Andrew Pace
Badminton is a fast-paced racket sport played with a shuttlecock instead of a ball. The court dimensions vary slightly depending on whether a singles or doubles match is being played. A doubles court is 20 feet (6.1 metres) wide, while a singles court is 17 feet (5.18 metres) wide. The length of the court remains the same at 44 feet (13.4 metres) for both singles and doubles matches. The badminton net should be 5 feet high and placed in the middle of the court, stretching from sideline to sideline. For younger players, the net may be lowered to 30 inches, and the length of the court reduced to 34 feet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Length | 44 feet (13.41 metres) or 34 feet (for juniors) |
| Width | 20 feet (6.1 metres) for doubles; 17 feet (5.18 metres) for singles |
| Net height | 5 feet (1.524 metres) in the centre, 5.09 feet (1.55 metres) at the outer sidelines |
| Service line | 6.5 feet (1.98 metres) |
| Long service line | 2.5 feet (0.76 metres) from the back boundary for doubles |
| Clearance | 2 feet (0.61 metres) around the court |
| Line thickness | 1.57 inches (4 cm) |
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What You'll Learn
Singles vs. doubles court dimensions
The dimensions of a badminton court differ slightly between singles and doubles matches. The court size for singles play is 44 feet (13.4 metres) long and 17 feet (5.18 metres) wide. For doubles matches, the court is also 44 feet (13.4 metres) long but is wider, at 20 feet (6.1 metres).
The difference in width between singles and doubles courts is due to the addition of a 'long service line' in doubles, which is placed 2.5 feet (0.76 metres) from the back boundary line. The 'short service line' is the same for both singles and doubles, set back from the net by 6.5 feet (1.98 metres).
The inner sidelines for a singles match are 0.46 metres (1.5 feet) inside the outer sidelines. Shots that fall outside this sideline are considered 'out of play'. The baselines, or 'singles back service line', run the full width of the court at 20 feet (13.41 metres). Shots that land beyond the baseline are also out of play.
When serving in a singles match, the shuttlecock must be hit diagonally, landing within the singles sideline and baseline on the opponent's side of the court. For example, if serving from the right-hand side, the shuttlecock must be hit into the left-hand side of the opponent's court.
The court dimensions for wheelchair badminton are different, as outlined in Diagram D and Diagram E of the rules for the sport.
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Net height and width
The net is a crucial element of a badminton court. It spans the entire 20-foot width of the court and is placed over the doubles sidelines, even when singles games are played. The net should be made taut using weighted tension poles on the outside edges of the court.
The standard badminton net height is measured from the floor to the top edge of the net at two specific points. Firstly, the net height at the centre of the court should be 5 feet or 1.524 metres. Secondly, at the side posts, the net height should be 5 feet 1 inch or 1.55 metres. This slight height difference allows a bit of slack in the middle while keeping the tension on the sides for proper gameplay.
For younger players, the net height and court length can be adjusted. On a junior badminton court, the net may be lowered to 2.5 feet (30 inches), and the length of the court should measure 34 feet instead of 44 feet. These adjustments make it easier for young athletes to reach across the court.
When setting up a badminton net, it is important to measure the distance between the posts, install the posts at the correct height, tension the net, and check for symmetry. These steps ensure that the net is set up correctly and that the game is fair and competitive.
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Service courts
The service courts in badminton are an important aspect of the game, and understanding their dimensions is crucial for players. The service court is an area on each side of the net that is marked by specific lines and has set dimensions. These dimensions vary slightly between singles and doubles matches, and knowledge of these measurements is essential for players to serve and return shots accurately.
The full width of a standard badminton court is 6.1 metres (20 feet), and this is the width used for doubles matches. When playing singles, the width is reduced to 5.18 metres (17 feet). The length of the court remains the same for both singles and doubles, measuring 13.4 metres (44 feet). These measurements are standard across all levels of play, from junior games to senior Olympic matches, as mandated by the Badminton World Federation (BWF).
The service courts themselves are marked by several key lines. Firstly, the court is divided into two halves by a centre line, with each half further vertically split down the middle to create the left and right service courts. The short service line is positioned 1.98 metres (6 feet 6 inches) from the net and is connected to the sidelines by the net. This line is used as a reference point for serving. In singles matches, the shuttlecock must be served beyond this short service line and within the relevant boundary lines on the opponent's side of the court.
