Helena Frye
In badminton, a 'let' is a stoppage of play that does not result in a point being awarded to either side. A let can be called by an umpire or a player (in the absence of an umpire) in the event of unforeseen or accidental circumstances, such as a receiver not being ready for a service, distractions on the court, or a shuttlecock-related issue. When a let is called, the same server serves again to the same receiver, and the score remains unchanged.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Occurrence | Unforeseen or accidental |
| Called by | Umpire or player (in absence of umpire) |
| Effect on score | No change in score |
| Effect on serving positions | No change in serving positions |
| Effect on rally | Rally stops and is replayed |
| Shuttlecock-related reasons | Shuttlecock gets stuck on the net, breaks, or disintegrates |
| Distractions | Objects, people, flash photography, shouting spectators |
| Faults | Both players at fault simultaneously |
| Line judge | Unobstructed view |
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What You'll Learn
Distractions on the court
The presence of any disruptions to a shuttlecock's flight also warrants a stoppage. For instance, if a foreign shuttlecock enters the court or a shuttlecock gets stuck on the net. In addition, if the shuttlecock breaks during play, a let can be called. According to the Laws of Badminton, an umpire can consider a shuttlecock broken if they see the base or tip separated from the feathered part of the shuttlecock.
Another distraction could be the players themselves. If both players commit faults at the same time, the umpire will call a let. This could be the server hitting the shuttlecock too early, and the receiver dropping their racket or distracting the server.
It is important to remember that badminton is a game meant to be enjoyed. Having fun will help you stay focused and confident on the court. Creating a pre-game routine and visualisation techniques can help you focus and boost your confidence.
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Receiver not ready
In badminton, a let is a stoppage to a rally that does not result in a change of score or serving positions. One of the most common causes of a let is when the receiver is not ready for the opposing player's service.
If the receiver is not ready when their opponent serves, they should stay still and not move their racket or their feet. They should let the shuttle drop to the floor and then indicate that they were not ready, demanding a let. A common gesture to indicate that the receiver is not ready is to put up a hand with the palm facing the server in a stop sign. The server should then wait for the receiver to lower their hand and settle themselves before serving again. However, if the receiver starts to move or attempts to return the serve, they can no longer ask for a replay.
It is considered good etiquette for the server to check that the receiver is ready before serving. In an official match, the umpire may also remind both players to be prompt, with the server instructed not to take too long to serve and the receiver encouraged to get into their ready position quickly. If a player is taking too long, their opponent may ask them if they are ready or what they are doing. In a casual setting without an umpire, players should be reasonable and remind their opponent of the rules if they are holding up the game.
While the receiver must be given a reasonable amount of time to get ready, they are not allowed to delay the game indefinitely. According to the BWF's Laws of Badminton, "under no circumstances shall play be delayed to enable a player to recover strength or wind or to receive advice". If a receiver is taking too long to get ready, the umpire will normally warn the players first. If the delay continues, the umpire will call a fault.
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Broken shuttlecock
The flight of a shuttlecock is pivotal to the flow of a badminton game. A broken shuttlecock is one of the reasons for a let, which stops play and results in a replay of the rally without changing the score or serving positions.
According to the Badminton World Federation (BWF) Laws of Badminton, a shuttlecock is considered broken when its base or tip separates from the feathered part. This can happen when a powerful smash causes the shuttlecock to disintegrate, although this usually only occurs with cheap plastic shuttles. In such cases, the player who hit the smash may earn the title of "Destroyer of Shuttles" for the day. It is important to note that only complete separation of the shuttlecock's components constitutes a let; partial damage does not warrant a stoppage in play.
A let can also be called when the shuttlecock gets stuck on the net, as per the BWF's rules. This situation can occur when the shuttlecock is not hit with sufficient force to clear the net, resulting in it becoming entangled or lodged in the mesh. In such cases, the umpire will call for a stoppage after the shuttlecock is returned from the net.
