Kristian Ferrell
Badminton is a racquet sport that involves two opposing players (singles) or four opposing players (doubles). The aim is to score points by hitting a shuttlecock over a net and into the opponent's court. The winner of a rally scores a point, regardless of who served. A badminton match is the best of three games, with each game played up to 21 points. If the score reaches 20-20, the game continues until one player gains a two-point lead or when the score reaches 30-29. Therefore, a winning score in badminton is anything above 21 points, or 21-0, if your opponent fails to score.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Points to win a game | 21 |
| Minimum points difference to win a game | 2 |
| Upper limit of points | 30 |
| Points to win a match | Best of three games |
| Service | Underarm and below the waist |
| Service position | Diagonally opposite to the receiver |
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What You'll Learn
Scoring rules
The scoring rules in badminton are fairly straightforward. The first player or pair to reach 21 points wins the game, provided they have a lead of at least two points. If the score reaches 29-29, the game continues until one player or pair reaches 30 points and wins. This is known as the "golden point rule".
In a badminton match, each game is played as a best-of-three, with the winning side being the first to win two games. Points are scored by hitting the shuttlecock over the net and into the opponent's court, or if the opponent hits the shuttlecock out or into the net. The server must follow specific rules, including serving underarm and below the waist, and serving diagonally across the court to the opponent's service court.
In doubles matches, the pair wins the points together, and the serve stays with one person until the opponents win a rally. The receiver always stands diagonally opposite the server. The service court is determined by the server's score, with even numbers using the right court and odd numbers using the left court.
To decide the first server, a coin toss or similar method is used, with the shuttlecock pointing to the first server. The referee and officials are in charge of upholding the rules and making judgements on the scoring. Creating a scoreboard can be done through specialised software, which can be controlled via a mobile phone.
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Scoring history
The scoring history of badminton has seen several iterations, with the sport's rules evolving over time to strike a balance between regulating playing time and maintaining viewer engagement. Here is a detailed look at the scoring history of badminton:
Original Scoring System:
The original scoring system in badminton dates back to as early as 1873. Under this system, a match or rubber was decided by the best of three games. Each game had varying point targets depending on the type of match: 15 points for men's singles and any doubles games, 11 points for ladies' singles, or 21 points for a single game to determine the match. This system included a "setting" rule, where players could choose to reset the score to 0-0 and play to a lower point target if the game reached certain scores, such as 13-13 or 14-14.
Transition Period:
In 2002, the International Badminton Federation (now the Badminton World Federation, or BWF) started experimenting with different scoring systems to address concerns about unpredictable and lengthy match durations. They dropped the "setting" rule at certain scores, such as 13-13 and 19-19.
Rally Point Scoring:
In December 2005, the BWF introduced rally point scoring, aiming to simplify the system for viewers and regulate playing time. This system extended each game to 21 points for all categories and ensured the winner of a rally scored a point, regardless of who served. Additionally, there had to be a two-point difference between scores, and scoring was capped at 30 points, with a golden point rule at 29-29.
3 x 15 (Setting to 21):
In November 2024, the BWF Council endorsed a new scoring system: 3 x 15 (setting to 21). This system, already part of the Alternative Laws of Badminton, aimed to replace the current scoring format. It proposed a match of three games, each played to 15 points, with the option to "set" to 21 points under certain conditions.
3 x 21 Rally Point System:
Since 2006, international badminton competitions have utilised the 3 x 21 rally point system, as endorsed by the Badminton World Federation. This system consists of the best of three games, with each game played to 21 points and requiring a two-point lead to win. If the score reaches 30-29, the side that scores the 30th point wins.
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Scoring in singles vs doubles
Scoring in badminton is done through a rally point system, where players or pairs score a point during a rally, regardless of who served. The first player or pair to reach 21 points wins the game. However, if the game is tied at 20-20, the game continues until one side achieves a two-point lead. If the score reaches 29-29, the first side to score the 30th point wins.
In singles, there are two players competing against each other, and the server starts from the right service court. The server will serve from the right court when they have an even number of points and from the left court when they have an odd number of points. The server retains the serve as long as they keep winning points.
