Helena Frye
Serving is an important aspect of badminton as it marks the start of every rally and dictates the flow of the game. There are four main types of services: the low serve, the high serve, the flick serve, and the attacking serve. Each serve has its own advantages and can be executed with either the forehand or backhand, except for the attacking serve. In order for a serve to be legal, the player must have some part of both feet in contact with the ground and the shuttle must be struck below the waist. The service court depends on the game format (singles or doubles) and the player's score. For example, in singles, the server stands 2-3 feet behind the short service line, while in doubles, the server stands inside the service box.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types of serves | Low serve, high serve, flick serve, attacking serve |
| Service rules | The shuttlecock must be hit diagonally into the opponent's service box, below waist height. |
| Service area | The shuttlecock must pass the short service line, which is 1.98m (6.5ft) from the net. |
| Scoring | A point is awarded for every rally that is won, and the winner of the previous rally serves at the start of the next point. |
| Court dimensions | The badminton court is 13.41m (44ft) long and 5.18m (17ft) wide for singles, and 6.1m (20ft) wide for doubles. |
| Footwork | During the service, some part of both feet must be in contact with the ground. |
| Rally | The service marks the start of every rally and dictates its flow. |
| Serve direction | The winner of the last rally serves on the right side if their score is even, and on the left side if odd. |
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What You'll Learn
The four main types of serves
The service is a crucial aspect of badminton as it marks the start of every rally and dictates its flow. Here are the four main types of serves in badminton, each with its own strategic advantage:
- Low Serve: This is a gentle tap with the shuttle aimed just over the net and falling just beyond the front line of the service court. The key is to avoid making it too high or predictable, as the opponent might take advantage with an outright smash or net kill. The low serve is often used to catch the opponent off guard, especially if they are anticipating a high serve.
- High Serve: This is a powerful strike with the shuttle that aims to travel upwards and land deep at the rear end of the opponent's court. Although it is a popular choice for beginners due to its strength, it can be challenging to disguise. Advanced players can use this serve strategically by setting up their body posture as if they are about to perform a low serve, thus keeping their opponents guessing.
- Flick Serve: The flick serve is played upwards but at a lower altitude compared to the high serve. It is commonly executed with a backhand grip, as it has less power. The main purpose of this serve is deception—it aims to confuse the opponent by making it look similar to a low serve until the point of contact. This serve is a favourite among competitive players, including top badminton players like Lin Dan, as it limits the opponent's return options.
- Attacking Serve: This serve is all about aggression and catching the opponent by surprise. The server hits the shuttle directly at the opponent, leaving them with limited return options and often winning easy points. This serve is also used by advanced players to disrupt their opponent's rhythm and gain an advantage.
It is important to note that most of these serves can be executed with either a forehand or backhand grip, and players should aim to incorporate at least two types of serves into their gameplay to remain unpredictable.
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The importance of the serve
The serve is a crucial aspect of badminton. As it marks the start of every rally, executing a good serve allows you to begin the rally strongly and subsequently dictate its flow.
There are four main types of serves in badminton: the high serve, the low serve, the flick serve, and the attacking serve. Each has its own strategic advantage and can be executed with either your forehand or backhand. The high serve, for example, is a powerful strike upwards with the shuttlecock, aiming to travel a great distance and fall deep at the rear end of the court. This serve is a popular choice for beginners as it is a strong serve, but it can be predictable. The low serve, on the other hand, is a gentle tap over the net, aiming to fall just over the front line of the service court. This serve can catch your opponent off guard if they are anticipating a high serve.
The flick serve is played upwards but at a lower altitude, often executed with a backhand grip as it has less power. This serve is all about deception, making it look like you are doing a low serve but with a flick of the wrist at the last moment. The attacking serve is used by advanced players like Lin Dan, hitting the shuttlecock directly at the opponent to limit their return options and catch them off guard.
In addition to the type of serve, the positioning of the serve is also important. During service, the shuttlecock must be hit diagonally to the opponent's half court and over their front service line. The positioning of the serve depends on the score, with the server alternating between the right and left service boxes depending on whether their score is even or odd.
In conclusion, the serve is a critical aspect of badminton that can greatly influence the outcome of a rally. By varying the type and positioning of your serves, you can keep your opponent guessing and gain a strategic advantage in the game.
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Rules of serving
Serving is a crucial aspect of badminton as it marks the start of every rally and dictates its flow. Here are the rules for serving in badminton:
Positioning and Footwork
- During the service, some part of both your feet must be in contact with the ground.
