Ayrton Oneill
Badminton is a fast-paced game with strict rules that can be difficult for referees to monitor. A violation of these rules is called a 'fault' and can occur in several ways, including failing to hit the shuttlecock over the net or outside the boundaries of the court. Players must also be careful not to distract their opponents or infringe on their court. Serving is a particularly tricky aspect of the game, with many rules surrounding the correct technique, including the height of the serve and the position of the players.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hitting shuttlecock | Only hit the base of the shuttle when serving. |
| Can hit the feathers of the shuttlecock on the following returns. | |
| Must clear the net and land within the boundary lines. | |
| Cannot be hit twice in succession by the same player. | |
| Cannot be hit by both players on the same side. | |
| Must be hit towards the opponent's court. | |
| Service court errors | Must be corrected when the shuttle is not in play. |
| The existing score shall stand. | |
| Receiver | Must be ready before the server serves. |
| Must not move before the shuttlecock is delivered. | |
| Must allow the opponent to see the shuttlecock and its flight path. | |
| In doubles, only the players diagonally from the server may return the shuttle. | |
| Distracting opponents | No singing, shouting, or distracting gestures. |
| Infringing on the opponent's court | No crossing into the opponent's court with your body or racket. |
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What You'll Learn
Hitting the shuttlecock incorrectly
Firstly, the shuttlecock should only be hit by the racket. This means that players cannot use any other part of their body or equipment to hit the shuttlecock. If the shuttlecock comes into contact with any other object or person, this is considered a contact foul.
Secondly, the shuttlecock must be hit in an upward motion and must pass over the net. If a player hits the shuttlecock below the waist or does not hit it over the net, it is considered a service or net foul.
Thirdly, players are only allowed to hit the shuttlecock once when it is on their side of the net. Hitting it twice in succession is known as a double-hit foul and will result in a point for the opponent. The only exception to this rule is if the shuttlecock hits the head and the stringed area of the racket in one stroke, which is not considered a fault.
Finally, players must serve the shuttlecock to the opposite side of their opponent's court. Failure to do so results in a service foul. It is also important to note that any hesitation or delay when serving can also be considered a foul.
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![Faults [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61Lk0Oz7QoL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Making an error during service
Hitting the Shuttlecock Above the Waist
According to the old service rule, the shuttlecock must be hit below the server's waist. The waist is considered an imaginary line around the body, level with the lowest part of the server's bottom rib. This rule was updated in March 2018 by the BWF, which introduced a new rule stating that "the whole of the shuttle shall be below 1.15 metres from the surface of the court at the instant of being hit by the server's racket." This new rule is now mandatory for all high-level tournaments, but the old rule still applies in other forms of play.
Stepping on or Crossing the Service Line
During service, players must not step on or cross the service line before making contact with the shuttlecock. This is considered a service fault.
Serving Out of Position
A player must serve from the correct position within the service court boundaries. Serving from an incorrect position or outside the service court boundaries is considered a service fault.
Deliberately Deceiving the Opponent
Deliberately attempting to deceive the opponent with illegal service actions, such as a flick or a double motion, is considered a service fault.
Undue Delay
Both the server and receiver must not cause any undue delay once they are ready for the service. This includes taking too long between the backward and forward movements of the server's racket head. The rules do not specify a time limit, but it is generally considered unreasonable to take more than five seconds to serve once ready.
Incorrect Racket Head Direction
During service, the racket head must be pointing downwards when striking the shuttlecock. If the racket head is pointing upwards or sideways, it is considered a service overhead fault, resulting in the loss of a rally or point.
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Distracting your opponent
While shouting and gesturing are not prohibited in badminton, using them to deliberately distract your opponent is against the rules. For example, shouting as you smash the shuttlecock or clenching your fist after winning a point is allowed, but only if it is not intended to distract your opponent.
In addition, you must not invade your opponent's court in a way that obstructs or distracts them. For instance, if you lunge forward to reach a shot and put your foot under the net, this is not a fault unless you tread on your opponent's foot or otherwise distract or obstruct them.
Similarly, you are allowed to follow through with your racket over the net, as long as you made contact with the shuttlecock on your side of the net. If your opponent obstructs this, perhaps by putting their racket in the way, then you win the rally. However, you must not invade your opponent's court with your racket or body in a way that distracts or obstructs them.
It is also worth noting that your opponent is allowed to put their racket in the path of the shuttlecock, as long as they are not blocking your stroke. This is a subtle distinction: your stroke refers to the movement of your racket, while your shot refers to the movement of the shuttlecock.
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Infringing on the opponent's court
Infringing on an opponent's court in badminton is a violation of the rules. The court is a defined rectangular area marked out with 40mm-wide lines, which are usually coloured white or yellow. These lines are part of the areas they define. Players must remain within their own court and must not touch any part of their opponent's court with their racket or person during play.
In a singles match, where there is only one player on each opposing side, the court is divided by a centre line. Each player must remain on their side of this line and not cross into their opponent's court. In a doubles match, where there are two players on each opposing side, the court is divided into two service courts. The service courts are marked by a centre 'long service line' and a 'short service line'. The players on each team take positions in these service courts, with one player in each court.
During play, a player may reach over the net with their racket to hit the shuttle, but they may not make contact with their opponent's court. They also may not touch their opponent's racket with their racket. If a player infringes on their opponent's court, it is considered a fault and the rally is lost. The opponent then gains a point.
It is important to note that the rules regarding court violation may vary slightly depending on the specific regulations of the tournament or league in which the game is being played. Local variations may also exist, so it is always good to check the specific rules being played by before a game.
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Racket or equipment violations
Racket and equipment violations are a type of fault in badminton that can result in a violation of the rules. Here are some important considerations and examples:
The racket must adhere to specific standards and requirements. For instance, according to the Laws of Badminton, a racket must be free of any device that allows a player to alter its shape materially. The International Badminton Federation has the authority to rule on any questions regarding the compliance of rackets, shuttles, or other equipment with the specified regulations.
In terms of the shuttlecock, there are specific rules governing its use. When serving, players are required to hit the base of the shuttlecock, not the feathers, to avoid making it more challenging for the receiver to return. This regulation is in place to ensure fair play and a consistent service motion.
Another important aspect of equipment violations pertains to the court and its surroundings. Any equipment or obstructions outside the court that interfere with the game must be addressed. This includes instances where the shuttlecock touches an object or person outside the court or becomes caught on the net in wheelchair badminton.
Additionally, players must be mindful of their behaviour and movements to avoid violations. Infringing on the opponent's court with one's body or racket is permitted as long as it does not interfere with the opponent's activities. However, any actions that distract the opponent, such as singing, shouting, or making gestures, are considered violations.
It is worth noting that the interpretation and enforcement of these rules may vary depending on the level of play and the governing body of a particular tournament or match.
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Frequently asked questions
A fault occurs when a player fails to hit the shuttlecock over the net or it lands outside the boundary of the court. A shuttlecock hitting the head and the stringed area of the racket in one stroke is not a fault, but hitting it twice in succession is.
Common serving errors include serving out of turn, serving from the wrong position, or failing to serve below the waist and at a height of less than 1.15 meters from the ground.
Common receiving errors include delaying to receive the serve even though it is ready, obscuring the receiver's view, or moving before the shuttlecock is delivered.
Players are not allowed to sing, shout, or make gestures that distract their opponents. Infringing on the opponent's court with their body or racket is also prohibited.
If a service court error is discovered, the error shall be corrected when the shuttle is not in play, and the existing score shall stand.
