
Badminton is a racquet sport played by either two players (singles) or four players (doubles). The aim of the game is to score points by hitting a shuttlecock back and forth, with a point being scored when the shuttlecock lands inside the opponent's court. The game is won by the first player or team to reach 21 points, but they must win by at least 2 points. If the score reaches 29-29, the game is won by the next point. Let's delve into the specifics of scoring in badminton.
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What You'll Learn

Win a rally to score a point
To win a rally and score a point in badminton, you must successfully hit the shuttlecock over the net and into your opponent's court. The shuttlecock must land inside the court boundaries for a rally to be won and a point to be scored. If the shuttlecock hits the net but still goes over and lands inside the court, the rally is still considered won, and a point is scored.
It is important to note that the shuttlecock must not bounce before being hit by your opponent. If it bounces, or if they fail to return it, you win the rally and score a point. Additionally, if your opponent commits a foul during the rally, such as hitting the net with their body or racket, you win the rally and score a point.
After winning a rally and scoring a point, you will move to the opposite service court for the next point. This is true for both singles and doubles matches. In doubles, if you have a partner, you will trade places with them after winning a rally.
It is also important to keep track of the score by announcing the score before each serve. For example, if you have three points and your opponent has one, you would announce "three to one" before serving. This helps prevent disputes and keeps both players clear on the current score.
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Serve and receive rules
Serving and receiving are critical aspects of badminton, and understanding the rules around them is essential for players. Here are the detailed serve and receive rules in badminton:
Serve Rules
The serve in badminton follows specific rules to ensure fair play. Here are the key serve rules:
- Foot Placement: Both feet of the server must be in contact with the floor when striking the shuttlecock, and they must not touch any court lines.
- Striking the Shuttlecock: The server must strike the cork, not the feathers of the shuttlecock. The entire shuttlecock must be below the server's waist, and the racquet shaft should point downwards.
- Diagonal Serve: The server and receiver stand in diagonally opposite service courts. The serve must be hit diagonally over the net and across the court.
- Underarm Serve: The shuttlecock must be hit underarm during the serve, and it should not bounce.
- No Delay: According to the Badminton World Federation (BWF) rules, there should be no undue delay in delivering the serve once both the server and receiver are ready.
- First Serve: The first server is typically determined by a coin toss or another agreed-upon method. The first serve is always performed from the right-hand service court.
- Serving Sides: The server's position for subsequent points depends on their score. If the server has an even number of points, they serve from the right court; if they have an odd number, they serve from the left court.
- No Consecutive Serves: In doubles, no player on the receiving side shall receive two consecutive serves from the same player in the same game.
- Faults: If the server hits the shuttlecock out of bounds or into fixtures above the court, it is a fault, and the receiving side wins the point.
Receive Rules
The receiving side also has specific rules to follow during a badminton match:
- Positioning: The receiver stands diagonally opposite the server without touching the boundary lines. They can take any position on their side of the court as long as they do not block the server's sight.
- Rally Winner: If the receiver wins the rally, they get to serve next.
- Scoring: The receiving side scores a point if the server commits a fault or loses the rally.
- Let Calls: If there is an unforeseen issue, such as the shuttlecock hitting the net but still going over, the referee may call a 'let', resulting in a replay of the point.
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Scoring a foul
A fault or foul in badminton results in a point being awarded to the opposing side. It is important to note that in badminton, the term used is 'fault' rather than 'foul'.
Fouls or faults can occur in a variety of ways, such as:
- Serving the shuttlecock outside of the court.
- Contacting the net with your body or racket.
- Extending your racket past the net.
- Hitting the shuttlecock multiple times.
- Striking the shuttlecock or 'birdie' twice with your racket.
- Allowing the shuttlecock to hit the ground in your half of the court.
- Failing to serve diagonally to the opponent's service court.
- Raising your foot from the floor during the serve.
- Behaving inappropriately or distracting an opponent.
It is worth noting that the concept of a 'foul' does not exist in badminton in the same way it does in other sports. Instead, there are 'faults' and warnings or cards for conduct.
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Winning the game
To win a badminton game, you need to be the first player or team to reach 21 points. However, you must win by at least 2 points, so play will continue until you are ahead by 2 if your opponent has 20 points. For example, a winning score could be 22-20 or 25-23. If the score reaches 29-29, the next point wins the game.
To score a point, you must win a rally. A point is scored when the shuttlecock lands inside your opponent's court. You then move to the other service court and serve the shuttlecock again. You can also score a point if your opponent commits a foul, such as by hitting the shuttlecock into the net or out of the court, or by hitting it twice.
To improve your chances of winning, you should try to improve your physical ability and strategic thinking. You could try to confuse and tire your opponent by hitting shots in unpredictable directions, forcing them to run around the court. You could also try to make your opponent play to your strengths, for example, by drawing them towards the net if you are more comfortable there.
It is also important to be quick around the court, so you could try exercises such as jogging, walking, and hitting shuttles against a wall to improve your speed. You should also stay on your toes during a game, to be able to move and jump more easily.
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Announcing the score
Before starting the game, it's essential to understand that a point is scored when the shuttlecock lands inside the opponent's court. If a player fails to return the shuttlecock, and it hits the net or lands outside the court, the opponent wins the point.
When announcing the score, it's customary to say your score first, followed by your opponent's score. For example, if you have 10 points and your opponent has 15, the correct phrasing is "10-15." This is done to prevent any disputes and maintain clarity throughout the game.
It's also important to note that you must win by at least two points. So, if the score reaches 20-20, you need to achieve a two-point lead for the game to officially end. For instance, a score of 22-20 or 25-23 would be a winning score, but not 21-20 or 24-23.
During the game, it's good practice to announce the score before each serve. This helps both players and any spectators keep track of the game's progress. If you're serving and it's your turn to announce, remember to start with your score first, as mentioned earlier.
Additionally, the serving position is determined by the number of points. If you have an even number of points, you serve from the right-hand service court. If you have an odd number, you serve from the left court. This is known as the even/odd rule.
In summary, announcing the score in badminton involves stating your score first, followed by your opponent's score, and ensuring you adhere to the even/odd rule for serving positions. By doing so, you can maintain an accurate and clear representation of the game's progress for all involved.
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Frequently asked questions
You score a point by winning a rally. A rally is won when your opponent fails to return the shuttlecock (also known as the birdie) to your side of the net, or if they hit it out of bounds.
The first side to reach 21 points wins a game. However, if the score reaches 20-20, a side must win by two clear points. So, if the score reaches 29-29, the first side to reach 30 points wins.
It is a good habit to say the score out loud to your opponent before starting each rally. Always say the server's score first. For example, if you are serving and have 10 points to your opponent's 15, the score is 10-15.
If the server's score is odd, they will serve from the left court (if even, from the right). The receiver will stand in the diagonally opposite service court.
Aside from mastering your technique and strategy, remember to always be aware of the score and serve accordingly. Also, remember to switch service courts each time you score a point.










































