
Badminton is a racquet sport played with lightweight rackets and a shuttlecock. The doubles game in badminton is played with two pairs of players on a court that is wider than the one used for singles matches. The rules are similar to singles badminton, but there are some differences in service rules and playing formations. To serve, players must hit the shuttle diagonally to the court opposite theirs, and some part of both feet must be touching the ground. Players can choose between an attacking formation, where one player stands in front of the court and the other at the back, or a defensive formation, where both players stand side by side. Communication between partners is key, and strategies such as hitting the shuttle at its highest point can help win rallies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of players | 4 (2 vs 2) |
| Court | Larger than singles |
| Service rules | Serve diagonally to the court opposite yours; serve from the right service court when your team's score is even and from the left service court when odd |
| Footwork | Both feet must be touching the ground when serving; when hitting a serve or receiving a serve, the feet should not touch any of the court lines |
| Strategies | Attacking and defensive formations; net kills; hitting the shuttle at its highest point; varying serves; playing intelligent shots |
| Scoring | Best of 3 games, each of 21 points |
| Faults | Hitting the shuttlecock into the net; failing to hit the shuttlecock over the net; shuttlecock landing outside the court boundary; double hit; touching the shuttlecock with anything other than the racquet |
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What You'll Learn
- Service rules: Serve diagonally, with both feet stationary on the ground
- Formations: Choose between attacking and defensive formations
- Strategies: Hit the shuttle at its highest point or use a net kill
- Faults: Losing a point can happen due to a double hit, a foul, or hitting the shuttle into the net
- Communication: Maintain open communication with your partner to cover each other's weaknesses

Service rules: Serve diagonally, with both feet stationary on the ground
Serving is an important part of a badminton player's gameplay. In a doubles game, the service court is smaller and wider than in singles, making serving more strategic. The player must serve the shuttle diagonally, i.e., if serving from the left service court, the shuttle must be hit to the opponent's right service court. The player must also be stationary while serving, with some part of both feet touching the ground. In other words, one cannot have one foot touching the ground while the other is lifted. This can be achieved by standing on one's tiptoes while serving.
The player who serves first in any game shall do so from the right service court. If the server has won an even number of points during a game, they shall serve from the right service court for the subsequent point. If the server has won an odd number of points, they serve from the left service court for the next point.
A correct service is when a player hits the shuttlecock with their racket over the net to the opponent's side without the shuttle 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 racquet shaft should be pointing downwards in an underhand motion.
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Formations: Choose between attacking and defensive formations
When playing a badminton doubles game, you and your partner will need to decide whether to assume an attacking or defensive formation. This decision will depend on whether your side or your opponents' side has the opportunity to smash the shuttlecock.
If your side has the chance to smash, you should take up an attacking formation. This involves one player covering the front of the court while the other player covers the back. The player at the back will be responsible for making shots that create openings for their partner to 'kill' at the front of the court. The back player will also be responsible for smashing and occasionally dropping the shuttlecock to the net. The front player will try to intercept any flat returns or returns to the net.
If your opponents' side has the chance to smash, you should assume a defensive formation. Here, you and your partner stand side by side in the mid-court, covering the full court width. This formation maximises your chance of returning a smash, as it ensures that one of you will always be within reach of the shuttlecock.
During actual play, partners rotate and transition between these formations depending on the dynamics of the game. Good communication between partners is key to successfully navigating these transitions and determining which tactical situation you're in.
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Strategies: Hit the shuttle at its highest point or use a net kill
To win at badminton doubles, you need to master some strategies, such as hitting the shuttle at its highest point and using a net kill. These techniques can help you gain an advantage over your opponents and ultimately win the game.
Hitting the Shuttle at its Highest Point
This strategy is about taking control of the rally and limiting your opponent's options. By hitting the shuttle at its highest point, you can increase your power and shot selection while reducing your opponent's reaction time. This is because hitting the shuttle early allows you to hit it more downwards, opening up more attack angles. To achieve this, you should aim to reach up close to your maximum height, with your arm outstretched, rather than waiting for the shuttle to come to you. This will also give you more power, as swinging an extended arm generates more energy.
It's important to note that 'highest point' refers to your own maximum reach, not the highest point of the shuttlecock's flight. This means that you should hit the shuttle as early as possible, before it starts descending. This strategy may take some practice to perfect, as good footwork is necessary to get into position and reach the shuttle at its highest point.
