
Badminton doubles is a fast-paced game that requires quick reflexes and strategic thinking. The objective is for players to score points by grounding the shuttlecock in their opponent's court or by forcing errors. The first pair to score 21 points wins, but they must win by at least two points. If the game reaches 29-29, the first pair to score their 30th point wins. Serving and receiving positions are crucial, with players alternating service courts based on their score, ensuring no consecutive serves to the same opponent. Understanding these rules and strategies can greatly improve a player's performance and enjoyment of the game.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of players | 4 |
| Number of teams | 2 |
| Number of games to win a match | 2 out of 3 |
| Number of points to win a game | 21 |
| Points when tied at 20 | First to get a 2-point lead |
| Maximum number of points | 30 |
| Diagonal serving | Yes |
| Service side when score is even | Right |
| Service side when score is odd | Left |
| Service side after winning a rally | Same player, but from the other service court |
| Service side after losing a rally | Player who wasn't serving last time |
| Service side after winning a game | Winning player/pair |
| Service type | Underarm |
| Service height | Below waist |
| Service landing area | Opponent's service box |
| Scoring | Grounding the shuttlecock in designated areas of opponent's court |
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What You'll Learn

Scoring a point
It is also possible to score a point if the opposing team commits a fault. For example, if a player touches the net with their racquet or body during play, or if they hit the shuttlecock on the opponent's side of the net, their opponents will be awarded a point.
The serve also plays a crucial role in scoring points. The serve always starts from the right-hand side, and the server continues serving as long as their team keeps winning points. If the receiving team wins a point, the serve passes to them, and they will serve from the left-hand side if their score is odd and from the right if it is even. It is important to note that the serve does not alternate between partners on the same team—it stays with one person until the opponents win a rally.
Additionally, it is essential to understand the concept of service courts. Each player has a designated service court, and the serve must be hit diagonally over the net into the opponent's service court. The even/odd rule dictates that if the server's score is odd, they serve from the left court, and if it is even, they serve from the right.
In terms of the overall scoring system, a game is typically played to 21 points, but variations such as 15 or 7 points can be used for quicker games. If the score reaches 20-20, the game continues until one team achieves a two-point lead. If the score reaches 29-29, the first team to score the 30th point wins, as this is the upper limit to prevent games from dragging on too long.
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Serving rules
Serving plays a crucial role in the gameplay of badminton doubles. Here are the detailed rules for serving in badminton doubles:
Choosing the First Server
The first server in a badminton doubles match is typically determined by a coin toss. The winner of the coin toss gets to decide which side will serve first or whether their team will start by receiving the serve.
Service Sides
The player who serves first always starts from the right service court. After that, the service sides are determined by the number of points a team has. If the serving team has an odd number of points, they serve from the left service court; if they have an even number of points, they serve from the right service court.
Serving Rotation
In badminton doubles, the serving side has one player serve until they lose a point. Once a point is lost, the other player on the serving team becomes the new server. The players keep rotating in this manner as long as they keep winning points. If the receiving side wins a point, the serving opportunity passes to them, and the player who did not initially serve for that team becomes the new server.
Service Technique
A correct service in badminton doubles involves hitting the shuttlecock with an underhand action, swinging the racquet from below the waist. The entire shuttlecock should be below the waist of the server when struck by the racquet, and the racquet shaft should be pointing downwards. The shuttlecock must then be hit over the net to the opponent's service box without touching the net or going out of bounds.
Faults and Let Service
If the server fails to execute a correct service, it is considered a fault, and the receiving side wins the point. Common faults include the shuttlecock hitting the net, going out of bounds, or the server touching the net with their racquet or body. If a serve touches the net but still lands within the boundaries of the opponent's service box, it is called a "let" and the rally must be replayed.
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Court dimensions
A badminton court is rectangular and divided into two halves by a net. The length of a badminton court for doubles matches is 13.4 metres (44 feet) and the width is 6.1 metres (20 feet). The net is 1.55 metres (5 feet and 1 inch) high at the ends and 1.52 metres (5 feet) high in the middle. The service court is divided by a centre line and is set back from the net by a 'short service line' of 1.98 metres (6.5 feet). There is also a ''long service line' that is placed 0.76 metres (2.5 feet) in from the back boundary. The official distance that should be left as a 'surround' or border to a badminton court is 0.61 metres (2 feet) around the perimeter. However, if there are walls or other structures surrounding the court, most sports organisations recommend a safety border of at least 2 metres from the sidelines and baselines.
For a standard doubles badminton court, you will need a minimum space of 94.07 square metres (1012.56 square feet) with a width of 7.32 metres (24 feet) and a length of 14.63 metres (48 feet). Ideally, the space should be 10.10 metres (33.14 feet) wide and 17.41 metres (57.12 feet) long, with a surface area of 124.82 square metres (1343.55 square feet). As badminton courts are usually indoors, it is recommended that there is 9.14 metres (30 feet) of vertical clearance to prevent any shots from hitting the roof. For major tournaments, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) states that there must be an 11.88-metre (39-foot) vertical clearance.
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Deciding the first serve
The first serve in a badminton doubles match is decided by a coin toss. The winner of the toss decides who will serve first. In traditional mixed doubles, the woman used to start the match by serving or receiving. However, in modern games, it is recommended that whoever has the best serve or return should start. If one player has a much better serve than their partner, it makes sense for them to serve first.
The first server will serve from the right side of the service court. The basic service rules state that the player who serves first will continue to serve each time after their team wins a point, serving from the right side of the court after winning an even number of points and from the left side after an odd number of points. The server will keep serving while alternating sides with their teammate as long as they keep winning points. If the receiving side takes a point, they assume the serve.
The doubles service rules in badminton are slightly more complicated. The service boxes are shorter and wider, and players must know when to rotate service courts with their partner. The original server will switch sides and continue to serve until their team loses a point, at which point the other team gets the serve.
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Faults and penalties
Service Faults
If a player is serving from outside the service box or in contact with its lines, their opponents get a point. It is also not permissible to jump or take one leg off the surface while attempting to serve. The player should have both feet grounded while executing the serve. The racket head must be pointing downwards when striking the shuttlecock; if it is pointing upwards or sideways, it is considered a service overhead fault. Overarm serving is not allowed, so an underarm action should always be used, with the racquet swung from below the waist.
Technical Faults
Technical faults include hitting the shuttlecock twice in succession with the racket during a single stroke or action (a double hit). This can happen unintentionally, often when the shuttlecock rebounds off the racket unexpectedly. Another technical fault is touching the net with the racquet or body when the shuttlecock is in play.
Behavioural Faults
Behavioural faults include using offensive language or gestures, unsportsmanlike behaviour such as arguing with the referee or intentionally distracting the opponent, and delaying the game unnecessarily or using stalling tactics to gain an advantage.
Time Violations
Players are expected to maintain a reasonable pace during a match and adhere to time limits for serving, receiving, and changing ends. Excessive delays can result in time violations and penalties, including point deductions or loss of serve.
Out of Position
Players are required to maintain proper court positioning during play. If a player is out of position, it can result in a fault, leaving open areas of the court for their opponent to exploit.
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