For doubles matches, there is an additional long service line that is placed 0.76 metres (2 feet 6 inches) from the back boundary line. In this game format, the service must go beyond the short service line but is considered out if it does not reach the long service line on the opponent's side. These service courts are crucial for players to understand as they dictate the valid playing area for serves, with any shot landing outside these lines considered "out of play".
The service courts in badminton are an essential aspect of the game's strategy and rules. Players must have a good understanding of these dimensions to execute effective serves and returns, making the difference between winning and losing in this fast-paced racquet sport.
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Boundary lines
The boundary lines of a para badminton court are crucial for defining the playing area and determining the validity of shots. These lines, which are typically marked in a contrasting colour to the surface of the court, serve as the boundaries for the players during a match. Here is a detailed description of each boundary line and its specific role:
The baseline is the line that spans the width of the court and is positioned 1.92 metres from the net. It serves as the rear boundary of the court and is used to determine the depth of the playing area. During service, the shuttlecock must pass over the baseline and beyond the short service line in the diagonal service area.
The sidelines are the two longitudinal lines that run parallel to the net and define the width of the playable area. They extend from one end of the baseline to the corresponding point on the opposite side of the court. The sidelines mark the outer limits within which the shuttlecock must be hit during play. Shots that cause the shuttlecock to land outside these sidelines are considered out of bounds.
The centre line divides the court into two equal halves and extends from the baseline to the net. This line is particularly important for doubles matches as it demarcates the right and left service courts. During service, the shuttlecock must be hit from the correct side of the centre line, depending on the server's position.
The short service lines are located 0.76 metres from the net and run parallel to it, intersecting the sidelines. These lines define the short service areas, which are used for the forehand and backhand service courts. During service, the shuttle must be hit in a way that it passes over the short service line in the correct diagonal service court.
The doubles sidelines, specific to doubles matches, come into play when determining the width of the court for doubles play. These lines are marked 0.42 metres outside the singles sidelines on both sides of the court. They define the outer boundaries for doubles matches, and any shot landing outside these lines is considered out of bounds during doubles play.
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Court flooring
PVC is the preferred flooring for badminton tournaments at the highest international level, including the Olympics and World Championships. PVC flooring is also easy to install and can be placed over any hard, flat surface. It is also durable, adaptable, and insulating, and it is available in various looks.
Wooden flooring is another popular choice for badminton courts. Wood provides a good balance of speed and control, and it is durable and resistant to wear and tear. Wooden floors are also easy to clean and do not require any special maintenance. Para-badminton players often prefer wooden flooring as it can better withstand the marks left by wheelchairs and other mobility aids, providing greater mobility and freedom from management rules.
Concrete flooring is an option for a hard surface badminton court. It is durable and easy to clean, but it can be quite cold, which may be uncomfortable for some players. Asphalt flooring is another option for an outdoor badminton court, offering the same benefits as concrete but with the ability to be hosed down for easy cleaning.
Synthetic acrylic flooring is a suitable choice for both amateur and professional players. This type of flooring provides safety, performance enhancement, and longevity, ensuring a top-notch playing surface. It offers excellent shock absorption, surface friction to prevent slipping, and durability.
When constructing a badminton court, it is important to consider the sub-construction, which refers to the underlying structure that supports the playing surface. A well-constructed sub-floor and sub-structure provide a stable foundation, ensuring that the court remains level and does not warp or buckle over time. The sub-construction also helps to absorb shock and reduce impact on players' joints, helping to prevent injuries.
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Frequently asked questions
The dimensions of a para badminton court are the same as those of a regular badminton court. A full-size badminton court measures 13.41 metres (44 feet) in length and 6.1 metres (20 feet) in width.
The net on a badminton court should be 1.55 metres (5.09 feet) high at the ends/outer sidelines and 1.524 metres (5 feet) high at the centre. The width of the net is always 6.1 metres (20 feet).
Yes, the court dimensions vary slightly between singles and doubles matches. For singles, the court measures 17 feet (5.18 metres) in width, while for doubles, it measures 20 feet (6.1 metres) in width.
