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Badminton is a high-speed indoor racket sport that is played by two or four players. The aim of the game is to score points by successfully hitting the shuttlecock over the net. To start a badminton game, players must first decide which team will serve first and which side they will play on by tossing a coin or having a contest. The first serve of the game comes from the right half of the court to the diagonally opposite court. The shuttlecock must be served to a point higher than or at the server's waist and must be hit below waist height.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Players | 2 or 4 |
| Objective | Score points by successfully hitting the shuttlecock over the net |
| Scoring | A point is scored when the shuttlecock touches the floor on the opponent's side of the court or when the opponent commits a fault |
| Faults | If the shuttlecock is not hit over the net, if it lands outside the court, if a player strikes it twice, or if a player touches the net with their body or racket |
| Serve | The first serve comes from the right side of the court, diagonally to the opposite side; the server alternates sides with their teammate as long as they keep winning points |
| Court Dimensions | Singles court: 13.41m long x 5.18m wide; Doubles court: 13.41m long x 6.1m wide; Net: 1.55m high at the ends, 1.52m high in the middle |
| Change of Ends | After each game, opponents change ends; in the third game, the change occurs when one side reaches 11 points |
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What You'll Learn
Scoring points
The aim of badminton is to score points by successfully hitting the shuttlecock over the net and onto your opponent's side of the court. A player wins a rally, and therefore a point, when the shuttlecock touches the floor on the opponent's side of the court or when the opponent commits a fault. Players can score points once a player commits a fault. If the server forces the opponent to take a fault, a point is awarded to the server. If the recipient forces a fault on the server, the recipient will receive a point and become the new server for the next play.
There are several ways a fault can occur:
- If the shuttlecock fails to clear the net or lands outside the boundary of the court.
- If a player strikes the shuttlecock twice with their racket.
- If the shuttlecock is not served to a point higher than or at the server's waist.
- If any part of the racket, at the point of striking, was not higher than any part of the serving player's hand.
- If the shuttlecock is hit more than once by the same player (the only exception is if your team gets a 'let', which is when the shuttlecock hits the net and falls into the opponent's court).
- If the shuttlecock is hit below waist height.
In badminton 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 takes the point, they assume the serve. In singles, the server starts from the right service court and will serve from that side every time they have an even number of points. After each game, opponents change ends of the court, and the side that won the previous game gets to serve at the start of the next game.
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Faults
A fault in badminton is a violation of the rules, which can be penalised. Faults can be committed by either the server or the receiver. Here are some examples of faults in badminton:
Server Faults
- The server is out of the service box while serving the shuttle.
- The server is in contact with the lines of the service box during the serve.
- The server is in the air as they try to hit the shuttle. As per the rules, the server's feet must be in contact with the ground.
- The server tries to dodge their opponent by making unusual body movements before the serve.
- The server doesn't hit the shuttle diagonally.
- The server serves the shuttle before their opponent is in a ready position.
- The server uses multiple start/stop motions during the service. The serve must be a single continuous forward motion.
- The server does not hit the base of the shuttle with their racket.
- The server delays their serve by taking too long to hit the shuttle.
Receiver Faults
- The receiver stays out of the service box during the serve.
- The receiver moves around during the course of the serve.
- The receiver hits the shuttle before it crosses the net.
- The receiver hits the shuttle twice in a row (a double-hit).
It is important to note that a ""let" can also occur, which is an unintended fault that does not result in a penalty. A let simply stops the rally and is replayed by the player who made the mistake.
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Court size
Badminton is a high-speed indoor racket sport that is played with two or four players. The aim of the game is to score points by successfully hitting a shuttlecock over a net without committing a fault. The court size will vary depending on whether you are playing singles or doubles.
For a singles game, the badminton court is 13.41m (44ft) long and 5.18m (17ft) wide. The net is 1.55m (5ft 1in) high at the ends and 1.52m (5ft) high where it dips in the middle. There is a short service line, which is 1.98m (6.5ft) from the net, that the serve must pass. Beyond this line, there is a line that runs down the middle of the court to split the left and right service courts.
