Amanda Knapp
Badminton is a racket sport that can be played by two players against each other (singles) or by two teams of two players each (doubles). The aim of the game is to score points by successfully hitting a shuttlecock over a net into the opponent's half of the court. The shuttlecock, also known as a birdie, is a cone-shaped object made of feathers or synthetic material attached to a cork or rubber base. It is important to understand the basics of the game, such as the rules around serving and scoring, as well as the dimensions of the court, which differ between singles and doubles matches.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of players | 2 or 4 |
| Teams | 1 or 2 per team |
| Objective | Score 21 points first, winning by 2 points |
| Equipment | Shuttlecock, racket |
| Court dimensions | 44 ft x 20 ft (13.4 m x 6.1 m) |
| Service court dimensions | 13 ft x 8.5 ft (3.96 m x 2.59 m) |
| Shuttlecock dimensions | 62-70 mm long, weighing 4.74-5.5 g |
| Shuttlecock composition | 16 feathers attached to a cork or rubber base |
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What You'll Learn
Scoring a point
The original scoring system in badminton dates back to as early as 1873. A match or rubber is decided by the best of three games. Each game is played to 15 points in the case of men's singles and any doubles games. In the case of ladies' singles, a game was played to 11 points. The traditional scoring system also allowed for a single game to determine a match or rubber, in which case the game would be played to 21 points. In 2002, the "setting" at 13-13, 9-9 and 19-19 was dropped from the rules.
In 2006, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) adopted a new scoring system, capping at 30 points, including the golden point rule at 29-29. This system was first used at the 2006 Commonwealth Games. The new scoring system shortened games to seven points and decided matches by the best of five games.
In 2014, the BWF reviewed the scoring system again, experimenting with a system with five games to 11 points with no setting. This was tried during a period from 1 August to 1 November 2014 in lower-level tournaments. However, the BWF Council eventually endorsed the 3 x 15 (setting to 21) scoring system as the preferred system.
In the current scoring system, a match is played as the best of three games, with each game played up to 21 points. A player must win by at least a two-point lead. For example, 22-20 would be a winning score, but 21-20 would not be enough. If the score reaches 29-29, the side that scores the 30th point wins the game.
In singles, if the server loses a rally, the service is transferred to the opponent. If the server wins a rally, their score is increased by one point. In doubles, the actual scoring is simple: instead of each person winning points, each pair wins points. The receivers never change their service courts. The only way to change service courts is to win a point when your side is serving.
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Serving
The service must be diagonal and aimed towards the opponent's service box or half court. In singles, the server starts from the right service court when the score is even and from the left when odd. In doubles, the server starts on the right and keeps serving, alternating sides with their partner as long as they keep winning points. If the receiving side wins a point, the player who didn't initially serve takes over.
The base of the shuttle, or the cork, must be struck first when serving. This rule was implemented to prevent players from gaining an advantage by hitting the feathers first and creating excessive spin. The shuttle must also be below a certain height from the court when struck. In elite BWF competitions, it must be below 1.15 metres, but there is no standardised way to measure this at clubs and domestic tournaments, where the old service rule of waist height still applies.
The duration of the serve is also important. While there is no time limit, players have been faulted for taking too long, and undue delay is not allowed per the BWF Laws of the Game.
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The shuttlecock
The weight of the shuttlecock is important, as different weights compensate for local atmospheric conditions such as humidity and height above sea level, which can affect its flight. The speed of the shuttlecock is also a crucial factor, as it determines how far it will travel across the court with a standard degree of force. Slower shuttlecocks will fall short of a standard length and decelerate more quickly, while faster shuttlecocks will travel further and at a faster speed.
When choosing a shuttlecock, factors such as flight path quality, consistency, and durability should be considered. The Yonex Aerosena AS30 Speed 78 is a popular choice in the UK for higher-level clubs, tournaments, and matches due to its well-known quality. The Victor Gold Champion is another popular option for those seeking consistency and durability. For recreational play, the Yonex Mavis 10 and Kawasaki King Kong 500 Hybrid shuttlecocks are recommended, while the Yonex AS30 and Ashaway International shuttlecocks are suitable for matches.
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Faults
Another common fault is when a player's racket is above their head when hitting the shuttlecock. The racket must stay on the player's side of the court, and if it crosses the net during a shot, it is considered a fault. Hitting the shuttlecock into the net is not always a fault in the technical sense, but it does result in losing the rally.
Additionally, any attempts by a player to hit the shuttlecock a second time in a row are considered a double-hit foul and will result in a point for the opponent. Players should also refrain from unsportsmanlike behaviour, such as verbal abuse or intentional delays, as these can result in penalties.
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Singles vs doubles
The main difference between singles and doubles badminton is that singles is played by two players against each other, whereas doubles is played by two teams of two players each. The fundamentals of badminton remain the same in both variations, but the winning tactics for each format can look very different.
A fundamental difference in badminton singles vs. doubles is court sizing. The doubles court is wider (6.1m or 20 ft) than the singles court (5.18 m or 17 ft) to make room for both players. In singles, the receiving court is longer and narrower, whereas in doubles, the court is wider and shorter.
In singles, the game is a solo battle that involves trying to outmaneuver and outlast your opponent. Singles defence is less about speed and more about masterful positioning and footwork. If you find yourself in one corner of your backcourt, you should think about how to cover your frontcourt (and potentially the opposite corner of your backcourt) because your opponent will likely aim for a shot you can't reach.
In doubles, the attack formation usually involves one player covering the backcourt and the other covering the front. The backcourt player will use a variety of offensive shots such as half smashes, full smashes, and drives. Doubles combines the speed, power, and court coverage of two badminton players, which means different strategies are required compared to singles. Doubles involve communication and playing off of a teammate's strengths and abilities. It also requires staying mindful of your partner's movement throughout the match so you can plan your game accordingly. Rotation and covering your partner are also core parts of doubles.
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Frequently asked questions
Setting is not a term used in badminton. However, the sport involves serving a shuttlecock, also known as a birdie, diagonally into the opponent's service box.
The shuttlecock is badminton's unique "ball". It is cone-shaped and made of feathers or synthetic material attached to a cork or rubber base.
In badminton, you score a point whenever you successfully serve the shuttlecock, and your opponent fails to appropriately return it.
