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Badminton is a racquet sport played by two opposing players (singles) or two teams of two players each (doubles). The objective of the game is to score points by successfully hitting a shuttlecock over the net and having it land inside the designated areas of the opponent's court. Each side may only strike the shuttlecock once before it passes over the net. A point is scored when the shuttlecock successfully lands in the opponent's court, or when the opponent fails to return the shuttlecock or hits it into the net or outside the court boundaries.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of players | 2 or 4 |
| Objective | Score points by successfully hitting the shuttlecock over the net and landing it in the designated court areas |
| Equipment | Stringed racquets, shuttlecock |
| Court dimensions | 6.1m wide and 13.4m long; net height: 1.55m at the edges and 1.524m in the centre |
| Scoring | 21 points to win a set; most matches are the best of 3 sets |
| Service | Must be hit underarm and below the server's waist; the shuttlecock must pass over the short service line on the opponent's court |
| Faults | Hitting the shuttlecock into the net, out of bounds, or failing to hit it over the net; touching the net with any part of the body or racquet; distraction of the opponent; catching and throwing the shuttlecock with the racquet; hitting the shuttlecock twice |
| Let | When the shuttlecock hits the net and falls into the opponent's court; when the receiver is not ready |
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What You'll Learn
Scoring points
To win a badminton match, players must be the first to score 21 points. However, they must win by 2 clear points, so play will continue until this margin is achieved. For example, if the score reaches 21-20, the game will continue until one player has a 2-point advantage, such as 24-22.
A point is scored by one side or the other in each rally or exchange of play. If the serving side wins the rally, they score a point and then serve again. If the receiving side wins the rally, they score a point and then gain the serve. Play continues until one side reaches 21 and is 2 points ahead of their opponents.
The service passes to the opposing side when a player or pair reaches 11 points. For example, if the serving side reaches 11 first, the receiving side will then serve for the next rally. The serve will continue to change with each rally until the end of the game.
If the game reaches 29-29, the first side to reach
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Faults
Badminton is a fast-paced game that requires quick reflexes and precision. However, understanding the rules around faults is crucial to playing a fair and competitive match. Here are some common faults to be aware of:
Service Faults
Service faults are very common and can occur in several ways. Firstly, players must ensure that the racket is kept below the waist during the serve and that the racket head is pointing downwards when striking the shuttlecock. A fault occurs if the racket head is pointing upwards or sideways. Another service fault occurs when a player steps on or over the service box line or touches the boundary lines of the service court with their feet during the serve. This is called a foot fault. Players should also avoid double-serving and focus on a single, clean hit with the racket. Additionally, there should be no pause between the backswing and forward swing of the serve, as this is against the rules and can upset the receiver's timing.
Net Faults
Net faults occur when a player's racket or body touches the net during the rally. This includes any part of the body or clothing touching the net, such as the elbow, racket head, or shin. Players should also ensure that their racket does not cross over into the opponent's court during the rally.
Shuttlecock Faults
Shuttlecock faults can happen in several ways. Firstly, a double-hit fault occurs when a player hits the shuttlecock twice in succession or when teammates make contact with the shuttlecock simultaneously. Players must also ensure that they only hit the shuttlecock with their racket and not with any other part of their body. If the shuttlecock lands outside the designated court boundaries or fails to clear the net, it is considered a fault. Hitting the shuttlecock into the ceiling or walls will also result in a fault.
Behavioural Faults
In addition to technical faults, badminton has rules governing player conduct and sportsmanship. Behavioural faults include using offensive language or gestures, displaying unsportsmanlike behaviour such as arguing with the referee, intentionally distracting the opponent, or delaying the game unnecessarily. Players must conduct themselves with integrity and respect to avoid these types of faults.
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Rally
A rally in badminton is integral to the flow of the game and is a crucial part of the scoring system. A rally begins when a player serves the shuttlecock or 'birdie' and ends when either player misses the shot, causing the shuttlecock to hit the ground, or when the umpire calls a fault. When the rally ends, one of the players earns a point.
The player serving and the receiver stand diagonally to each other at the start of a rally. A legal serve is hit diagonally, and players must use an underarm action, keeping the racket shaft below the waist. The player can return the shuttlecock from inside or outside the court. However, touching the net with any body part or racket is considered a violation.
The most common type of fault is when a player fails to hit the shuttlecock over the net or when it lands outside the court boundaries. Each side can only strike the shuttlecock once before it passes over the net, and once hit, a player cannot strike it again in a new movement or shot.
