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Badminton is a racket sport played with a shuttlecock. The court is rectangular and divided into two halves by a net. The length of a standard badminton court is 13.4 metres (44 feet) for both singles and doubles matches. However, the width of the court differs depending on the type of match. For doubles matches, the width of the court is extended to 6.1 metres (20 feet). The Badminton World Federation (BWF) mandates that the outer sidelines, which are sometimes referred to as outer tramlines or doubles sidelines, should be clearly marked.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Length | 44 feet (13.4 meters) |
| Width | 20 feet (6.1 meters) |
| Clearance | 2 feet (0.61 meters) around the perimeter |
| Surface | Wood, synthetic, rubber, or vinyl |
| Net height | 5 feet (1.52 meters) in the center, 5 feet 1 inch (1.55 meters) at the ends |
| Short service line | 6.5 feet (1.98 meters) from the net |
| Long service line | 2.5 feet (0.76 meters) from the back boundary |
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What You'll Learn
Court width: 6.1m (20 feet)
A badminton court is rectangular and divided into two halves by a net, with each player or pair occupying one half during play. The width of a badminton court for doubles is 6.1 metres or 20 feet. This width is mandated by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) and is standard for all levels of play, from junior games to Olympic matches. The BWF also recommends a clearance area of at least 2 feet or 0.61 metres around the perimeter of the court. This ensures the safety of athletes and spectators and does not limit movement.
The doubles sidelines mark the outer boundary of the court for doubles matches. The width of the service court for doubles, including the sidelines, is 9.6 feet. The service court is the area between the net and the short service line, which is 6.5 feet from the net. The long service line, which is used for doubles service, is located 2.5 feet or 2 feet 6 inches from the back boundary line.
The width of the badminton net itself is also 6.1 metres or 20 feet, spanning the entire width of the court. The net is 1.55 metres or 5 feet 1 inch high at the sides, with a height of 1.52 metres or 5 feet in the middle. The mesh net has a height of 0.79 metres or 2.6 feet, with a 0.76-metre or 2.5-foot gap underneath.
The width of a badminton court for singles play is reduced to 5.18 metres or 17 feet.
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Court length: 13.4m (44 feet)
The length of a standard badminton court is 13.4 metres, or 44 feet, for both singles and doubles competitions. This length is mandated by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) and is standard across all levels of play, from junior games to Olympic matches.
The court is rectangular in shape and divided into two halves, each measuring 6.7 metres (22 feet) in length, by a net that runs through the middle. The net stands at a height of 1.55 metres (5 feet 1 inch) at the ends and dips slightly to 1.52 metres (5 feet) in the middle.
The length of the court allows for fast-paced rallies and high-speed shuttlecocks, which can travel upwards of 400 kph. The space is also necessary for players to crisscross the court and employ deceptive strokes to outwit their opponents.
It is important to note that while the length of a badminton court remains constant, the width differs for singles and doubles matches. For doubles, the width is extended to 6.1 metres (20 feet), providing more space for the two players on each side. This additional width allows for wider service courts and facilitates aggressive play, with players standing further forward to attack serves.
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Service lines
A badminton court has two service lines, the short service line and the long service line. The short service line is 1.98m (6.5 ft) from the net, while the long service line is 0.72m (2.36 ft) or 0.76m (2.5 ft) in from the baseline. The service lines are marked specifically for this purpose.
In singles, the shuttlecock must land beyond the short service line and within the boundary lines. In doubles, the shuttlecock must go beyond the short service line, but it's the long service line that acts as the marker on the backcourt. The serve must fall into the ''short and fat' area diagonally opposite the server.
The left service court is the width of the centre line to the outer sideline on the left-hand side of the opponent's side of the court. It runs the length from the short service line to the doubles back service line on the same side. The left and right doubles service areas are both 3.05m (10 ft) wide and 3.96m (13 ft) long. Each doubles service area has a surface area of 12.08m² (130.02ft²).
The service areas are crucial in badminton, with players employing various strategies such as serving aggressively to gain an early advantage or using varied shot placements to keep their opponents off-balance.
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Net height: 1.52-1.55m (5-5.1 feet)
The net is a key component of a badminton court, as it is the central point over which players on either side of the court hit a shuttlecock back and forth to score points. The height of the net is an important factor in this regard, as it determines the amount of clearance a shuttlecock must have to be considered in play.
According to the Badminton World Federation (BWF), the official height of the net for both singles and doubles matches is 1.52m (5 feet) in the middle and 1.55m (5.1 feet) at the poles on either side. This slight dip in the middle is a requirement, ensuring that the net sags towards the centre. The mesh net itself has a height of 0.79m (2.6 feet), with a gap of 0.76m (2.5 feet) underneath.
The height of the net is an important consideration for players, as it affects the trajectory and speed of the shuttlecock during play. A higher net may require players to adjust their stroke technique to achieve the desired shot placement and power.
It is worth noting that while the BWF mandates specific court dimensions for all levels of play, from junior to Olympic competitions, the ceiling height of the playing area is not specified in the laws of badminton. However, for tournament play, the BWF requires a minimum ceiling height of 39 feet to accommodate high serves and clears without restriction.
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Court surface: wood, synthetic or rubber
A badminton court is a rectangular surface that is usually marked for both singles and doubles matches. The standard length of a badminton court is 44 feet or 13.4 metres, and the width for doubles matches is 20 feet or 6.1 metres. The court surface can be made of wood, synthetic materials, or rubber.
Wooden badminton courts are typically used for professional matches. They provide optimal shock absorption and a good bounce, but they can become slippery when spread with sweat or water. Wooden courts are often topped with synthetic mats, which are made of PVC or PU. These mats are anti-slippery and provide good bounce, making them suitable for professional matches.
Synthetic badminton courts are made of synthetic vinyl, which is durable and suitable for multi-use facilities. Synthetic mats are also used on top of wooden courts to provide a good playing surface. PVC mats are the most popular type of badminton court surface, as they are easy to construct and can replace more expensive materials. Synthetic surfaces are also low-maintenance and weather-resistant, making them a good option for outdoor courts.
Another option for synthetic surfaces is silicon PU, which has high durability and little wear and tear, making it a cost-effective option. However, silicon PU is not ideal for absorbing heat. Acrylic paint is another synthetic option, but it is mainly used for outdoor courts as it creates a hard and solid surface that can cause injuries during competitive play.
Rubber is another option for badminton court surfaces, providing a safe and comfortable playing experience. PVC mats, which are commonly used on top of wooden courts, also have rubberized surfaces.
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Frequently asked questions
A badminton court for doubles measures 13.4m (44 feet) in length and 6.1m (20 feet) in width.
A singles court is narrower, measuring 5.18m (17 feet) in width.
The net is set at 1.55m (5 feet 1 inch) at the ends and 1.52m (5 feet) in the middle.
A clearance of at least 2 feet (0.61m) should be provided around the entire perimeter of the court for safety.
The long service line is used for doubles service and is located 2 feet 6 inches (0.76m) from the back boundary line.
