Kristian Ferrell
Badminton is a racket sport played either between two players or two teams of two players each. The aim is to score points by successfully hitting a shuttlecock over a net. The first team to win two games wins the match. The rules of badminton are distinct from those of tennis, and it's important to know them before playing. For instance, players must serve diagonally across the net to their opponent and are required to stay on the same side to receive serve. A point is awarded to a player when they win a rally, i.e., when their opponent fails to return the shuttlecock or hits it out or into the net.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Objective | Hit the shuttlecock over the net and have it land in the designated court areas. |
| Scoring | Win a rally to score a point. Win 2 out of 3 sets to win the game. Each set is won by the first player to reach 21 points, with a 2-point lead. If the score reaches 29-29, the next point wins the set. |
| Faults | Opponent returns the shuttlecock; player fails to hit the shuttlecock over the net; shuttlecock lands outside the court; player touches the net or distracts their opponent; shuttlecock is hit twice; player contacts the shuttlecock before it has crossed the net. |
| Equipment | Stringed racket, shuttlecock. |
| Court dimensions | 6.1m by 13.4m. Net situated in the middle at 1.55m (or 1.5m) above the ground. |
| Serve | Decided by coin flip or spinning the shuttlecock and seeing where it points. Served from the right service box first. |
| Players | Two players (singles) or four players (doubles). |
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What You'll Learn
Scoring points and winning
The aim of badminton is to be the first player or team to reach 21 points. Points are won when a player or team successfully serves the shuttlecock and the opposing team fails to return it appropriately. This could be because the shuttlecock hits the net or lands outside the court, or because the opposing team commits a fault. Faults include a player failing to hit the shuttlecock over the net, the shuttlecock landing outside the boundary of the court, or a player touching the net with their body, clothing, or equipment. If the shuttlecock gets stuck in the net, or a player is distracted by their opponent, a referee may call a let, and the point is replayed.
During the game, players are to stay on the same sides of the court to receive the serve and only switch sides when a point is won 'on serve'. When a point is won 'on serve', the same player continues to serve until a rally is lost. The service is performed from the right or left box, depending on the server's score. If the server's score is an even number, they serve from the right box, and if it's an odd number, they serve from the left.
If the scores reach 20-20, the game continues until one player gains a two-point lead. If the score reaches 29-29, the next point will decide the winner of the set. Matches are typically played as the best of three sets, with the winner being the first to win two sets.
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Faults and lets
A fault is called when a player breaks the rules, resulting in the loss of a point or service. A let may be called by the referee if an unforeseen or accidental circumstance arises, such as the shuttlecock getting stuck in the net, a player not being ready, or a decision that is too close to call.
Faults
A fault is called when a player breaks the rules, resulting in the loss of a point or service. Rallies usually end with a fault, with the player who made the fault losing the rally. For example, hitting the shuttlecock out or into the net is a fault.
A fault is also called if a player deliberately distracts their opponent, the shuttlecock is caught in the racket and then flung, or the player continues to break the rules of badminton. If a player touches the net while the shuttlecock is still in play, a fault is called, and the point is awarded to the opponent. However, if the net is touched after the shuttlecock has struck the floor or the opponent, this is not considered a fault.
There are several types of faults, including contact, double-hit, service, service received, and over-the-net faults. A contact foul occurs when the shuttlecock comes into contact with any object or person other than the player's racket. A double-hit foul happens when a player hits the shuttlecock twice in succession or simultaneously with their teammate. Service faults, also known as service received faults, occur when a player fails to serve to the opposite side of their opponent's court or does not execute the service below the waist in an upward motion. Over-the-net faults occur when a player fails to get the shuttlecock over the net on their serve or return.
In addition, during the serve, a fault may be called if there is an undue delay or if the player pauses between the backswing and forward swing of their serving action.
Lets
A let is called by the referee if an unforeseen or accidental circumstance arises. These may include the shuttlecock getting stuck in the net, a player not being ready, or a decision that is too close to call. 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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Serving rules
Serving plays a crucial role in badminton. The player who serves first is determined by a coin toss. The first server starts the game serving from the right side of the service court, also known as the service box. During the game, the player alternates serving sides depending on their score. If the server's score is an even number, they serve from the right box, and if it is an odd number, they serve from the left box.
When serving, players must hit the shuttlecock with their racket over the net to the opponent's side without it getting stuck in the net or going out of bounds. The entire shuttlecock should be below the waist of the server when hit, and the player's feet must be in contact with the court surface. There should be no undue delay once both players are ready for the serve.
If the shuttlecock hits the net but goes over and lands past the service line, the server wins the rally. If it hits the net and lands short of the service line or out of bounds, the receiving side wins the point.
In doubles matches, the court is shorter during the service, with the rear tramlines at the back of the court being out of bounds until the serve is returned.
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Court dimensions
The rules and dimensions of a badminton court are set by the Badminton World Federation (BWF). The length of a standard badminton court is 13.4 metres (44 feet) for both singles and doubles matches. However, the width of the court depends on the type of match being played. For singles matches, the width is 5.18 metres (17 feet), whereas for doubles matches, the width is extended to 6.1 metres (20 feet). The full court measures 14.723 metres diagonally. The net in the middle of the court stands at a height of 1.55 metres (5 feet 1 inch) at the ends and 1.52 metres (5 feet) in the middle.
The court has two halves, each measuring 6.7 metres (22 feet), and the two playing areas on either side of the net are vertically divided down the middle to demarcate the service areas. The service courts are split by a centre line dividing the width of the court and are set back from the net by a 'short service line' of 1.98 metres (6.5 feet). Doubles games also require a 'long service line' placed 0.76 metres (2.5 feet) in from the back boundary.
The service court dimensions for singles and doubles matches are different. In singles, the service court is 3.88 metres (12.72 feet) long and 1.98 metres (6.5 feet) wide, with the service needing to be beyond the short service line and within the boundary lines. In doubles, the service court is the same length but wider at 2.53 metres (8.3 feet). The service should be beyond the short service line, but it is the long service line that acts as the marker for the backcourt.
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Striking the shuttlecock
The standard badminton racket is 26 inches (66 cm) long and weighs between 4.5-5.5 ounces. Rackets are typically made with metal and nylon. To strike the shuttlecock effectively, you'll need to generate enough power with this light racket. This requires good footwork and a quick wrist. Instead of stretching to reach the shuttlecock, use several small steps to position yourself comfortably. The main strokes are the forehand and the backhand, similar to tennis.
There are rules around striking the shuttlecock. Each side can only strike it once before it passes over the net. Once hit, a player can't strike it again with a new movement or shot. If the shuttlecock hits the net but continues over and lands past the service line, the server wins the rally. If it hits the net but lands short of the service line or out of the court, the receiver wins the point. If a player touches the net while the shuttlecock is still in play, a fault is called and the point is awarded to the opponent.
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