
In badminton, a let and a fault are two different reasons for stopping play. A let is called by an umpire or a player to halt play temporarily due to unforeseen circumstances or accidents, such as a shuttlecock getting stuck in the net or disintegrating, or a player not being ready for a serve. In this case, the point is replayed without changing the score or serving positions. A fault, on the other hand, is called by an umpire or service judge when a player breaks the rules, resulting in a penalty and a point for the opposing player. Faults can include service, rally, and conduct violations. While lets and faults both result in a halt in play, they differ in their causes, consequences, and impact on the game's flow.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Called by | Umpire or player |
| Reason | Unforeseen or accidental occurrence, distractions, faults by both players, shuttlecock disruptions, equipment malfunction, service court error |
| Score | No change in score, same server and receiver |
| Fault | Loss of point |
| Distractions | Objects, people, shuttlecock touching walls or ceiling |
| Service | Server must wait for receiver to be ready, no pauses between backswing and forward swing |
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What You'll Learn
- A 'let' is called when a shuttlecock gets stuck in the net or breaks
- A 'let' can be called by the umpire or a player
- A 'fault' occurs when a player breaks rules involving service, rallies or conduct
- A 'fault' results in a point for the opposing player
- A 'let' is called when a player is not ready to receive a serve

A 'let' is called when a shuttlecock gets stuck in the net or breaks
In badminton, a let is called to halt play temporarily and can occur due to concerns like a receiver not being ready for a service or when the shuttlecock gets stuck in the net or breaks. When a let is called, the score does not change and the same server serves to the same receiver.
A let can be called by the umpire or the player (in the absence of an umpire) to halt play. The umpire can also call a stoppage to play when they see any distractions on the court, such as objects or people. These distractions must be removed to ensure a fair and smooth game. For example, an umpire can stop play if a coach continues to call a player's attention or if an object flies onto the court mid-rally.
The player can also call a let if the shuttlecock gets stuck in the net. According to the BWF, a let can be called when a shuttlecock gets stuck on the net and remains there. The umpire calls the stoppage after the shuttlecock gets back from a service.
In addition to problems with the shuttlecock, a let can also be called due to early service. The server must wait for the receiver to be ready before serving. If the receiver is not ready, they can raise their hand as a gesture to the server to stop and let it down once they are ready. However, if the receiver attempts a return to service, they will be considered ready, and it will not be considered a let.
Finally, a let can be called when the shuttlecock breaks. During play, the shuttle may disintegrate, and the base completely separates from the rest of the shuttle. Only complete separation causes a let.
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A 'let' can be called by the umpire or a player
A let can be called by the umpire or a player (in the absence of an umpire) to halt play. When a let is called, the score remains the same, and the same server serves to the same receiver. A let is called to end the current play and replay a point.
A let can be called by a player when they are not ready to receive the shuttlecock. They can indicate this by raising their hand as a gesture to the server to stop and lower it once they are ready. If the server continues and serves before the receiver is ready, it shall be a 'let'. However, if the receiver attempts to return the service, they will be considered ready, and it will not be a 'let'.
A let can also be called by a player when the shuttlecock bounces off something other than the net, such as a wall or a basketball hoop. In this case, the player can choose to stop play and call a let, or they can choose to continue playing.
An umpire can call a let when they observe any distractions on the court, such as objects or people like the coaches of the players. The umpire will stop play temporarily to have these distractions removed to ensure a fair and smooth game. For example, an umpire may call a let if they see that a coach is repeatedly calling the attention of a player.
The umpire can also call a let when both players commit faults simultaneously. This could be due to the server hitting the shuttlecock too early while the receiver is not ready, resulting in a redo of the point.
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A 'fault' occurs when a player breaks rules involving service, rallies or conduct
A fault is a breach of the rules in badminton, which can result in point penalties or the loss of a rally. A fault occurs when a player breaks rules involving service, rallies, or conduct.
Service Faults
The service is one of the most critical aspects of badminton, and there are specific 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.
