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Faults and violations
Service Faults
The service is one of the most critical aspects of badminton, and there are specific rules governing its execution. Common service faults include:
- Failing to hit the shuttlecock below the waist of the server.
- Stepping on or over the service line before making contact with the shuttlecock.
- Serving from an incorrect position or outside the service court boundaries.
- Deliberately trying to deceive the opponent with illegal service actions, such as a flick or a double motion.
- Not serving to the opposite side of the opponent's court.
- Double swings or dragging your feet while serving.
- Failing to serve immediately after moving the racket backwards.
- Serving overhand.
- Hitting the feathers of the shuttlecock instead of its base.
Receiving Faults
The receiver can also make mistakes that result in faults, such as:
- Delaying the game by not being ready to receive the serve.
- Moving before the shuttlecock is delivered.
- Stepping on the surrounding boundaries or lines.
- Hitting the shuttlecock before it crosses the net.
Other Faults
In addition to service and receiving faults, players should also be aware of other types of faults that can occur during a badminton match, including:
- Contact faults: When the shuttlecock comes into contact with any object or person other than the player's racket.
- Double-hit faults: When a player hits the shuttlecock twice in succession.
- Time violations: When players intentionally slow down the game or take too much time between points.
- Let service: When a serve is disrupted or hindered by external factors, such as the shuttlecock hitting the net and landing in the service court, or interference from outside the court.
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Keeping score
Badminton is a fast-paced racquet sport that can be played as singles or doubles. The aim is to score points by hitting a shuttlecock over the net and into your opponent's court. The shuttlecock is a cone-shaped projectile made of feathers or synthetic material attached to a cork or rubber base.
Scoring
A point is scored when the shuttlecock lands inside the opponent's court. Players can also score a point if their opponent commits a fault, such as the shuttlecock landing outside the court or a player touching the net with their body or racquet. After a point is won, players move to the opposite service courts for the next point. The player or team that wins a rally adds a point to their score and serves first in the next game.
Service Courts
There are two service courts: one on the right, known as the even service court, and one on the left, known as the odd service court. The server's score determines which service court they use. If the server's score is an even number, they serve from the right court; if it is an odd number, they serve from the left court. In doubles, each player has their own service court, and they trade places with their partner after winning a rally.
Winning a Game
To win a game, a player or team must be the first to reach 21 points. If the game is tied at 20-20, a player or team must win by two clear points. If the score reaches 29-29, the first player or team to score the 30th point wins the game.
Winning a Match
A badminton match is typically played as the best of three games. To win a match, a player or team must win two out of three games.
Keeping Track of the Score
It is easy to forget the score during a fast-paced game of badminton. To keep track of the score, players can announce the score before each serve or use a scorecard to tally points. In tournaments, a scorekeeper or umpire can be requested to keep track of the score.
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Frequently asked questions
You need to score 21 points to win a badminton game. However, you must win by at least 2 points, unless the score is tied at 29-29, in which case the next point wins.
It is recommended to announce the score before each serve to keep track. You can also request a scorekeeper during a tournament, or use a scorecard to keep track of points if you are playing casually.
A point is scored when the shuttlecock lands inside your opponent's court, or if your opponent fails to return the shuttlecock. You get a point on every serve, regardless of which player is serving.
The game begins with a serve. The server must hit the shuttlecock so that it passes over the net and lands inside the opponent's service court. The serve changes to the opponent if the server loses the rally. During the game, players must swap service courts each time a point is scored.
