Andrew Pace
Badminton is a racquet sport played with racquets and a shuttlecock, which is a feathered or plastic projectile. The aim of the game is to hit the shuttlecock over a net and within the bounds of the opposing side's court. The sport is usually played with either two players (singles) or four players (doubles), although larger teams are possible. The rules of badminton are distinct from similar sports such as tennis, and the equipment is unique, with the shuttlecock being cone-shaped and made of feathers or synthetic material attached to a cork or rubber base.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of players | 2 or 4 |
| Objective | Score points by successfully hitting the shuttlecock over the net and within the bounds of the opponent's court |
| Equipment | Rackets, shuttlecock, net, court |
| Court dimensions | 6.1m wide and 13.4m long |
| Net height | 1.55m |
| Shuttlecock dimensions | 62-70mm long, 4.74-5.5g in weight |
| Shuttlecock materials | Feathers, synthetic material, cork, rubber |
| Racket materials | Various, including wood, carbon fibre, steel, aluminium |
| Service rules | Must be hit underarm and below the waist, served diagonally into the opponent's service box |
| Scoring | To win a game, reach 21 points before your opponent; to win the overall game, win 2 out of 3 sets |
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Rackets and shuttlecocks
Badminton is played with rackets and shuttlecocks. The sport is played either as singles (one player per side) or doubles (two players per side). The aim of the game is to score points by successfully hitting the shuttlecock over the net and within the bounds of the opponent's court.
Rackets
Badminton rackets can be made from several types of materials, including wood, steel, aluminium, and carbon fibre. The choice of material will determine the racket's weight, balance point, and string tension. It is important to choose a racket that feels comfortable to swing and has a good grip. Some popular badminton racket brands include Yonex, ProKennex, Wilson, ProTech, and Li-Ning.
Shuttlecocks
The shuttlecock, also known as the "birdie", is a cone-shaped projectile made of feathers or synthetic material attached to a cork or rubber base. The feathers or synthetic material surround a half-round ball at the bottom. The shuttlecock's unique shape ensures that it always flies cork-first once struck until it is hit again. It is important to note that the shuttlecock may only be hit once before it either hits the ground or goes over the net.
There are two types of shuttlecocks: plastic and feathered. Plastic shuttlecocks are more durable than feathered ones, which are commonly used in informal matches. The shuttlecock used in competitive play is typically made of 16 feathers and measures between 62-70mm long, with a weight between 4.74 and 5.5g. The tip of the feathers should create a circle with a diameter of 58-62mm, while the cork or rubber base has a diameter of 25-28mm and is rounded at the bottom.
In outdoor play, shuttlecocks may be weighted with lead to counteract the effects of wind. The use of lead ensures that the shuttlecock's flight path remains stable and consistent, even in windy conditions.
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Scoring points
Firstly, a point is scored when you successfully hit the shuttlecock over the net and land it within your opponent's court before they can hit it. The shuttlecock must be struck below waist height, and players must serve diagonally into their opponent's service box. The server and receiver must remain stationary within their respective service courts until the serve is made.
Secondly, a point can be gained when your opponent commits a fault. For example, if your opponent hits the shuttlecock into the net or outside the boundaries of the court, you earn a point. Additionally, if your opponent touches the net with any part of their body or racket, it is considered a fault, and you receive the point.
It is important to note that there are no second serves in badminton. If your first serve goes out, your opponent wins the point. Each player will retain serve as long as they keep winning points. In singles, the server will serve from the right service court when they have an even number of points and from the left service court when they have an odd number of points. In doubles, the server and their partner will alternate sides as long as they continue earning points. If the receiving side wins the point, they assume the serve.
To win a game, you typically need to reach 21 points before your opponent. If the scores are tied at 20-20, the game continues until one player gains a two-point lead. If the scores reach 29-29, the next point will decide the winner of the game. To win the overall match, you usually need to win 2 out of 3 games.
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Faults
Service Overhead Fault
During the service, players must ensure that the racket head is pointing downwards when hitting the shuttlecock. If the racket head is pointing upwards or sideways, it is considered a service overhead fault, resulting in a loss of rally or point.
Double Hit
A double hit occurs when a player strikes the shuttlecock twice in succession with their racket during a single stroke. Even if unintentional, it is considered a fault and results in a loss of rally or point for the offending player.
Shuttlecock Touching the Ground
If the shuttlecock touches the ground or the court boundary lines, it is considered out of play, resulting in a fault. This can happen when a player fails to return the shuttlecock before it lands within the court boundaries or when a shot goes astray.
Let Service
A let service occurs when external factors disrupt or hinder the serve. For example, the shuttlecock might hit the net and land in the service court, or there could be interference from outside the court.