- Your feet cannot touch any of the court lines when serving or receiving.
- You can stand anywhere within your half of the court, even in the tramlines, as long as you are not touching any lines or outside the playing court.
Service Types and Techniques
- The service must be hit diagonally to the opponent's half court and over their front service line (the first horizontal line on each side of the court, closest to the net).
- The serve must be hit underarm, meaning the server's racket head and shaft must be angled downward, and the shuttle must be below the waist at contact.
- The shuttle must be below 1.15 meters from the floor when struck.
- Examples of illegal serves include stopping at the backswing and then moving forward, or moving forward and backward multiple times before striking the shuttle.
- It is not permitted to take an excessive amount of time before striking the shuttle during the service.
- It is recommended to incorporate at least two types of serves into your play to keep your opponent guessing.
- The low serve is a gentle tap over the net, aiming to fall just over the front line of the opponent's service court.
- The high serve is a powerful upward strike that travels a great distance and falls deep at the rear end of the court.
- The flick serve is played upward but at a lower altitude, often executed with a backhand grip to deceive the opponent.
Scoring and Serving Sides
- Matches are the best of three games to 21 points, with a point awarded to the winner of each rally.
- Games must be won by two clear points. If the score reaches 29-29, a sudden death point is played to determine the winner.
- The winner of the previous rally serves at the start of the next point.
- If the server's score is an even number, they serve from the right service box; if it is odd, they serve from the left.
- In doubles, players stay on the same sides to receive serve and only switch sides when a point is won 'on serve'—meaning the pair that served at the start of the point wins the rally.
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Scoring system
Badminton matches are typically played as the best of three games. To win a game, a player or pair must be the first to reach 21 points. A point is awarded to the winner of each rally. If the game reaches 20-20, the game continues until one side gains a two-point lead. If the score reaches 29-29, a sudden-death point is played to determine the winner.
The winner of a rally serves first in the next one. In singles, the server always serves from the right service court when their score is even and from the left when their score is odd. In doubles, the winning pair serves from the right service box on even scores and the left on odd scores. Players should remain on the same sides to receive serve and only switch sides when a point is won 'on serve'—that is, when the pair that served at the start of the point wins the rally. When a point is won 'off serve', the receiving side assumes the serve.
The service must be hit diagonally to the opponent's half court and over their front service line. The shuttlecock must pass the short service line, which is 1.98m (6.5ft) from the net. The whole of the shuttlecock must pass over the line for the serve to be legal. The serve must also be hit underarm—that is, the server's racket head and shaft must be angled downward, and the shuttlecock must be below the server's waist at the point of contact.
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Footwork during service
The service is a crucial aspect of badminton as it marks the start of every rally and dictates its flow. There are four main types of services: low serve, high serve, flick serve, and an attacking serve where the shuttlecock is hit directly at the opponent.
Badminton is a fast-paced sport that requires quick movements and efficient footwork. Here are some techniques for improving your footwork during the service:
- Ready Position: This is the stance and position you want to reach before your opponent hits the shuttlecock. In the ready position, your feet should be square or slightly staggered, with the dominant foot furthest forward if staggered. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart, with knees slightly bent, and your weight on the balls of your feet. The racket should be held up in front of your body, slightly over to the backhand side. This position allows you to move sharply in the direction of the shuttle.
- Split Step: This step allows you to make a fast start while covering different shots from your opponent.
- Lunge: The lunge is a common technique used to stop quickly while protecting your joints. Start in the ready position, then stretch out the racket foot, making sure the heel touches the floor first. Move to the toes, bending the knee and keeping your shoulders back and balanced above the hips. Use the non-racket arm for balance.
- Step-Close Step: This technique is used for travelling quickly across the court. It uses the non-dominant foot as a pivot and the dominant foot as the leading foot. Reach for the shuttle with the dominant arm and leg to save time and enable a faster recovery.
- Diagonal Movement: When moving from the centre to the corners, diagonal movement is the fastest way. Pivot on the non-dominant foot and point the toes towards the side of the court you're moving to. Then, take a step towards the corner with the dominant leg.
- Returning to the Centre: Your base starting point should be in the centre of the court, and you should always return to this position after hitting the birdie. This central position enables you to react quickly to shots on all sides of the court.
- Moving Forward: When moving forward, maintain good posture and hold your racket in the ready position. Estimate your final step so that you can stop and prepare for hitting the shuttle.
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