Using a Net Kill
A net kill is a powerful move that can often secure a point for your team. It is usually performed by the front player, who takes advantage of a poorly executed net shot by the opponent. The shuttle will sit a little higher above the net, creating an opportunity for a quick kill shot. To execute a net kill, you must change the position of your hand by placing your thumb behind the badminton handle, with only the pad of your thumb touching it. This will allow for a short swing, which is necessary to avoid hitting the net or hitting the shuttle into your own net. Make sure your racket is up and ready before the shuttle arrives, and hit the shuttle downwards.
While a net kill can be an effective strategy, it is also high-risk. If your opponent defends well, they may be able to return the net kill or set themselves up for a smash. Therefore, it is important to use this strategy selectively and be prepared to adapt if your opponent anticipates your move.
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Faults: Losing a point can happen due to a double hit, a foul, or hitting the shuttle into the net
When playing a badminton doubles game, there are several ways in which you can lose a point. One of the most common ways is by committing a fault, which can occur due to a double hit, a foul, or hitting the shuttle into the net.
A double hit occurs when a player or their teammate hits the shuttlecock twice in a row or simultaneously. This is considered a foul and will result in the opponent being awarded a point. It is important to note that the shuttlecock should not be hit more than once when it is on your side of the net.
Another way to lose a point is by committing a foul. Fouls can occur in various forms, such as service faults and contact fouls. Service faults tend to happen when a player is serving and can be called if the service is not executed correctly. For example, if the shuttle is not served diagonally to the opposite side of the opponent's court, it is considered a foul. Additionally, if the serve is not executed below the waist or with an upward motion, it can also result in a service fault.
Contact fouls, on the other hand, occur when any part of the player's body or racket touches the net. This includes the elbow, racket head, or shin. These types of fouls will also result in the opponent being awarded the point.
Lastly, hitting the shuttle into the net can also result in a lost point. This is often referred to as a "net kill" and happens when a player fails to execute a proper net kill shot, causing them to hit the shuttle into their own net instead. To perform a net kill correctly, players need to change the position of their hand and execute a short swing rather than a larger one.
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Communication: Maintain open communication with your partner to cover each other's weaknesses
Communication is key to any successful partnership, and badminton is no exception. Badminton is a fast-paced game that requires strong teamwork to avoid confusion, collisions, and missed opportunities. Effective communication allows quick decisions to be made and executed efficiently, increasing your chances of victory.
Before the game, it is crucial to practice positioning and rotation with your partner. If you don't have a fixed partner, playing open rallies in a two-versus-two format can help you learn each other's playing styles and strategies. During the game, it is important to be aware of your partner's position on the court at all times. This will help you avoid collisions and ensure that you don't both rush towards the shuttle at the same time.
Constant communication is key, both verbal and non-verbal. Verbal communication can include sharing information and giving instructions, such as shouting "yours" or "mine" during rallies. Non-verbal communication can include sending clear signals, such as hand gestures or body language, to indicate your intentions or where you want your partner to be positioned.
It is also important to be mindful of your tone and the type of feedback you give. Avoid being overly critical or showing frustration if your partner makes a mistake, as this can lower their confidence and affect their performance. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement and encouragement. Give your partner a high-five or a word of encouragement after each point, regardless of whether you win or lose it. This will help to keep their spirits up and motivate them to do their best.
Finally, be sure to adapt your communication and strategy to your partner's strengths and weaknesses. For example, if your partner is weaker, try to get them to the net as much as possible, as it is generally easier to play there. Play intelligent shots where the reply will likely come back to you, and avoid playing hard shots from the mid-court, as this may expose gaps in your defence.
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Frequently asked questions
The game is played with two pairs of players on a rectangular court that is 44 feet long and 20 feet wide. Each pair must use a shuttlecock during a rally to try to land it on their opponents' court or force an error. The aim is to win two out of three games, with each game played up to 21 points. A player must achieve a 2-point advantage to win a game.
The shuttle, or ball, must be served diagonally to the court opposite the server. So, if you are standing on the left side of the court, the shuttle should land in the right court of the opponents. Both feet must be touching the ground when serving.
You can choose between an attacking formation, where one player is in front and the other at the back, or a defensive formation, where players stand side by side. A common strategy is to hit the shuttle at its highest point, setting up the opponent to smash or net the ball, resulting in a win for your side.
A net kill is a shot used by the front player. To execute this shot, place your thumb behind the badminton handle with only the pad of your thumb touching. Ensure your racket is up before the shuttle arrives so you can make a short swing, and hit the shuttle downwards.
Communication is vital in doubles badminton as it implies partnership. Maintain an open line of communication with your partner to coordinate strategies and shots effectively.











































