Kristian Ferrell
Badminton is a racquet sport played using racquets to hit a shuttlecock across a net. It is one of the most popular sports in the world, with a passionate fan following and a regular fixture at the Olympics. The aim of the game is to score points by successfully hitting the shuttlecock into your opponent's half of the court. Badminton can be played with two or four players, either one-on-one or with two teams of two players each. To win a game, you must reach 21 points before your opponent, and most matches are the best of three sets. Points can be won on either serve, and a point is scored after every serve.
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What You'll Learn
Court dimensions and setup
The standard size of a badminton court is 13.4 metres in length and 6.1 metres in width for doubles matches, and 5.18 metres in width for singles matches. The total area of the court should be 880 square feet, with a clearance area of at least one metre on the sides and 1.5 metres from the back boundary line. The net should be 1.55 metres high at the edges and 1.524 metres high at the centre. The width of the net is always 6.10 metres.
The court is divided by a centre line, with service courts set back from the net by a 'short service line' of 1.98 metres. Doubles games also require a 'long service line' placed 0.76 metres in from the back boundary.
Badminton courts are usually laid on wooden floors with synthetic mats used as the surface of the court. The courts are meant to provide a cushion and comfort to players who move quickly across the playing surface. Synthetic mats can also add an additional level of shock absorption. Most wooden courts will need to be polished regularly and can become slippery when players are sweating.
In the Olympics and badminton World Championships, badminton courts are usually green. However, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) does not specify a colour, and many courts are blue, red, or made using natural timber with a transparent seal.
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Scoring system
Badminton can be played either as singles or doubles. In singles, two players compete against each other, whereas in doubles, two pairs of players form teams and compete, resulting in a game of four players. The scoring system and rules are slightly different for singles and doubles.
In singles, a player will serve from the right service court when they have an even number of points and from the left service court when they have an odd number of points. Each player will retain the serve as long as they keep winning points. A point is scored when the shuttlecock lands inside the opponent's court. A player is not allowed to hit the shuttlecock twice. A badminton serve must be hit underarm and below the server's waist height. The whole of the shuttle should remain 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. A 'let' may be called by the referee if an unforeseen or accidental issue arises.
The first player to reach 21 points wins the game. If the score is 20-20, one side must win by two clear points. If the score reaches 29-29, the first player to get 30 points wins.
In doubles, the server will start on the right-hand side and keep serving, while alternating sides with their teammate, as long as they keep winning points. If the receiving side wins a point, they assume the serve. Going forward, the player who did not initially serve will only assume serving once their side has won a point as the receiving side.
The scoring system for doubles is the same as for singles: the first side to reach 21 points wins. If the score is 20-20, one side must win by two clear points. If the score reaches 29-29, the first side to get 30 points wins.
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Faults and lets
A fault occurs when a player breaks any predefined rule of badminton, either intentionally or unintentionally. The referee makes the overriding calls on infringements and faults and can dock points from a player's score or even disqualify them from the match. There are five common badminton faults:
- Service faults: The server must serve the shuttle diagonally across and over the net into their opponent's court. A service fault occurs if the server is out of the service box, in contact with the lines of the service box, or in the air when trying to hit the shuttle. The server must also ensure their feet are in contact with the ground and must not dodge their opponent by making unusual body movements before the serve.
- Boundary faults: The shuttle must fall within the boundaries of the diagonal service court. If it strikes any fixtures above the court, such as lights or beams, it may be considered a fault or a let, depending on the venue's rules.
- Player faults: A player must not obstruct or invade their opponent's court. A fault occurs if a player feints or balks their opponent.
- Double-hit faults: This occurs when a player hits the shuttle twice in one stroke. However, a double hit is not considered a fault, but a "carrying foul". A carrying foul involves three elements: the shuttle is caught on the racket, held on the face of the racket during the stroke, and then slung off.
- Distraction faults: Deliberately distracting your opponent is considered a fault.
A 'let' is called in unforeseen or accidental circumstances. This can include situations such as the shuttlecock getting stuck in the net, a player not being ready to play, or an unsighted umpire. In the case of a let, play is repeated without changing the score or serving positions.
