
Badminton is a racket sport that involves hitting a shuttlecock back and forth over a net. While it may seem like a simple game, understanding the rules is essential for playing fairly and successfully. The rules for serving in badminton are particularly important as they can shape the entire match. These rules include the positioning of the players, the motion of the serve, and the height of the shuttlecock. The Badminton World Federation (BWF) sets specific service rules to ensure fairness in matches, and it is important for players to be aware of these rules to avoid disputes and improve their understanding of the game.
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What You'll Learn
- Serving order: The player who serves first is decided by a coin toss
- Serving side: The first serve is from the right side of the court
- Serving height: The shuttlecock must be struck below 1.15m
- Serving technique: The racket head and shaft must be angled downwards
- Scoring: Matches are best of 3 games to 21 points

Serving order: The player who serves first is decided by a coin toss
To decide which player serves first in badminton, a coin toss is used. This is an important moment in the game as the serve can shape the entire match. The player who wins the coin toss and chooses to serve first will do so from the right side of the service court.
The player who serves first will continue to serve from the right side each time they gather an even number of points during the game. If they have an odd number of points, they will serve from the left side of the service court. For example, if the server has won three points, they will serve from the left side of the court for the fourth point.
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) sets specific service rules to ensure fairness in matches. One such rule is the service height rule, introduced in 2018, which dictates that the shuttlecock must be struck below 1.15 meters (3.77 feet) from the court's surface. This regulation limits power and levels the playing field. In non-BWF tournaments, players follow the traditional rule of hitting the shuttle below the waist.
It is important to note that the receiver must stand on the alternate service court, and the pair who wins the point shall become the server for the subsequent point. This continues throughout the game, with no player on the receiving side receiving two consecutive services.
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Serving side: The first serve is from the right side of the court
Serving plays a crucial role in badminton and can shape the entire match. The Badminton World Federation (BWF) sets specific service rules to ensure fairness in the game.
The first serve in badminton is dictated by a coin toss. The player who wins the toss and chooses to serve first will serve from the right service court. This first serve is a critical moment in the game as it sets the tone for the match. The server should stand behind the service line within their designated right service court. It is essential that the server's body or racket does not touch the net before or during the serve, as this would result in a net contact violation.
The server must ensure that the shuttlecock is struck below 1.15 meters (3.77 feet) from the court's surface. This rule, introduced in 2018, limits power and ensures fairness in high-level tournaments. In non-BWF tournaments, the traditional rule of hitting the shuttle below the waist applies. The server must also ensure that the shuttlecock is hit diagonally to the opponent's half-court and over their front service line.
It is important to note that in badminton, the serve is not just a formality. It is a strategic tool that can greatly influence the outcome of the game. The server must make their first forward movement with the racket head to initiate the service without undue delay once both the server and receiver are ready.
By following these rules for the first serve, players can ensure a fair and competitive badminton match.
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Serving height: The shuttlecock must be struck below 1.15m
Serving in badminton is a critical aspect that can shape the entire match. Thus, it is essential to understand the rules and regulations to ensure a fair game. One of the key rules pertaining to serving is the serving height, which dictates that the shuttlecock must be struck below a certain height for the serve to be valid.
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) introduced the service height rule in 2018 to promote fairness in high-level tournaments. According to this rule, the shuttlecock must be struck below 1.15 meters (3.77 feet) from the court's surface. This height restriction limits the power of the server, creating a more level playing field for all players.
The service height rule is strictly enforced in BWF tournaments and competitions. To ensure compliance, these tournaments utilize service height measuring devices, which precisely determine the height of the shuttlecock at the moment of impact. This technology ensures that players adhere to the 1.15-meter limit, contributing to the fairness and integrity of the game.
In non-BWF tournaments, a slightly different rule is observed. In these competitions, players follow the traditional guideline of keeping the shuttlecock below the waist during the serve. While this rule may vary in its specific height restriction, it aligns with the overall principle of limiting the power of the serve and promoting fairness among players.
Adhering to the serving height rule is crucial for a successful badminton match. It ensures that players do not gain an unfair advantage through excessive power and helps maintain a balanced and competitive environment. Whether in a BWF tournament or a casual game, understanding and applying this rule correctly is essential for all badminton enthusiasts.
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Serving technique: The racket head and shaft must be angled downwards
To ensure a fair game, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) has established specific service rules that players must follow. One such rule states that the racket head and shaft must be angled downwards during the serve. This rule is crucial as it ensures the serve is hit 'underarm', differentiating it from sports like tennis and adding a unique strategic element to badminton.
The downward angle of the racket is just one of several rules governing the service action in badminton. Others include the requirement that the shuttlecock is struck below a certain height, typically below the waist, to limit power and ensure fairness. In elite BWF competitions, the shuttlecock must be struck below 1.15 meters from the court's surface, as measured by service height measuring devices.
The service rules in badminton also dictate the positioning of the players. The server and receiver stand on diagonally opposite sides of the court, ensuring they do not touch the boundary lines. Additionally, the server must stand within their designated service court, typically starting from the right side for the first serve and alternating between right and left sides with each subsequent point.
Mastering the technique of angling the racket downwards during the serve is essential for badminton players. This rule, set by the BWF, ensures fairness and distinguishes badminton from other racquet sports. By adhering to this rule, players can improve their gameplay, avoid service faults, and develop their strategic skills in this dynamic sport.
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Scoring: Matches are best of 3 games to 21 points
Badminton matches are typically played as the best of three games, with each game played to 21 points. A point is awarded to the winner of each rally, which is defined as a series of shots exchanged between either team until the shuttlecock touches the ground, hits the net, or goes out of bounds of the court. To win a game, a team must reach 21 points and lead by at least two points. If the score reaches 29-29, a sudden death point is played to determine the winner of that game.
The scoring system in badminton can be quite strategic, as the serving side and receiving side alternate after each point. This means that a team must be prepared to serve and receive effectively to gain an advantage. The first server of the game is determined by a coin toss, and the player serves from the right side of the service court. After each point, the server alternates between the right and left sides of the court, depending on the total number of points they have accumulated. If the server has an even number of points, they serve from the right side, and if they have an odd number of points, they serve from the left side.
It is important to note that the service rules in badminton are designed to ensure fairness and can vary slightly depending on the level of play. For example, in elite BWF competitions, there are service judges and specific service height measuring devices to ensure that the shuttlecock is struck below 1.15 meters from the floor. Additionally, the players' feet should be in contact with the floor, and their rackets should be angled downward during the serve.
Understanding the scoring and service rules in badminton is crucial for players to strategize and make informed decisions during a match. By knowing the rules, players can effectively use the serve as a powerful tool to shape the entire match and increase their chances of winning.
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Frequently asked questions
The serve must be delivered in a forward continuous motion, with the whole of the shuttle below 1.15 metres from the surface of the court. The server must also have both feet on the ground during the serve, and the shuttlecock must cross the net and land within the opponent's service court.
The server in a badminton match is determined by a coin toss, and whichever player/side scores a point shall become the server for the subsequent point. The player who serves first in any game shall do so from the right side of the service court on which they begin the match.
The basic service rules remain the same as in singles badminton. However, the court boundaries are different. The doubles court is full width, and the tramlines are 'in'. During service in doubles, the court is short, with the rear tramlines at the back of the court being out of bounds until the serve is returned.
A service court error occurs when a player serves or receives out of turn or from the wrong side of the court.
A rally is defined as a series of shots exchanged between either team until the shuttlecock touches the ground, hits the net, or goes out of bounds of the court. A point is awarded for each rally that is won, and the winner of the previous rally serves at the start of the next point.











































