Kristian Ferrell
Badminton is a popular sport that can be played as singles or doubles. Matches are played to the best of three games, with each game won by the first side to reach 21 points. If the game is tied at 20-20, a side must win by two clear points. If the score reaches 29-29, the first side to score their 30th point wins. The game has evolved from a 15-point scoring system, which some players still prefer, to the current 21-point system, which offers a more dynamic style of play with more room for comebacks. This evolution in the scoring system raises the question of which system players prefer and how it affects their gameplay.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of players | Singles: 2, Doubles: 4 |
| Scoring system | Rally point system |
| Points to win a game | 21 |
| Winning condition | Win by two clear points if the score is 20-20 |
| Maximum score | 30 |
| Birdie/shuttlecock | Made of feathers or synthetic material attached to a cork or rubber base |
| Birdie dimensions | 62-70mm long, weighs 4.74-5.5g |
| Birdie diameter | Feathers: 58-62mm, Base: 25-28mm |
| Serve style | Underarm, below waist height |
| Shuttlecock bounce | Not allowed |
| Serving court change | After each point |
| Second serves | Not allowed |
| Net touch | Not allowed |
| Hitting shuttlecock twice | Not allowed |
| Distracting opponent | Not allowed |
| Rest periods | 90 seconds after the first game, 5 minutes after the second game |
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What You'll Learn
Scoring a point: the rally point system
The game of badminton can be played either as singles or doubles. In singles, there are two players competing against each other, and in doubles, two pairs of players form teams and compete, resulting in a game of four players. All singles and doubles matches are the best of three games.
In 2006, the rules were changed to a rally point system, which allows both players to score a point during a rally, regardless of who served. In competitive adult matches, all games are played as a best-of-three format, with each game played up to 21 points. A point is scored on every serve and is awarded to whichever side wins the rally. The winning side gets the next serve.
If the game is tied at 20-20, a side must win by two clear points. If the score reaches 29-29, the first side to score the 30th point wins. The player or pair winning a rally adds a point to their score. At 20-all, the player or pair that gains a 2-point lead first wins that game. At 29-all, the side that scores the 30th point wins the game.
The player or pair winning a game serves first in the next game. If the receiving side takes the point, they assume the serve. Going forward, the player who did not initially serve for each team will only assume the service once their side has won a point as the receiving side.
A badminton serve must be hit underarm and below the server's waist height. The whole of the shuttlecock should be below 1.15 metres from the surface of the court when hit by the server, with the racquet shaft pointing downwards. The shuttlecock is not allowed to bounce. After a point is won, the players move to the opposite serving stations for the next point.
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Winning a game: 21 points or 30
To win a badminton game, a player or team must be the first to score 21 points. If the game reaches 20-20, a two-point lead is required to win, meaning the game can go to 29-29. If this happens, the first player or team to score the 30th point wins the game.
In 2006, the rules were changed to a rally point system, allowing both players or teams to score a point during a rally, regardless of who served. This system is used in competitive adult matches, which are played as the best of three games.
The player or team that wins a rally adds a point to their score, and the winning side gets the next serve. In singles, a badminton court is 13.41m (44ft) long and 5.18m (17ft) wide, with the width extending to 6.1m (20ft) in doubles. The serve must be hit underarm and below the server's waist height, and the whole of the shuttlecock should be below 1.15m from the court surface when hit. The shuttlecock is not allowed to bounce, and players are not allowed to hit it twice.
Some players prefer the 21-point scoring system, as it gives them time to settle into the set and allows for a more dynamic style of play. However, others find that it requires more stamina and can be tiring towards the end of the game.
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Serving rules: underarm, below waist height
Serving plays a crucial role in badminton, and there are specific rules that govern the serve. One of the fundamental rules is that the serve must be executed with an underarm motion. This means that the shuttlecock, also known as the birdie, is hit with the racquet in an underhand manner, as opposed to an overhand throwing action. This underarm striking of the shuttlecock is a distinctive feature of badminton, setting it apart from other racquet sports.
Another essential aspect of the serving rules in badminton is the requirement for the serve to be delivered below the server's waist height. This rule ensures that the shuttlecock is struck at a relatively low point in relation to the server's body. Specifically, the whole shuttlecock should remain below the server's waist at the moment of impact with the racquet. The waist is defined as an imaginary horizontal line encircling the body, level with the lowest part of the server's bottom rib. This rule ensures that the serve is executed with a controlled and consistent motion, preventing excessive power or unpredictable spins that could give an unfair advantage to the server.
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has introduced a more precise measurement to standardise the waist height rule. According to the BWF Laws of Badminton 9.1.6, the entire shuttlecock must be below 1.15 metres from the surface of the court when it is hit by the server's racquet. This rule was implemented in March 2018 to enhance the consistency of service laws in BWF tournaments and is now utilised in all international competitions. To enforce this rule, a service judge uses a plastic device to measure the height, ensuring fairness and accuracy in the serving process.