The scoring system in badminton has evolved over the years. The original system allowed only the serving player or team to score a point, which often led to long matches with little change on the scoreboard. The Badminton World Federation (BWF) replaced this with a new system called rally point scoring, where a point is awarded to a player or team regardless of who served, every time a rally ends. This new system aims to speed up the game and make it more entertaining for spectators.
In the current rally scoring system, players or teams must win by 2 points. For example, if the score is 20-20, two clear points are required to win. However, if the score reaches 29-29, whoever scores the 30th point wins.
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Shuttlecock
The shuttlecock is a small, feathered or plastic projectile that is hit back and forth in a game of badminton. It is sometimes abbreviated to 'shuttle' and also referred to as a 'birdie'. The shuttlecock is made up of a half-round ball at the bottom and feather-like material on the top. The bottom is made of cork, covered with thin leather or synthetic material. The feathers are overlapping and embedded into the cork base. Synthetic shuttles are often used by recreational players as feathered shuttles break more easily.
The shuttlecock is hit over a net that stands at 1.55 metres high at the edges and 1.524 metres high in the centre. The aim of the game is to hit the shuttlecock over the net and have it land inside the designated court areas. A point is scored when the shuttlecock is hit over the net and lands inside the court boundaries. A point can also be gained if an opponent hits the shuttlecock into the net or outside the court. Each side may only strike the shuttlecock once before it passes over the net.
There are different types of shots that can be played, such as drives and pushes, which are often used in doubles matches. A drop shot is another type of shot, where a player aims low so that the shuttlecock just drops over the net. The shuttlecock is not allowed to bounce.
There are rules regarding the testing of shuttlecocks for speed. To test a shuttlecock, a player must hit a full underhand stroke that makes contact with the shuttlecock over the back boundary line. The shuttlecock is hit at an upward angle and in a direction parallel to the sidelines. A shuttlecock of the correct speed will land not less than 530 mm and not more than 990 mm short of the other back boundary line.
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Racquets
A racquet is one of the most important pieces of equipment in badminton. It is a lightweight, stringed instrument that players use to hit the shuttlecock back and forth over the net. The choice of racquet can greatly affect a player's performance, so it is important to choose one that suits your playing style and ability.
Badminton racquets have evolved significantly since the early days of the sport when they were made from wood. Today, they are typically crafted from lightweight materials such as graphite, carbon fibre, or titanium alloys, which offer increased power and control. The head of the racquet is stringed tightly with synthetic gut or nylon strings, providing a balanced combination of power and control for players of all levels.
When selecting a badminton racquet, several factors come into play. The weight of the racquet is a crucial consideration, as heavier racquets tend to provide more power, whereas lighter racquets excel in offering greater control. Additionally, the balance of the racquet is key; a head-heavy racquet provides stability and power, while an evenly balanced racquet facilitates better maneuverability and control.
Another important aspect to consider is the stiffness of the shaft. A stiffer shaft generally imparts more power and reduces shock upon impact, whereas a more flexible shaft grants greater control and a softer feel. The length of the racquet also plays a role, with longer racquets typically resulting in increased reach and power, and shorter ones enhancing control and maneuverability.
Lastly, the grip size and shape of the racquet handle are essential for ensuring a comfortable and secure grip. A properly sized grip can improve control and help prevent injuries. While most racquets come with a standard grip size, customization options are available to accommodate different hand sizes and personal preferences.
In conclusion, choosing the right badminton racquet involves evaluating various factors such as weight, balance, shaft stiffness, length, and grip size. By selecting a racquet that aligns with your playing style and ability, you can significantly enhance your performance and enjoyment of the game. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced player, taking the time to find the perfect racquet can make all the difference in your badminton journey.
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Frequently asked questions
The objective of badminton is to hit the shuttlecock over the net and have it land inside the boundaries of your opponent's half of the court. Each side may only strike the shuttlecock once before it passes over the net.
Points are scored when a player successfully hits the shuttlecock over the net and into the designated areas of their opponent's half of the court. A point can also be scored if the opponent fails to return the shuttlecock, hits it into the net, or hits it outside the boundaries of the court.
A "let" is called when the shuttlecock hits the net and falls into the opponent's court. In this case, the serving side gets another chance to serve.
A rally occurs when the opponent returns the shuttlecock after it has been served. A player wins a rally when their strike causes the shuttlecock to touch the floor of the opponent's side of the court or when the opponent commits a fault.
