Andrew Pace
Badminton is a popular sport that debuted as a Summer Olympic sport in 1992. It is played with racquets and a shuttlecock, also known as a birdie. The aim is to hit the shuttlecock over a net without letting it fall to the ground or go out of bounds. The sport is played on a rectangular court that is 44 feet long and 20 feet wide for doubles matches and 17 feet wide for singles matches. The net is placed at a height of 5 feet. The game is played between two players (singles) or four players (doubles), with each side aiming to score 21 points to win a set. Points are scored when a player fails to return the shuttlecock or hits it out of bounds.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Court dimensions | 44 ft (13.4 m) long x 20 ft (6.1 m) wide for doubles; 44 ft (13.4 m) long x 17 ft (5.2 m) wide for singles |
| Net height | 5 ft (1.5 m) high in the centre; 5 ft 1 in (1.55 m) high at the edges |
| Number of players | Singles (one player per side); Doubles (two players per side); Mixed doubles |
| Scoring | A match consists of three games; each game is played to 21 points; a point is scored on every serve |
| Shuttlecock | Must be hit only once by the same player; the rally ends when the shuttlecock touches the ground or passes through/under the net |
| Serve | The player must not touch any court lines during the serve; the shuttlecock must be hit below waist height and served diagonally into the opponent's service box |
| Faults | When a player fails to hit the shuttlecock over the net or it lands outside the court; when a player touches the net with their body or racquet |
| Speed | Badminton is the fastest racquet sport due to the high top speed of the shuttlecock |
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What You'll Learn
Singles vs doubles
Badminton is a racquet sport played using racquets to hit a shuttlecock across a net. The most common forms of the game are singles, with one player per side, and doubles, with two players per side. The fundamentals of badminton are the same whether you are playing singles or doubles, but the winning tactics for each format can look very different.
One of the key differences between singles and doubles is the court size. The doubles court has wider sidelines (6.1m or 20 ft) than the singles court (5.18 m or 17 ft) to make room for both players. The net posts are placed over the doubles sidelines, even when singles is played. The net is 1.55 metres (5 feet 1 inch) high at the edges and 1.524 metres (5.00 feet) high in the centre.
In singles, the game is a solo battle where you try to outmaneuver and outlast your opponent. Singles defence is about masterful positioning and footwork. For instance, if you are in one corner of your backcourt, you should already be thinking about how you will cover your frontcourt (and potentially the opposite corner of your backcourt). This is because your opponent is most likely to aim their shot somewhere they think you won’t be able to reach.
Doubles, on the other hand, combines the speed, power, and court coverage of two badminton players, which calls for different strategies. In doubles, the attack formation usually involves one player covering the backcourt and the other covering the front. The backcourt player will use a variety of offensive shots such as half smashes, full smashes, and drives. Doubles also involve communication and playing off of a teammate’s strengths and abilities. You will need to stay mindful of your partner’s movement throughout the match so you can plan your game accordingly. Rotation and covering your partner are also core parts of doubles.
Serving is also slightly different in singles and doubles. In singles, players must serve diagonally into their opponent's service box and hit the birdie from below waist height. Each time they have an equal number of points, the server will serve from that side, starting with the right service court. When a player has an odd number of points, they always serve from the left. In doubles, as long as the team keeps scoring points, the server will begin on the right side and continue serving while switching sides with their teammate.
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Scoring points
The first side to reach 21 points wins a game, and most matches are the best of three games. If the score is tied at 20-20, a side must win by two clear points. If the score reaches 29-29, the first side to reach 30 points wins.
It is important to note that players must not touch the net with their body or racquet during the serve, as this results in conceding a point to the opposing side.
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Faults
Service Faults
The service is one of the most critical aspects of badminton, and there are rules governing its execution. Common service faults include:
- Failing to hit the shuttlecock below the waist of the server.
- Stepping on or over the service line before making contact with the shuttlecock.
- Serving from an incorrect position or outside the service court boundaries.
- Deliberately trying to deceive the opponent with illegal service actions, such as a flick or a double motion.
- Pausing between the backswing and forward swing of the racket.
