Kristian Ferrell
Badminton is a racquet sport played with racquets and a shuttlecock. The sport 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 against each other. The first side to 21 points wins a game. However, if the game is tied at 20-20, a side must win by two clear points. If the score reaches 29-29, the first to get their 30th point wins. The server hits the shuttlecock so that it lands in the receiver's service court. A point is scored when the shuttlecock lands inside the opponent's court.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of players | 2 (singles) or 4 (doubles) |
| Number of games | Best of 3 |
| Number of points to win a game | 21 |
| Points required to win if score is tied at 20-20 | 2 clear points |
| Winning score if the game is tied at 29-29 | 30 |
| Court dimensions (singles) | 13.41m (44ft) long and 5.18m (17ft) wide |
| Court dimensions (doubles) | Played on the same court as singles |
| Service rules | Server starts from the right service court if their score is even and from the left if odd; the receiver stands diagonally opposite |
| Change of ends | After the first game and, in the case of a third game, when one side reaches 11 points |
| Rest periods | 90 seconds after the first game and 5 minutes after the second game |
| Number of officials | 6 (singles) or 8 (doubles) |
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What You'll Learn
Scoring a point
In badminton, a server has far less of an advantage than in tennis and is unlikely to score an ace (an unreturnable serve). The server has only one attempt to serve the shuttlecock into the service box, and it must be hit underarm and below waist height. The whole of the shuttlecock should be below 1.15 metres from the court surface when hit. The shuttlecock is not allowed to bounce.
Points are scored by successfully striking the shuttlecock with the racquet and landing it within the other team's half of the court, within the set boundaries. Each side may only strike the shuttlecock once before it passes over the net. A point is scored when the shuttlecock lands inside the opponent's court, and the player or pair who won the rally adds a point to their score. The winning side gets the next serve.
In singles, the server starts from the right service court when their score is even, and from the left when their score is odd. In doubles, 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 takes the point, they assume the serve.
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Singles vs doubles
Badminton can be played either as singles or doubles. In singles, two players compete against each other on a court that is 13.41m (44ft) long and 5.18m (17ft) wide. In doubles, two pairs of players form teams and compete against each other, resulting in a game of four players. The doubles court has wider sidelines (6.1m or 20ft) than the singles court to accommodate both pairs of players.
The rules are essentially the same for both formats. Each match is the best of three games, and the first side to 21 points wins. A point is scored on every serve and is awarded to the side that wins the rally. The winning side gets the next serve. If the score reaches 20-20, a side must win by two clear points. If the score reaches 29-29, the first side to score 30 points wins. Players are required to change ends under specific conditions, including at the conclusion of the first game and, if necessary, at the end of the second game. In the third game, the change of ends occurs when one side reaches 11 points.
However, there are some key differences between singles and doubles. In singles, the server starts from the right service court and will continue to serve from that side every time they have an even number of points. They will serve from the left every time they have an odd number of points. In doubles, the server always starts on the right-hand side but alternates sides with their teammate after each point, as long as they keep winning. If the receiving side wins a point, they get the serve, and the players on each team will only alternate serving once their side has won a point as the receiving side.
Another difference is in the tactics and gameplay. Singles is a solo battle that requires masterful positioning and footwork, as players try to outmaneuver and outlast their opponents. Doubles, on the other hand, involves communication and playing off your teammate's strengths. It combines the speed, power, and court coverage of two players, requiring different strategies. In doubles, one player typically covers the backcourt while the other covers the front. The backcourt player uses offensive shots such as half smashes, full smashes, and drives. In mixed doubles, men usually cover the rear court, while women often stick closer to the net.
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Court positioning
In singles badminton, the court dimensions are 13.41m x 5.18m, and players generally cover the court on their own. The server starts from the right service court when their score is even and from the left when their score is odd.