When playing doubles, the width of the court is extended to 6.1m (20ft). The service rules are also slightly different. The server will start on the right-hand side and keep serving, alternating sides with their teammate as long as they keep winning points. If the receiving side wins the point, they assume the serve. Then, the player who did not initially serve will only assume the service once their side has won a point as the receiving side.
It is important to note that the shuttlecock must stay within the bounds of the singles or doubles court, depending on the game type. If it lands outside the court boundaries or passes through, under, or over the net, a fault is committed and a point may be conceded.
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Serving rules
Serving plays a crucial role in badminton, and there are several rules that govern it. The game starts with a coin toss to decide which team will serve first and which side they will play on. The first serve of a badminton game comes from the right-hand side of the court to the diagonally opposite court. In singles, the server starts from the right service court and will serve from that side every time they have an even number of points. The server must stand inside their serving box and hit the shuttlecock below waist height, ensuring it passes the short service line. The shuttlecock must be hit only once by the server and should land inside the boundaries of the opponent's court. If the shuttlecock fails to cross the net or goes out of bounds, it is considered a fault, and a point is conceded.
In badminton doubles, the server will start on the right-hand side and keep serving from that side, alternating with their partner as long as they keep winning points. If the receiving side wins a point, they gain the serve, and the player who did not initially serve will assume the serve for their team.
After each game, the opponents change ends of the court, and the winning side gets to serve first in the next game. These serving rules are essential to follow for a fair and structured badminton game, ensuring that both teams have equal opportunities to score points and showcase their skills.
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Equipment
To start playing badminton, you will need a few pieces of essential equipment. Here is a list of the equipment you will need and some things to consider when choosing them:
Badminton Rackets
Rackets are a crucial piece of equipment in badminton. They typically have a lightweight design and a sturdy grip to allow for quick and precise swings. When choosing a racket, consider the grip size, weight, and balance to ensure a comfortable playing experience.
Shuttlecocks
The shuttlecock, also known as the birdie, is the object that players hit back and forth over the net. Shuttlecocks are typically made with either plastic or feathered skirts surrounding a weighted base. The choice between plastic and feathered shuttlecocks depends on your preference and playing level. Plastic shuttlecocks are more durable and suitable for beginners, while feathered shuttlecocks offer a more stable flight path and are preferred for competitive play.
Badminton Net
The net is another essential piece of equipment in badminton. It is set up between the two sides of the court and is 1.55 meters (5 feet 1 inch) high at the ends, dipping slightly lower in the middle to a height of 1.52 meters (5 feet). When choosing a net, look for one that is made from durable materials and has a sturdy setup to ensure it can withstand the impact of the shuttlecock and remain taut during play.
Court Markings and Boundaries
While not technically equipment that you hold, the court markings and boundaries are essential components of the game. The court dimensions for a singles match are 13.41 meters (44 feet) in length and 5.18 meters (17 feet) in width. For doubles matches, the width extends to 6.1 meters (20 feet). The court should be clearly marked with lines designating the service courts, the short service line, and the boundaries. These markings are crucial for understanding serve rules and determining whether shots are in or out.
Proper Footwear and Clothing
Having the right footwear and clothing can significantly impact your performance and comfort during play. Choose a pair of badminton shoes that provide good traction, support, and cushioning to absorb shock during quick movements. Additionally, wear comfortable sports clothing that allows for a full range of motion and keeps you cool during the game.
With the right equipment, you'll be well on your way to enjoying a fun and competitive game of badminton!
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Frequently asked questions
Badminton can be played with either two or four players.
You can decide which team serves first by tossing a coin or having another contest.
In badminton, players score points by successfully hitting the shuttlecock over the net so that it lands inside the boundaries of the opponent's court. Points can also be scored if the opponent commits a fault, such as failing to hit the shuttlecock over the net or hitting it outside the court boundaries. Additionally, each player retains serve as long as they keep winning points.