In addition to issues with the shuttlecock itself, distractions on the court can also lead to a let being called. These distractions can be objects or people, such as coaches calling out to their players. The umpire has the authority to stop play temporarily to address these distractions and ensure a fair and smooth game for both parties.
It is worth noting that the receiver of the serve should be ready when the server initiates the rally. If the receiver is not ready, they should refrain from moving their racket or feet and allow the shuttlecock to drop to the floor. They can then request a let and ask for the point to be replayed. However, if the receiver attempts to return the serve, they are considered ready, and a let cannot be called on the basis of unpreparedness.
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Unforeseen or accidental situations
Extra shuttlecocks on the court
If an extra shuttlecock, such as one from another court, enters the playing area, it is considered a let. This is because the shuttlecock's flight is pivotal to the flow of the game, and any disruptions can impact play. Players are advised to call out "let" or "stop" to immediately halt the rally and prevent accidents.
Court invasions
When individuals accidentally or unintentionally enter the court during play, it is considered a let. This situation can include players from another court or spectators who may have invaded the court premises.
Lights and electrical issues
Power outages or lights going out during a fire drill can lead to a let being called. This situation can be disorienting for players and disrupt their ability to continue the game safely.
Water leakage
Water leakage on the court, potentially from centralised air conditioning units, can cause a let. This situation can create a slippery surface and pose a safety hazard for players.
Service court errors
Service court errors, such as a player standing in the wrong service court and receiving the shuttlecock, can result in a let. This situation is particularly common in doubles matches, where players may accidentally serve out of turn.
Distractions and faults
Distractions, such as a receiver attempting to distract the server, can lead to a let. Additionally, if both the server and receiver commit simultaneous faults, such as the receiver dropping their racket, it is considered a let. In this case, the point is replayed, and the same server serves to the same receiver.
It is important to note that a let is different from a fault. While both result in a halt in play, a let is caused by unforeseen circumstances or accidents, whereas a fault is due to a player breaking the rules involving service, rallies, or conduct.
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Faults by both players
A let is called when there are simultaneous faults committed by both players. Here are some examples of faults that can be committed by players, which, if committed at the same time, would result in a let:
Service Faults
Service faults can occur when a player fails to serve to the opposite side of their opponent's court. For instance, if a player positioned on the left side of the court during a match fails to serve the shuttle to the right side, it is considered a fault. Service faults can also occur when a player pauses between the backswing and forward swing of their serve. This is against the rules as it can be used to upset the receiver's timing. An extremely slow serving action is also considered a fault as it causes undue delay.
Contact Faults
Contact faults occur when the shuttlecock comes into contact with any object or person other than the player's racket. This includes touching the player's shoes, shin, t-shirt, or any other part of their body or clothing. To avoid contact faults, players should stay flexible and light on their feet, making sure to warm up and stretch before the game.
Double-Hit Faults
Double-hit faults happen when a player hits the shuttlecock more than once in a row or when both teammates come in contact with the shuttle simultaneously.
Over-the-Net Faults
Over-the-net faults, also known as net faults, occur when a player fails to clear the net or if the shuttlecock passes under or through the net. Players should wait until the shuttlecock has crossed to the other side of the court before hitting it.
Distractions
Distractions can also be considered faults. This includes trash-talking, making gestures, or any other actions that may distract the opponent.
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Frequently asked questions
A 'let' is called by an umpire or a player to pause a game. It is called to end the current play and replay it without changing the score or serving positions.
A 'let' can be called in the case of unforeseen or accidental occurrences. This could be due to distractions on the court, a receiver not being ready, or a shuttlecock-related issue.
Distractions can include objects or people entering the court, such as coaches, photographers, or spectators.
A 'let' can be called if the shuttlecock gets stuck in the net, breaks during play, or if there is an issue with the shuttlecock's flight.
If there is a disagreement, the players should try to reach an agreement based on who had the clearest view. If no agreement can be made, then a 'let' is played.