Time Violations
Players must maintain a reasonable pace during a match, adhering to time limits for serving, receiving, and changing ends. Excessive delays, such as intentionally slowing down the game or taking too much time between points, can result in time violations, leading to penalties, including point deductions or loss of serve.
Obstruction and Unsportsmanlike Behaviour
Obstructing an opponent's shot is a fault. This occurs when a player attempts to block a forceful shot at the net. Additionally, unsportsmanlike behaviour, such as using offensive language or gestures, arguing with the referee, or intentionally distracting the opponent, can result in penalties or even disqualification.
Knowing and adhering to the rules regarding faults in badminton are essential for fair play and maintaining the spirit of the game.
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Court dimensions
Badminton is played on a rectangular court that is divided in half by a net. The court's dimensions vary slightly depending on whether singles or doubles matches are being played.
For both singles and doubles, the court should be 44 feet (13.4 metres) long. For singles, the court is 17 feet (5.18 metres) wide, while for doubles, it is 20 feet (6.1 metres) wide. The width of the court is reduced by 1.5 feet (0.46 metres) on both sides when playing singles.
The service courts are split by a centre line that divides the width of the court. They are set back from the net by a 'short service line' of 6.5 feet (1.98 metres). Doubles games also require a 'long service line' that is placed 2.5 feet (0.76 metres) in from the back boundary. The service courts are each 3.88 metres (12.72 feet) long and 2.53 metres (8.3 feet) wide.
The net should be placed directly in the middle of the court, stretching from sideline to sideline. The poles that support the net are set at 1.55 metres (5 feet 1 inch) from the court's surface, and the net is also 1.55 metres high on the sides, while it is 1.524 metres (5 feet) high at the centre.
Clearances of 2 feet (0.61 metres) should be provided around the entire badminton court. The minimum ceiling height for tournament play is 39 feet, as stated by the Badminton World Federation (BWF).
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History of the game
The game of badminton has evolved from the ancient game of battledore and shuttlecock, which was played in ancient Greece, China, and India. The modern game of badminton, however, is believed to have originated in British India in the mid-19th century, among expatriate officers of the British Empire. Initially called "Poona", after the city of Poona (now Pune) in India, the game was first played in England at the Badminton country estate of the 9th Duke of Beaufort, Henry Somerset, in Gloucestershire around 1873. The sport was named after this estate.
In its early days, badminton was played with sides ranging from one to four players, but it was soon established that games between two or four competitors worked best. The first rules for the game were drawn up in Pune in 1873. The shuttlecocks were coated with India rubber and, in outdoor play, were sometimes weighted with lead. The game was played under the Pune rules until 1887, when J. H. E. Hart of the Bath Badminton Club drew up revised regulations. In 1890, Hart and Bagnel Wild again revised the rules. The formation of the Badminton Association of England (BAE) in 1893 marked a significant step in standardising the rules and regulations of the sport. The BAE officially launched the sport at a house called "Dunbar" in Portsmouth on 13 September 1893. The BAE started the first badminton competition, the All England Open Badminton Championships for gentlemen's doubles, ladies' doubles, and mixed doubles, in 1899. Singles competitions were added in 1900.
The first badminton rackets were made of a single piece of wood with animal gut strings. A piece of clothing was often wrapped around the handle to make it more comfortable. Over time, players began using lighter rackets made of aluminium or steel, until carbon fibre revolutionised the way rackets were built in the 1950s. The graphite composite rackets used today are light and allow for both control and power, while the strings are made of a variety of hybrid nylon.
The shuttlecock, also known as a "bird" or "birdie", has also undergone significant changes. In the beginning, it was made from unrefined and unprocessed bird feathers. As the sport grew, the feathers became standardised, with geese feathers used for international play and duck feathers for club play. The shuttlecock was traditionally a small cork hemisphere pierced by 16 goose feathers and weighing about 0.17 ounces (5 grams). This type of shuttlecock may still be used in modern play, but shuttles made from synthetic materials are now also allowed by the international governing body of the sport. From 2021, natural feather shuttlecocks were replaced by synthetic ones in all the tournaments sanctioned by the Badminton World Federation.
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Frequently asked questions
You need a racquet, a shuttlecock, and a net.
The shuttlecock is the badminton 'ball'. It is a cone-shaped projectile made of feathers or synthetic material attached to a cork or rubber base. The shuttlecock is always hit cork-first, and it will remain in this position until it is hit again.
Badminton racquets can be made from several types of materials, including wood, steel, aluminium, and carbon fibre. The weight, balance, and string tension of the racquet will depend on the material selected. It is important to choose a racquet that feels comfortable for you.
Badminton can be played with two or four players. The most common forms of the game are "singles" (one player per side) and "doubles" (two players per side).
