
Badminton is a racket sport that is played either in singles or doubles. In singles badminton, two players compete against each other on a court that is 13.41m long and 5.18m wide. The net is 1.55m high at the ends and 1.52m high in the middle. A coin toss determines who serves first and which side of the court they play on. The server always stands on the right service court when their score is even and on the left when it is odd. A point is scored on every serve, and the winner of a rally gets to serve next. The first player to reach 21 points wins the game, but if the score reaches 29-29, the first player to score 30 points wins.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of players | 2 |
| Court dimensions | 13.41m (44ft) long and 5.18m (17ft) wide |
| Net height | 1.55m (5ft 1in) at the ends and 1.52m (5ft) in the middle |
| Service rules | Served diagonally into the opponent's service box; served from the right service court when the server's score is even, and from the left when odd; a point is scored on every serve |
| Scoring rules | Best of 3 games; first to 21 points wins, except when the score is 29-all, in which case the first to 30 points wins; if the score is 20-all, a side must win by 2 clear points |
| Rules for play | Players must wait for the shuttlecock to cross the net before playing a shot; the shuttlecock must be hit below waist height; touching the net with the body or racket results in a conceded point; a point is won if the shuttlecock hits the ground in the opponent's half of the court, including the lines |
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What You'll Learn
- Scoring: 3 games of 21 points. A point per serve. 2 clear points to win at 20-20
- Serving: Diagonal serves. Serve from the right court with an even score
- Court size: 13.41m x 5.18m. Net: 1.55m at ends, 1.52m in middle
- Net rules: No touching the net. Birdie must pass net before a shot
- Rally rules: One shot per side before net. No striking birdie twice

Scoring: 3 games of 21 points. A point per serve. 2 clear points to win at 20-20
Scoring in badminton is done by playing the best of three games, with the first side to reach 21 points winning. A point is scored on every serve, with the winning side getting the next serve. If the game is tied at 20-20, a side must win by two clear points. If the game goes to 29-29, the first side to score their 30th point wins.
The server always serves from the right service court when their score is even and from the left service court when their score is odd. The receiver's position is determined by the server's score, with the receiver standing in the diagonally opposite service box. In other words, both players will be in the even service courts, or both will be in the odd service courts.
The service court is determined by the server's score. When the server's score is even, they serve from the right service court, and when it is odd, they serve from the left. This means that a player will never serve to the same person in two consecutive rallies.
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Serving: Diagonal serves. Serve from the right court with an even score
Serving in badminton is a crucial aspect of the game, and there are specific rules that govern how it should be executed. Here is a detailed guide focusing on diagonal serves and serving from the right court with an even score in a singles game:
Diagonal Serves
The service in badminton is always delivered diagonally across the court, regardless of whether it is a singles or doubles game. The server and receiver must stand at diagonally opposite ends of their respective sides, ensuring they do not touch the boundary lines. This ensures that the shuttlecock, or "birdie", is hit diagonally into the opponent's service box.
Serving from the Right Court with an Even Score
In a singles game, the server's position depends on their score. When the server's score is even, they serve from the right service court. This is also the case at the beginning of the game when the score is 0-0. Conversely, when the server's score is odd, they serve from the left service court. For example, if the server's score is 4 points, they will serve from the right court; if their score is 5 points, they will switch to the left court. This alternating pattern continues throughout the game.
Serving Rules
It is important to note that a valid serve must pass the short service line, which is 1.98m (6.5ft) from the net. The server must strike the shuttlecock below waist height, and the receiver must allow the birdie to cross the net before returning the shot. A point is scored on every serve, and a player continues to serve as long as they keep winning points. If the receiver wins the rally, they gain a point and become the new server, serving from the appropriate court depending on whether their score is odd or even.
Strategy and Advantage
Serving from the correct court is essential to adhere to the rules of the game. It also provides strategic advantages. Serving from the right court with an even score allows players to utilise the full width of the court, creating more opportunities for shot placement and potentially catching their opponent off guard. Alternating between the left and right service courts can help players vary their serves and keep their opponent guessing.
