Kristian Ferrell
Badminton is a fun, fast-paced racket sport that combines athleticism and tactical prowess. It can be played by two players or two teams of two players each. The objective of the game is to score points by landing the shuttlecock, also known as a birdie or shuttle, in the opponent's court. To win a game, players or teams must be the first to score 21 points, winning by two points. If the game reaches 29 points, the first team to score 30 wins.
To play badminton, you need to master the basics, including the equipment and court layout, as well as techniques for holding the racket, serving, and understanding the rules, scoring, and faults. Developing good footwork is essential, as it allows you to move swiftly around the court and position yourself for better shots. While power is important, focus on developing consistent and accurate shots with a variety of techniques, such as the clear, drop shot, smash, and net shot.
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What You'll Learn
- Know the basics: Two or four players; hit the shuttlecock over the net to score points
- Understand the court: 44ft x 20ft; smaller for singles; net at 5ft
- Know the scoring: First to 21; a point per serve; play a third game if tied
- Serving rules: Serve diagonally; serve from the right with an even score, left with an odd score
- Faults: Opponent fails to return; hitting the net; stepping out of bounds
Know the basics: Two or four players; hit the shuttlecock over the net to score points
Badminton is a racket sport that can be played by two players against each other, or by two teams of two players each. The aim of the game is to be the first to score 21 points. Points are scored whenever a player or team successfully serves the shuttlecock and the opposition fails to return it appropriately.
To start the game, toss a coin to decide which team serves first, and on which side of the court they will play. The first serve of the game is always from the right side of the court, diagonally to the court on the other side. After that, if you have an even number of points, you serve from the right, and if you have an odd number, you serve from the left.
When serving, the shuttlecock must be hit over the net. If the serving side commits a fault, the receiving side gets a point, and the serve switches to them. If the receiving side commits a fault, the serving side gets a point and continues to serve, switching to the other diagonal court. A fault can be committed by failing to hit the shuttlecock over the net, hitting it out of bounds, or allowing it to touch the ground on your side of the court.
The badminton court is 44 feet long by 20 feet wide. If you're playing singles, you play on a court that is 44 feet long and 17 feet wide. The net should be positioned halfway across the court, 5 feet above the ground.
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Understand the court: 44ft x 20ft; smaller for singles; net at 5ft
A standard badminton court is rectangular and measures 44 feet by 20 feet. The length remains the same for singles and doubles matches, but the width is slightly reduced for singles games, measuring 17 feet. The net, which spans the width of the court, is positioned in the middle of the court and measures 5 feet 1 inch at the poles on either side and 5 feet in the middle, where it dips slightly. The net itself has a height of 2 feet 6 inches, with a 2-foot 5-inch gap underneath. The service areas in singles and doubles differ in size and shape. In singles, each service area measures 8.5 feet by 15.5 feet, resulting in a total surface area of 131.53 square feet. The doubles service area is "short and wide" compared to singles, with each side measuring 10 feet by 13 feet, for a total of 130.02 square feet.
The court's lines should be clearly marked and easily distinguishable from the court's surface, usually in white, and should be 1.57 inches thick. The short service line, which the shuttlecock must pass in both singles and doubles, is 6.5 feet from the net. The doubles service line is marked 2.5 feet from the baseline. This line does not exist in singles, giving players a deeper service area and allowing them to serve from further back in the court.
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Know the scoring: First to 21; a point per serve; play a third game if tied
Badminton matches are typically played as the best of three games. In other words, the first player or team to win two games is the overall winner. Each individual game is won by the first player or team to reach 21 points. A point is scored on every serve, by whichever side wins the rally. If the score reaches 20-20, the game will continue until one side achieves a lead of two points. For example, 22-20 or 23-21 would be winning scores, but 21-20 would not be sufficient. If the score reaches 29-29, the game ends when either side reaches 30 points.
The player who wins a rally will continue to serve until their opponents win a rally and gain the serve. If the server's score is odd, they will serve from the left court; if it is even, they will serve from the right court. In singles, the receiver will stand in the diagonally opposite service court. In doubles, each player has a service court, and the non-serving player from the serving side can stand anywhere on their half of the court.
In the third game, players switch ends when one side reaches 11 points. Players should also change ends at the conclusion of the first game, and at the end of the second game if a third game is required.
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Serving rules: Serve diagonally; serve from the right with an even score, left with an odd score
Serving rules are an important part of badminton. It is important to know the rules to avoid disputes with your opponent and gain a greater understanding of the game.
The first rule to remember is that the shuttlecock, or "birdie", must be hit below waist height, and served diagonally into your opponent's service box. The whole shuttle must also be below 1.15 metres from the surface of the court when struck by the server's racket. This rule was brought in by the BWF in 2018 to improve the application of service laws in tournaments.
The second rule is that the server must start the game serving from the right service box. During the game, the server will then switch between serving from the left and right boxes, depending on their score. If the server's score is an even number, they will serve from the right box. If the server's score is an odd number, they will serve from the left box. This rule applies to both singles and doubles matches.
The third rule is that you must keep at least part of both feet in contact with the ground while serving. You cannot move or lift either foot off the ground until the shuttle has been struck. Your feet must not be touching any of the court lines. This rule applies to both the server and the receiver.
Finally, it is important to remember that there should be no undue delay in delivering the service once the server and receiver are ready. While there is no official time limit, players have been faulted for taking too long to serve.
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Faults: Opponent fails to return; hitting the net; stepping out of bounds
To play badminton, you need to understand the rules and the different types of faults that can occur during the game. The aim of the game is to score points by successfully hitting a shuttlecock over the net. Each game is played up to 21 points, and a match consists of the best of three games.
Opponent Fails to Return
If the opponent fails to return the shuttlecock, you score a point. A fault is called when the shuttlecock fails to pass over the net, and it touches the opponent's racket without travelling towards your court. If the shuttlecock touches anything other than your opponent's racket, such as their body or clothing, it is also considered a fault, and you will score a point.
Hitting the Net
If the shuttlecock hits the net, it is considered a fault. However, if the shuttlecock tumbles over the net and into your opponent's court without touching the ground, and you touch the net in this interval, it is your fault.
Stepping Out of Bounds
If a player steps out of their court and makes contact with the shuttlecock, it is considered a fault. The shuttlecock must be hit by a player within the boundaries of their court.
It is important to remember that these faults will result in your opponent scoring a point, so be cautious and aware of your movements and the shuttlecock's position at all times.
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Frequently asked questions
To play badminton, you will need a lightweight racket and a shuttlecock, also known as a birdie or shuttle.
The objective of the game is to be the first player or team to score 21 points. Points are scored when a player commits a fault, for example, when the shuttlecock hits the ground in the opponent's half of the court.
Basic badminton skills include the forehand and backhand strokes, the ready position, and serving. It is also important to develop good footwork to allow you to move swiftly around the court and position yourself for better shots.
Common badminton shots include the clear, drop shot, smash, drive, and net shot. Each shot requires specific technique and timing to execute effectively.
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