
Badminton can be played as either a singles (1 vs 1) or doubles (2 vs 2) game. The boundaries for doubles in badminton are marked by the outer lines of the court, with the inner back line being the exception for the server. The doubles court includes the left and right side alleys, making it larger than the singles court. The service boundaries and rotation systems also differ between singles and doubles matches. In doubles, the players who are not serving or receiving can stand anywhere on their side of the court as long as they do not obstruct the receiver's view.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of players | 4 (2 vs 2) |
| Court dimensions | Larger than singles |
| Service rules | Different boundaries and rotation system |
| Service determined by | Coin toss |
| Serving team | Known as the "server" |
| Receiving team | Stands diagonally across from the server |
| Shuttle landing | Must be within outer court lines; landings on boundary lines are considered inbounds |
| Net height | 5 feet |
| Scoring | Best of 3 games, each of 21 points |
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What You'll Learn

The doubles court boundaries are marked by the outer lines
The court boundaries for a doubles badminton match are marked by the outer lines of the court. This is different from a singles match, where the inner lines enclose the playing area. The doubles court, therefore, includes the left and right side alleys, making it larger than the court for a singles game. The only exception to this rule is that the server uses the inner back line.
The net on a doubles badminton court is set at 5 feet high. The shuttlecock is considered "in" or "good" if it touches the boundary line, as long as it passes over the net. If the shuttlecock lands outside the outer edges of the court, it is considered "out", and the opposing team wins a point.
In a doubles game, each team consists of two players, with one player serving to a player on the opposing team. The player who receives the serve must be on the court diagonally across from the server. After the initial serve, either player on the serving team can return the shuttlecock from any position on the court.
The service rules for doubles are different from singles, including the service boundaries and the rotation system. When the serving team has an odd number of points, they serve from the left service court, and when they have an even number of points, they serve from the right service court. The players who are not serving or receiving may stand anywhere on their side of the court as long as they do not block the receiver's view.
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The server uses the inner back line
The rules for doubles badminton are set by the International Badminton Federation (IBF). The court boundaries for doubles are marked by the outer lines of the court, with one exception: the server uses the inner back line.
The IBF states that service for doubles always takes place in the right service court. The team that serves is known as the server, and the other team is the receiver. The receiver, positioned in the court diagonally across from the server, must return the shuttle. After the initial serve is returned, either doubles partner can return the shuttle from any position on the court.
It's important to note that the players who are not serving or receiving should not block the receiver's view. The receiver must be able to clearly see the shuttlecock and the racket movement of the server. If the receiver's view is blocked, they should communicate this to the other players so they can adjust their positions accordingly.
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Shuttles landing on the boundary line are 'in'
In badminton, the boundaries for a doubles game are marked by the outer lines of the court. The one exception to this rule is that the server uses the inner back line. A rally is completed when a player hits the shuttle outside the designated court boundaries, and the opponent earns a point and the right to serve. In this context, shuttles landing on the outer boundary line are considered inbounds. The shuttle is considered "good" and play is continued even when it touches the net but still passes over to the other side.
The rules for doubles badminton are set by the International Badminton Federation (IBF). Before each doubles match, a coin toss decides which team will serve first. The IBF states that service for doubles always takes place in the right service court. The team that wins the toss can either choose the end from where they want to play or to serve. If the team chooses to serve, the opposing team can choose the end.
The service boundaries and rotation system differ between singles and doubles matches. In singles, there is one player on each end of the court, and the court dimensions are smaller than in doubles. In doubles, there are two players on each end of the court, and the court includes the left and right side alleys. The players who are not serving or receiving may stand anywhere on their side of the court as long as they do not block the view of the receiver.
The scoring system of a doubles match is similar to a singles match, consisting of the best of three games, each of 21 points. A team wins a point when the opposing team hits a shuttle outside the court boundaries or fails to return it to the opponent's side. Shuttles that land on the boundary lines are considered inbounds, and play continues.
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The net is 5 feet high
The net is an integral part of a badminton court, and in doubles, it stands at 5 feet high. This is the same height as in singles badminton. The net acts as a divider between the two sides of the court, with each team occupying one side. The players can reach over the net to hit the shuttlecock, but they must not touch it with their racquet or body, or invade their opponent's side. A rally is completed if a player hits the shuttlecock into the net, or if they fail to return it to the opponent's side. If the shuttlecock touches the net but still goes over to the other side, the rally can continue.
The net's height is an important consideration for players, as it affects the trajectory and speed of the shuttlecock. The lower height in badminton, compared to other sports, means that the shuttlecock's arc is generally lower, and the speed of play is often faster. This is a key consideration for players, who must adapt their shots and strategies accordingly.
In doubles badminton, the court dimensions are larger than in singles, and the outer lines of the court mark the boundaries. The players use the inner back line for serving, and the service court is always on the right for the initial serve. After the serve is returned, players can hit the shuttlecock from any position on the court.
The rules for doubles badminton are set by the International Badminton Federation (IBF). These rules include the height of the net, court dimensions, and service rules. The IBF also specifies that a doubles match is played until one team reaches 11 points, with the option to play the best of three games.
The 5-foot-high net in doubles badminton is a key feature of the court, and it influences the strategies and techniques that players employ during a game. It is one of the defining characteristics of the fast-paced and dynamic nature of the sport.
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Service rules include service boundaries and rotation
The boundaries for a doubles game in badminton are marked by the outer lines of the court. The one exception to this rule is that the server uses the inner back line. The net on a doubles badminton court is set at 5 feet high.
Service Rules
Service rules in badminton include service boundaries and rotation. The team that serves is known as the server, and the other team is the receiver. The receiver must be diagonally across from the server and must return the shuttle. After the initial serve is returned, play continues with either of the doubles partners returning the shuttle from any position on the court. Shuttles that land on the boundary lines are considered inbounds.
Rotation
The rotation system refers to where players stand and serve from at the beginning of the rally. In doubles, the players who are not serving or receiving may stand anywhere on their side of the court as long as they do not block the view of the receiver. The receiver must be able to clearly see the shuttlecock and the racket movement of the server. If the receiver cannot see clearly, they should ask the other players to move.
In both singles and doubles, the server will serve from the left side of the court when their score is odd and from the right side when their score is even. In singles, there are no special rules—simply follow the rotation system based on the server's score.
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Frequently asked questions
The boundaries for a doubles game in badminton are marked by the outer lines of the court. The one exception is that the server uses the inner back line.
The service boundaries for a doubles game in badminton depend on whether the server has an odd or even number of points. When the server has an odd number of points, they serve from the left service court. When they have an even number of points, they serve from the right service court.
Shuttles that land on a boundary line are considered inbounds.











