In doubles, the court width is extended to 6.1m. The server will start on the right-hand side and keep serving, alternating sides with their partner as long as they keep winning points. If the receiving side wins the point, they will then take over serving. The players will adopt different formations depending on their strategy and the specific skills of the pair. For example, in mixed doubles, the standard position is with the woman in front and the man at the back.
When serving, it is important not to stand too far back, as this gives the opponent extra time to react, but also not too close to the service line. In general, it is a good idea to experiment with different positions and tactics to find what works best for you and your partner.
At higher levels of play, formations tend to be more flexible, and players will adopt positions based on their preferred style of play and their strengths and weaknesses. For example, some women players are capable of playing powerfully from the back court and will do so if required.
In terms of attacking and defending, it is important to be able to switch between the two seamlessly. For example, if you are forced to lift or clear the shuttlecock, you will need to adopt a side-by-side position in the rear midcourt to defend against your opponents' smashes. At the same time, rotating to the net after the smash can be an effective way to score a point, rather than both players being side by side and trying to figure out who should go for the net shot.
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Rally point system
The rally point system, introduced in 2006, has changed how players can score a point in badminton. This system 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, with each game played up to 21 points. A point is scored when the shuttlecock lands inside the opponent's court, and the winning side gets the next serve.
In badminton, a server has far less of an advantage than in tennis and is unlikely to score an ace (an unreturnable serve). The server has only one attempt to serve the shuttlecock into the service box, compared to two attempts in tennis. The shuttlecock must be hit diagonally into the opponent's service box and below waist height. The whole 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.
The server's position is determined by their score. When a player's score is even, they serve from the right service court; when it is odd, they serve from the left service court. In doubles, if the serving side wins a rally, the same player continues to serve but changes service courts so that they serve to a different opponent each time. If the receiving side wins the rally, they assume the serve, with the player who did not initially serve taking over.
In singles, a badminton court is 13.41m (44ft) long and 5.18m (17ft) wide. A badminton match can be played by two opposing players (singles) or four opposing players (doubles). A competitive match must be played indoors using the official court dimensions. At the start of the rally, the server and receiver stand in diagonally opposite service courts. After a point is won, the players move to the opposite serving stations for the next point.
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Scoring system changes
Badminton has undergone several scoring system changes over the years, with the most recent significant change occurring in 2006. This change introduced a new rally point system, allowing both players or teams to score a point during a rally, regardless of who served. This was a notable shift from the traditional system, where the serving side had a greater advantage in terms of scoring.
Prior to 2006, the scoring system in badminton followed a format where games were played to 15 points, and a player or team needed to have a two-point advantage to win. This format was similar to the traditional volleyball scoring system. However, the 2006 changes brought badminton closer in line with volleyball, table tennis, and tennis, where rally scoring is employed.
Another key change implemented in 2006 was the requirement for a two-point advantage at game point. If the game reaches 29-29, the first player or team to score the 30th point wins. This rule was introduced to prevent games from becoming excessively long, particularly at higher levels of play, and to reduce the risk of injury to athletes from extended play.
The serving rules in badminton have also evolved. In the past, the server had two chances to hit a serve into the service box, similar to tennis. However, under the current rules, the server is allowed only one attempt. This change has reduced the server's advantage, making it unlikely for them to score an ace (an unreturnable serve).
It's worth noting that the Badminton World Federation (BWF) has proposed a new scoring system, which has sparked controversy among badminton players. The proposed system would replace the current 21x3 format with a 15x3 format, representing a significant reduction in the number of points required to win a game. This potential change highlights the ongoing evolution of badminton's scoring system, as governing bodies seek to balance tradition, player preferences, and the need to enhance the sport's appeal to spectators.
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Frequently asked questions
A badminton game is played to 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 30 points wins.
A badminton match is played as the best of three games. To win a match, a player or pair must win two games.
Points are scored by striking the shuttlecock with a racquet and landing it within the other team's half of the court, within the set boundaries. A point is scored on every serve and awarded to whichever side wins the rally.