- Any delay in the start of the service once the players are ready.
- Failing to hit the shuttlecock during the serve.
Faults During Rallies
Rallies usually end with a fault, and the player who commits the fault loses the rally. Common faults during rallies include:
- Hitting the shuttlecock out.
- Hitting the shuttlecock into the net.
- Hitting the shuttlecock twice in succession.
- Catching the shuttlecock with the racket.
Behavioural Faults
Behavioural faults include:
- Using offensive language or gestures.
- Displaying unsportsmanlike behaviour, such as arguing with the referee or intentionally distracting the opponent.
- Deliberately delaying the game or using stalling tactics to gain an advantage.
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A 'fault' results in a point for the opposing player
A fault in badminton occurs when a player breaks the rules of the game, resulting in a point for the opposing player. Faults can occur during the service or during play. For example, if a player pauses between the backswing and forward swing during their serve, it is considered a fault. Similarly, the server and receiver must stand within diagonally opposite service courts without touching the boundary lines. If these rules are not followed, a fault is called.
During play, if a player hits the shuttlecock out or hits it twice in succession, it is considered a fault. A fault can also occur if the shuttlecock gets stuck in the net and remains there. In this case, the umpire will call a stoppage, and the opposing player will be awarded a point.
It is important to note that a let is different from a fault. A let is called to halt play due to unforeseen or accidental occurrences, such as distractions on the court or equipment malfunctions. In the case of a let, the point is replayed, and no points are lost or gained. However, if a fault occurs, the opposing player gains a point, and the rally ends.
The umpire plays a crucial role in calling faults and lets. They ensure fair play by addressing any disruptions or faults committed by the players. However, in the absence of an umpire, players can also call a let if they feel distracted or unprepared for the service.
Understanding the difference between a let and a fault is essential in badminton. While a let allows for a replay of the point without any change in the score, a fault results in a point for the opposing player, impacting the outcome of the game.
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A 'let' is called when a player is not ready to receive a serve
A let is a stoppage of play in badminton, called by either the umpire or the player. When a let is called, the score remains unchanged, and the same server serves again. A let is called when a player is not ready to receive a serve. The server must wait for the receiver to be ready before serving. However, if the receiver attempts to return the service, they are deemed to be ready, and it is not considered a let. In such a scenario, the receiver can raise their hand as a gesture to the server to stop and lower their hand once they are ready. If the receiver does not attempt to hit the shuttle, they are not considered ready, and a let can be called.
In the case of delays, the umpire will normally warn the players first. If the players continue to delay, the umpire will call a fault. If a receiver repeatedly claims they are not ready, this can be considered a delay, and the umpire may call a fault.
A let can also be called due to distractions on the court, such as objects or people, or when the shuttlecock gets stuck in the net. A let can be called when both players commit faults simultaneously. For example, when the server serves early while the receiver distracts the server, both players are at fault, and a let is called.
It is important to note that a let is different from a fault. A fault occurs when a player breaks specific rules, such as hitting the shuttle out or pausing between the backswing and forward swing during service. A fault results in a loss of point for the player who commits it.
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Frequently asked questions
A "let" is called by an umpire or a player to halt play temporarily. It is called to end the current rally and replay a point. Lets are usually called when there are distractions on the court, or when there are faults on the part of both players.
A fault occurs when a player breaks any of the rules, such as hitting the shuttle out, missing the shuttle, or delaying the game. When a fault is called, the player who made the fault loses the rally.
Distractions can include objects or people, such as coaches, entering the court. A let can also be called when the shuttlecock gets stuck on the net.
Yes, in the absence of an umpire, a player can call a let to halt play. This is usually done when the player is not ready for the service, or when there is a hazard on the court, such as a shuttlecock that could be stepped on.
When a let is called, the score does not change, and the same server serves again. However, when a fault is called, the player who made the fault loses a point.











