It is worth noting that the rules regarding serving in badminton have evolved over time. Prior to the introduction of the 1.15-metre rule, the waist height rule was interpreted as the height of the server's bottom rib. This interpretation allowed for some variation in waist height among players. However, with the new rule, the BWF has established a uniform standard for all players, ensuring a consistent serving height across the sport.
In conclusion, the serving rules in badminton, specifically the underarm and below waist height requirements, play a crucial role in ensuring fair play and consistency in the sport. By adhering to these rules, players can focus on their technique, strategy, and enjoyment of the game, knowing that the serving standards are uniformly applied at all levels of competition. These serving rules contribute to the unique character of badminton, distinguishing it from other racquet sports and emphasising the importance of skill, precision, and tactical play.
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Court size: singles vs. doubles
A badminton court is rectangular and divided into two halves by a net in the middle. The court size remains the same for all levels, from junior games to senior Olympic matches. The Badminton World Federation (BWF) is the sport's governing body and dictates the size of the court.
The court size differs for singles and doubles matches. For singles, the court is 13.41m (44ft) long and 5.18m (17ft) wide. In doubles, the width extends to 6.1m (20ft). The net is 1.55m (5ft 1in) high at the ends and 1.52m (5ft) high in the middle. The poles supporting the net are 1.55m tall, while the mesh net itself has a height of 0.79m (2.6ft).
The service courts are split by a centre line and are set back from the net by a 'short service line' of 1.98m (6.5ft). There is a ''long service line' for doubles, which is placed 0.76m (2.5ft) in from the back boundary line. The baseline is also known as the "singles back service line".
The outer sidelines, sometimes called "outer tramlines" or "doubles sidelines", run the full length of the court (13.41m/44ft). They are marked 5.18m (17ft) apart and parallel to each other. Any shot landing inside this sideline is considered "in" or valid for doubles matches. The inner sidelines, or "singles sidelines", are 0.46m (1.5ft) inside the outer sidelines and are also parallel. For singles matches, any shot landing outside this line is considered "out of play".
The court dimensions for singles and doubles can be adjusted for younger players. On a junior badminton court, the net may be lowered to 2.5ft (30 inches) and the length of the court reduced to 34ft. The width remains the same at 20ft, but the service line and back boundary lines can be adjusted to suit the player's ability level.
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The shuttlecock: feathers and cork/rubber
The shuttlecock, also known as the birdie or bird, is what sets badminton apart from other racquet sports. Unlike the balls used in sports such as tennis or squash, the shuttlecock is a conical projectile that always flies cork- or rubber-end first.
The shuttlecock is made up of feathers or a synthetic alternative, attached to a cork or rubber base. The feathers are usually sourced from goose or duck wings, with 16 or so overlapping feathers forming a circle with a diameter of 58-68mm. The feathers are embedded into the cork or rubber base, which has a diameter of 25-28mm. The overall length of a shuttlecock varies from 85-95mm, depending on the length of the feathers and the height of the cork or rubber base.
Feathered shuttlecocks are considered to be of higher quality and are used in professional competitions, while plastic shuttlecocks are more affordable and durable for casual play. Feathers provide a more consistent flight and faster speed compared to plastic, and are ideal for high-level play and tournaments. However, they are brittle and break easily, often requiring replacement several times during a game. The feathers need to be properly humidified for at least 4 hours prior to play to ensure they fly at the correct distance and speed, and last longer.
Synthetic shuttlecocks, or 'plastics', are more durable and slower than their feathered counterparts. They are recommended for beginners as they are easier to control due to their slower speed. Championship-grade synthetic shuttlecocks, however, show less consistency in terms of speed range. Hybrid shuttlecocks, on the other hand, aim to provide a balance between durability and flight performance, suitable for players seeking better flight performance than nylon shuttlecocks but more durability than feathered shuttlecocks.
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Frequently asked questions
In badminton, a game point occurs when a player or team reaches 21 points. If the game is tied at 20-20, a side must win by two clear points.
A point is scored on every serve and is awarded to whichever side wins the rally. If the receiving side takes the point, they assume the next serve.
In a rally point system, both players can score a point during a rally, regardless of who served. In contrast, the 15-point scoring system may refer to the old scoring rules, which could make games longer and more confusing, especially for new players.
Yes, a badminton serve must be hit underarm and below the server's waist height. The shuttlecock should remain below 1.15 metres from the court surface when hit, and it is not allowed to bounce.
Yes, a badminton game includes two rest periods: a 90-second rest after the first game and a 5-minute rest after the second game.