- Failing to serve to the opposite side of the opponent's court.
- Dragging your feet while serving.
Contact Faults
Contact faults occur when the shuttlecock comes into contact with any object or person other than the racket. This includes touching the net, the ground, or the court boundary lines, which is considered a fault. It is also a fault if the shuttlecock touches any part of your body or clothing.
Double Hit Faults
A double-hit fault occurs when a player hits the shuttlecock twice in succession with their racket or in collaboration with a teammate.
Time Violations
Players are expected to maintain a reasonable pace during a match and adhere to time limits for serving, receiving, and changing ends. Excessive delays or stalling tactics can result in time violations and penalties, including point deductions or loss of serve.
Behavioural Fouls
Behavioural fouls relate to player conduct and sportsmanship. Examples include using offensive language or gestures, displaying unsportsmanlike behaviour, or intentionally distracting the opponent.
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Court size
The court size for a game of badminton is dependent on whether you are playing singles or doubles. For singles, the court measures 17 feet wide and is marked by a long service line located 22 feet from the net. In doubles, the court measures 20 feet wide and features a long service line 2 feet 6 inches from the back boundary line. The total length of the court remains the same for both styles of play at 44 feet, with a total area of 880 square feet. The court is divided into halves, each measuring 6.7m (22 feet) in length, separated by a net that stands at a height of 1.55m (5 feet 1 inch) at the ends and 1.52m (5 feet) in the middle. The width of the court is marked by the "outer sidelines" or "outer tramlines", which run parallel to each other and are 5.18m (17 feet) apart. The "inner sidelines" are set 0.46m (1.5 feet) inside the outer sidelines and mark the width of the court for singles matches.
The surface of the court is also important to consider. For professional play, wood is the best option as it offers optimal shock absorption. Synthetic vinyl is a good alternative for durability and multi-use facilities. Synthetic mats are often used as the surface of the court, laid on top of wooden floors, providing cushion and comfort to players. Synthetic materials are also safer than playing directly on a sports hall floor.
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Shuttlecock speed
The speed of a shuttlecock is an important factor in badminton, influencing how far and fast it will travel. The speed of a shuttlecock depends on the air density in the area, which is influenced by altitude and temperature. If you are playing at a high altitude, the shuttlecock will travel faster due to lower air density. Similarly, in hot weather, the shuttlecock will move faster as the temperature rise leads to reduced air density.
When choosing a shuttlecock, you can select one that is suitable for your playing environment. For example, if you are playing in a mountainous region with low air density, a slower shuttlecock will be a good choice. Conversely, if you are playing in a hot climate, you might opt for a faster shuttlecock. The speed of a shuttlecock is indicated by a number on the tube, with lower numbers indicating slower speeds and higher numbers indicating faster speeds. For instance, a speed of 74 or 75 is suitable for high-altitude regions, while 78 or 79 is better for cold areas below sea level.
The Yonex Aerosena AS30 Speed 78 is the most popular badminton shuttlecock in the UK and is used by higher-level clubs and tournaments. The Victor Gold Champion is another popular choice known for its consistency and durability. For recreational play, the Yonex Mavis series offers nylon shuttlecocks suitable for beginners. If you are looking for something more affordable, the GE92 Golden Eagle Shuttlecocks are a good option for feather shuttlecocks.
In addition to speed, there are other factors to consider when choosing a shuttlecock. Shuttle flight path quality and consistency are important, as you want the shuttlecock to fly straight and land accurately in the same spot when hit consistently. Durability is also a key factor, as you want the shuttlecock to last through multiple games. Storing the shuttlecocks in a humid environment or sealing the tubes immediately after use can help prolong their life.
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Frequently asked questions
Matches are best out of three: a player or pair must win two games (of 21 points each) to win the match.
The court is rectangular and measures 6.1m wide and 13.4m long. The net in the middle of the court is set at 1.55m.
A point is scored when you successfully hit the shuttlecock over the net and land it in your opponent’s court before they hit it. A point can also be gained if your opponent hits the shuttlecock into the net or outside the court boundaries.