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Court size: 13.41m x 5.18m. Net: 1.55m at ends, 1.52m in middle
The badminton court is rectangular in shape, measuring 13.41 metres in length and 5.18 metres in width for singles matches. This means that the court size remains the same whether you're playing singles or doubles, with the only difference being that the usable width for doubles is wider than that for singles. The court is divided in half by a net, which is placed so that its top edge is 1.55 metres above the surface of the court at the poles at either end of the net, and 1.52 metres in the middle. This slight dip in the middle of the net is due to the net tension, and ensures a uniform net height for the full width of the court.
The height of the net is an important factor in the game, as it determines the speed and spin that can be achieved on the shuttlecock. A lower net height allows for faster play and more opportunities for offensive shots, while a higher net height can promote more defensive play and longer rallies.
The specific measurements of the court and net ensure that the game is balanced and fair for both players, providing an equal playing field that challenges both players' skills, strategies, and physical abilities. The court size and net height also influence the type of shots that can be played, and the angles and trajectories that the shuttlecock can travel in.
These dimensions allow for a variety of playing styles and strategies to be employed, catering to different types of players, whether they favour power and speed, or precision and placement. The court size and net height are carefully calibrated to promote a dynamic and versatile style of play, where both offence and defence have their places, and a range of tactical options are available to players.
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Net rules: No touching the net. Birdie must pass net before a shot
The net plays a central role in a game of badminton, with players required to return the shuttlecock, or birdie, from one side of the court to the other. The net is 1.55m (5ft 1in) high at the ends and 1.52m (5ft) high where it dips in the middle.
One of the most important rules regarding the net is that players are not allowed to touch it with their body or racket. If a player does touch the net, a point is conceded to the opposition. Players must also wait for the birdie to pass over the net before playing a shot. The birdie must be hit below waist height, with the server hitting diagonally into their opponent's service box.
The net has a specific construction, with a braided nylon or polyethylene design, and a dual-stitched headband for increased strength and longevity. The headband is made using PVC-coated fabric. Nets are available in two sizes: 6m or 7.3m, with a height of 1.55m at the edges and 1.52m in the centre.
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Rally rules: One shot per side before net. No striking birdie twice
The rally is a fundamental aspect of badminton, and there are some important rules to keep in mind. Firstly, each side is only allowed one shot before the birdie, or shuttlecock, crosses the net. This means that once a player has struck the birdie, their opponent must then make a shot before the birdie is struck again by the same player. This rule adds a layer of strategy and quick thinking to the game, as players must carefully time their shots and anticipate their opponent's moves.
Another crucial rule is that players must wait for the birdie to cross the net before taking a shot. This ensures fairness and prevents players from gaining an advantage by striking the birdie multiple times in quick succession. It also adds a tactical element, as players must time their shots carefully and be mindful of the birdie's position in relation to the net.
The birdie, or shuttlecock, is a unique feature of badminton. Its cone-shaped design, with feathers or synthetic material attached to a cork or rubber base, gives it a distinct flight pattern. This shape ensures that, once struck, the birdie will always fly cork-first until it is hit again. This characteristic flight pattern influences players' strategies and the way they approach each rally.
In addition to the rules regarding the birdie, there are also specific service rules in badminton. The server's position depends on their score, with the server starting from the right service court when their score is even and moving to the left service court when their score is odd. This rule applies to both singles and doubles matches. During the serve, the server and receiver must stand at diagonally opposite sides of the court without touching the boundary lines. The server must initiate the serving motion only when the receiver is ready, although the receiver is considered ready if they attempt a return of service.
These rules for singles badminton rallies and serving ensure a fair and strategic game. They promote quick thinking, precise shot placement, and careful consideration of the birdie's unique flight characteristics. By following these rules, players can engage in a challenging and exciting match that tests their skills and decision-making abilities.
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Frequently asked questions
A badminton singles match is played in a best-of-three set format. Each set is played until one player reaches 21 points, except when the score reaches 29-all, in which case the game is won by the first player to reach 30 points.
A badminton court for singles matches is 13.41m (44ft) long and 5.18m (17ft) wide. The net is 1.55m (5ft 1in) high at the ends and 1.52m (5ft) high in the middle.
The server and receiver must stand in diagonally opposite service courts. The server starts from the right service court and serves from that side whenever their score is even. When the server's score is odd, they serve from the left service court. The serve must be hit underarm and below the waist, with the shuttlecock remaining below 1.15m from the surface of the court.









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