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Serving rules
Determining the Server
Before the game begins, the players decide who serves first, typically through a coin toss or seeing which side a shuttle points to when hit in the air and left to land.
Starting the Serve
The player who serves first always starts from the right service box. In singles, the server continues serving from the right box throughout the game whenever they have an even number of points. For odd-numbered points, they switch to the left box. In doubles, the server alternates between the left and right boxes with their teammate as long as they keep winning points.
Footwork
When serving or receiving, both players must have both feet in contact with the ground and cannot lift either foot until the shuttle is struck. The players' feet must not touch the court lines and they can stand anywhere in their half, including the tramlines, as long as they are within the playing court.
Striking the Shuttle
The server must strike the base of the shuttle (the cork) first and ensure that the shuttle is below waist height when struck. The shaft and racket head must be pointing downward. The whole shuttle should be below 1.15 metres from the court surface. The serve must be one continuous motion.
Direction and Boundaries
The shuttle must be served diagonally into the opponent's service box without getting stuck in the net or crossing the side and back boundaries. If the shuttle touches the net but goes over, play continues. If it lands past the service line, the server wins the rally. If it falls short or wide, the receiver wins the point.
Timing
Although there is no time limit, players should not cause undue delay in their serving action.
Scoring
A point is scored in each rally, and players retain serve as long as they keep winning points. If the receiving side wins the rally, they gain a point and become the new serving side.
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Basic techniques and strategies
Badminton is a fast-paced game that requires quick reflexes and strategic thinking. Here are some basic techniques and strategies to help you get started:
Grips and Footwork
Learning the basic grips and transitioning smoothly between them is crucial in badminton. The most commonly used grips are the forehand grip and backhand grip. Practice switching between these grips seamlessly to prepare for different shot types. Additionally, work on your footwork by developing quick, agile movements on the court. The faster you can move to the shuttlecock, the more time you'll have to set up your shot.
Hitting the Shuttlecock
The ideal spot to make contact with the shuttlecock is the centre, also known as the "sweet spot". Hitting the round rubber centre will give you more control and power over your shots. Practice hitting this spot consistently by focusing your gaze on the centre of the shuttlecock during overhead shots.
Shot Placement
Think strategically about where you want to place your shots. Try to move your opponent around the court by placing shots in areas that are difficult for them to reach. Anticipate your opponent's next move and plan your shot accordingly. For example, if your opponent is positioned too far forward, a drop shot can catch them off guard.
Serve and Return
The serve is crucial in badminton. Make sure you understand the serving rules and practice serving from both the right and left service boxes. Remember, you must serve diagonally across the net to your opponent. When returning the serve, focus on making clean, controlled returns that land inside the boundaries. A good return can put you in a favourable position for the next shot.
Using the Smash
The smash is a powerful shot that should be used strategically. While it can be tempting to smash every shuttlecock that comes your way, this will tire you out quickly and increase the risk of errors. Instead, use the smash sparingly, choosing moments when the shuttlecock is high in the air and you have time to set up your shot.
Mental Focus
Badminton is as much a mental game as it is physical. Stay calm and focused during play. Rather than worrying about winning or losing, concentrate on playing your best game. This mental toughness will not only improve your performance but may also unnerve your opponent. Remember to breathe deeply and stay positive throughout the match.
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Frequently asked questions
Badminton can be played with two or four players. The two forms of the game are singles (with one player per side) and doubles (with two players per side).
The objective of the game is to score points by successfully hitting the shuttlecock over the net and having it land inside the designated court areas. Points can be won on either serve.
A point is scored whenever you successfully serve the shuttlecock and the opposing team fails to return it appropriately. The first side to 21 points wins a game. If the score is 20-20, a side must win by two clear points. If the score reaches 29-29, the first to get their 30th point wins.
A fault is called if the shuttlecock is hit into or under the net, goes out of bounds, or is hit twice by the same player. A let is called if the shuttlecock hits the net but goes over and can occur if the shuttlecock gets stuck in the net or if a player was not ready, for example.
