Amanda Knapp
Badminton is a fast-paced game with a multitude of rules, and it can be easy to accidentally or intentionally break them. A violation of the playing rules in badminton is called a fault, which can occur during serving, receiving, or play. Some examples of faults include hitting the shuttlecock with the feathers, serving above the waist, obscuring the receiver's view, hitting the shuttlecock before it passes the net, and double hits. Infringing on the opponent's court is also a fault, but only if your behaviour interferes with their activities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hitting the shuttlecock | Before it has crossed to your side of the court |
| Hitting the shuttlecock | Above the waist during a serve |
| Hitting the shuttlecock | On the feathers |
| Serving | Above waist height |
| Serving | When the opponent cannot see the shuttlecock |
| Serving | Before the receiver is ready |
| Receiving | Moving before the shuttlecock is delivered |
| Receiving | Delaying receiving the serve when ready |
| Receiving | Stepping on surrounding boundaries or lines |
| Distracting the opponent | Using gestures, shouting, or unusual body movements |
| Infringing on the opponent's court | Using your racket or body to cross into your opponent's court and interfering with their activities |
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What You'll Learn
Hitting the shuttlecock with the feathers
Hitting the feathers of the shuttlecock first is not desirable in badminton as it can result in a loss of control over the shot. This happens because the shuttlecock will stay with the racket head longer, causing an abnormal hit. While this is not an issue in a normal shot, it is considered a fault during a serve.
A fault during a serve can also occur if the shuttlecock is hit twice in succession by the same player. However, it is not a fault if the shuttlecock hits the head and the stringed area of the racket in one stroke. In the case of a serve, if the shuttlecock is hit in a way that causes it to strike the feathers first, it is considered a fault. This is because the feathers of a shuttlecock offer superior flight and feel, but they are also more expensive and fragile.
The feathers of a shuttlecock are usually made from goose or duck feathers, plucked from the wings of a live bird, a method deemed cruel by animal rights activists. The feathers are embedded into a rounded cork base, which is covered in thin leather. The shuttlecock's open conical shape, formed by feathers or synthetic alternatives, makes it extremely aerodynamically stable. It will always turn to fly cork first, regardless of its initial orientation.
The choice between feathers and synthetic shuttlecocks depends on the player's preference and level of play. Feathers offer a superior flight path and feel but are more expensive and fragile. Synthetic shuttlecocks, on the other hand, are more durable and affordable but may not offer the same level of performance. They tend to slow down less towards the end of their flight, falling on a diagonal instead of a straight drop.
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Hitting the shuttlecock above the waist during a serve
The service rules in badminton are strict and are often the cause of common mistakes made by beginners. For example, another service rule violation can occur if the server's teammate stands in a position that obscures the receiver's view. This usually only happens in doubles matches, but it is still considered a foul if the receiver's view is intentionally blocked in singles matches.
The speed of the game in badminton is largely determined by the receiver. The receiver must be ready for a reasonable amount of time before the server can take their shot. If the receiver is not ready and attempts to return the service, the referee may allow for the service to be re-served. However, if the receiver does not attempt to return the service, the point is calculated for the opponent.
In addition to service rules, there are other rules in badminton that, if violated, result in a "fault" or a "let." For example, players are not allowed to hit the shuttlecock until it has crossed to their side of the court. This rule can be difficult for referees to identify due to the fast speed of the game. Players are also not allowed to distract their opponents through shouting, singing, or making unusual and distracting body movements or gestures.
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Obscuring the receiver's view
In badminton, obscuring the receiver's view is a violation of the rules. This typically occurs in doubles matches, where a server's teammate stands in a position that blocks the receiver's line of sight. Even in singles matches, intentionally blocking the receiver's view is considered a foul.
The receiver of the serve has the right to see the shuttle and its flight path. This is to ensure fairness, as the receiver's ability to observe and react to the serve is integral to their ability to return it. By blocking the receiver's view, the serving team gains an unfair advantage, and this is therefore prohibited.
It is important to note that the speed of the game is determined by the receiver. The receiver must be ready for a reasonable amount of time before the server can take their shot. This means that the receiver cannot deliberately delay the game. However, if the receiver is not ready and does not attempt to return the serve, the referee may allow for the service to be re-served.
In doubles matches, only the players standing diagonally across from the server have the right to return the shuttle. This rule further emphasises the importance of ensuring the receiver's view is not obstructed, as it ensures that the appropriate players are able to observe and react to the serve.
By upholding this rule, badminton maintains a fair and competitive environment for all players, ensuring that skill and strategy determine the outcome of a match, rather than unfair advantages or unsportsmanlike conduct.
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Crossing into the opponent's court
One of the most important rules in badminton is to respect the court boundaries. Crossing into the opponent's court during play is not allowed and can result in a fault being called and a point being awarded to the opposing side. This is a clear violation of the rules and can impact the outcome of the game.
The badminton court has specific boundaries that must be adhered to by players. In singles play, the court is thinner, with the outside tramlines considered out of bounds. On the other hand, in doubles, the full width of the court, including the tramlines, is considered inbounds. It is crucial for players to be aware of these boundaries and ensure they do not cross into their opponent's area during a rally.
A player may only enter their opponent's court after striking the shuttlecock with their racket on their own side. If a player crosses the centre line before the shuttlecock is hit, it is considered a fault. This rule ensures that players maintain their position and do not gain an unfair advantage by encroaching on their opponent's space.
It is important to note that the player's racket is allowed to cross into the opponent's court, but only after the shuttlecock has been struck. This means that a player can follow through with their swing and reach into the other court without committing a fault, as long as the initial contact with the shuttlecock occurred on their side of the court.
Understanding and adhering to the rules regarding court boundaries and crossing into the opponent's court is essential for fair play in badminton. Players should be mindful of their positioning at all times to avoid committing faults and to ensure a smooth and enjoyable game for all participants.
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Hitting the shuttlecock before it passes over the net
According to the Laws of Badminton, a player wins a rally when they strike the shuttlecock and it touches the floor of the opponent's side of the court, or when their opponent commits a fault. One of the most common types of faults is when a player fails to hit the shuttlecock over the net, resulting in what is known as a "net shot."
A net shot refers to hitting the shuttlecock in such a way that it passes around the net posts instead of going over the net. This type of shot is not allowed in badminton because the shuttlecock, due to its design, cannot spin on its horizontal axis and therefore cannot curve trajectory like a ball. Attempting to hit a net shot would likely result in the shuttlecock hitting the net or falling short of the opponent's court.
To avoid committing this violation, players should always aim to hit the shuttlecock after it has passed over the net. This ensures that the play remains fair and gives both players or teams a chance to return the shot. It is important to note that the only exception to this rule is if the opponent returns the shuttlecock before it goes over the net, in which case no fault is committed.
In conclusion, hitting the shuttlecock before it passes over the net is a clear violation of the rules in badminton. Players should be mindful of this rule and refrain from attempting to hit the shuttlecock too early in their eagerness to win a point. Adhering to this rule contributes to fair and competitive gameplay.
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