In doubles, two pairs of players form teams and compete against each other, resulting in a game of four players. The scoring in doubles is simple: instead of each person winning points, each pair wins points. The serving pair chooses the player to serve first, and the receiving pair chooses who receives. The server will start on the right-hand side and keep serving while alternating sides with their teammate as long as they keep winning points. If the receiving side wins a point, they assume the serve, and the player who did not initially serve will only assume the serve once their side has won a point as the receiving side.
The court dimensions also differ between singles and doubles matches. In singles, a badminton court is 13.41m (44ft) long and 5.18m (17ft) wide. The width extends to 6.1m (20ft) in doubles. There is also a doubles service line 0.76m (2.5ft) in from the baseline, making each service court 3.96m (13ft) long and 2.59m (8.5ft) wide. Additionally, the net is slightly higher in singles, at 1.55m (5ft 1in) at the ends, compared to 1.52m (5ft) in the middle for doubles.
The number of officials required also varies between singles and doubles matches. Individual singles matches require six officials: an umpire and four line judges. Doubles matches require eight officials: an additional two line judges are added, one for each side of the court at the doubles service line.
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Scoring in men's vs women's games
The scoring and gameplay in badminton are the same for both men's and women's games. A badminton match consists of the best of three games, with each game played up to 21 points. A player must win by a margin of at least two points. If the score reaches 20-20, the game continues until one player gains a two-point lead or the score reaches 30-29, with the latter score winning the game. A point is scored when the shuttlecock lands inside the opponent's court, and the player who wins a rally adds a point to their score.
While the scoring system is the same for both genders, there are some differences in the gameplay dynamics between men's and women's badminton. Rally times tend to be longer in men's singles matches than in women's singles matches. Men's doubles matches also have longer rally times than women's doubles matches. However, women's doubles matches have been found to consist of the longest rally times and the highest percentage of real-time played among all disciplines.
The number of shots per rally and shot frequency are generally higher in men's singles and men's doubles matches compared to women's singles and women's doubles. This is likely due to biological factors that provide male players with advantages in strength, agility, speed, and stamina. However, it is worth noting that the evolution of badminton has led to female players' defensive abilities developing at a rate comparable to their male counterparts. As a result, the gap in performance between men's and women's badminton is narrowing over time.
The skill level of the players also plays a significant role in the dynamics of the game. At the beginning levels, players of all genders start on a relatively even playing field. As they progress and acquire more advanced techniques, factors such as height and strength can give some players an advantage, allowing them to execute more powerful smashes and angled shots. However, as players reach intermediate and advanced levels, the playing field tends to even out again as female players develop defensive skills that can counter their opponents' attacks.
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Scoring officials
Umpire
The umpire is the primary official responsible for overseeing the match, the court, and its immediate surroundings. They are in charge of making sure the game follows the rules and regulations outlined in the Laws of Badminton and Competition Regulations in the Badminton World Federation (BWF) Statutes. The umpire makes critical calls and decisions throughout the match and oversees the work of the other scoring officials.
Line Judges
Line judges are responsible for indicating whether the shuttlecock landed 'in' or 'out' on the lines of the court. In singles matches, there are typically four line judges, with two positioned at each side of the court's baseline. In doubles matches, additional line judges may be added, positioned at the doubles service line. These officials work together to ensure that points are awarded accurately based on the landing position of the shuttlecock.
Service Judge (Optional)
The service judge's role is to indicate the duration of the match and keep track of the serving order. They may also have other specific responsibilities related to service, such as ensuring that the server complies with the rules regarding serving positions and techniques.
Referee
The referee is in overall charge of a badminton tournament or championship, upholding the Laws of Badminton and Competition Regulations. They oversee the implementation of the rules and ensure the smooth conduct of the tournament as a whole, rather than focusing on individual matches.
It is important to note that the specific roles and requirements of scoring officials in badminton can vary depending on the level of play, from local club matches to international tournaments. The number of officials may also differ, with higher-level competitions typically requiring more comprehensive officiating teams to ensure fair and accurate scoring.
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Frequently asked questions
A winning score in badminton is 21 points, with a 2-point lead. If the score reaches 30-29, then the side that scores the 30th point wins the game.
Points are scored by hitting the shuttlecock over the net and into the opponent's court. A point is scored on every serve, regardless of which player or team is serving.
A badminton match is played as the best of three games.
