
The spin serve in badminton is a technique where the player holds the shuttle by the cork or feathers and flicks it before striking it across the net with the racquet. This adds a lot of spin to the shuttle, making it difficult to control for both the serving and returning players. While it requires skill to execute, it has been banned by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) as it can negatively impact the quality of the game by making it less watchable and giving an unfair advantage to the server. The ban has sparked debates in the badminton community, with some considering it an exciting innovation, while others argue it could disrupt competitions.
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What You'll Learn

Spin serve technique
The spin serve in badminton is a technique where the shuttle is struck with an element of spin to make it harder for the opponent to return. There are two types of spin serves: the first involves spinning the shuttle before striking it, creating a large amount of spin, making it almost impossible for the opponent to return. This type of spin serve has been banned by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) due to its unfair advantage for the server and its similarities to the also banned 'Sidek serve'. The second type of spin serve is a slice serve, where the shuttle is sliced, and this is a legal move.
To perform a spin serve, the racquet head must start at a legal height and be facing upwards to get the shuttle up and over the net. This technique requires good wrist control to execute effectively. The server must also be mindful of their positioning; standing back from the T is a common strategy.
When receiving a spin serve, it is important to note that attempting to kill the shuttle at the net is often ineffective. The spin on the shuttle will cause it to behave unpredictably, and the receiver's shots may end up going out of bounds or into the net. Instead, it is recommended to block the shuttle, forcing the opponent to lift, which creates an attack opportunity for the receiver's partner.
The spin serve has been a controversial topic in the badminton community, with some players arguing that it gives an unfair advantage to the server and disrupts the flow of the game. The BWF has received feedback from the badminton community, including the BWF Athletes' Commission, expressing concerns about the negative impact of the spin serve on the game. As a result, the BWF temporarily banned the spin serve to prevent it from potentially disrupting major competitions.
While the spin serve can be an effective strategy, it is important to be mindful of its legality and potential impact on the game. It is essential to stay informed about the rules and regulations set by governing bodies like the BWF to ensure fair and competitive play in badminton.
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Spin serve legality
The legality of the spin serve in badminton has been a topic of much discussion in the badminton community. While some consider it an exciting new innovation, others argue that it gives an unfair advantage to the server, making the game less enjoyable to watch.
The spin serve is a type of serve where the player spins the shuttlecock before striking it, creating a large amount of spin that can make it difficult for the receiver to return. While there are different types of spin serves, the one in question involves adding spin to the shuttlecock before striking it, making it nearly impossible for the receiver to control the trajectory of their return. This serve was first popularised by Malaysia's badminton superstar brothers in the 1980s and is known as the 'Sidek serve' or the 'S-serve'. Due to its similarities to the already banned 'Sidek serve', the Badminton World Federation (BWF) decided to impose a temporary ban on the spin serve to prevent it from disrupting competitions.
The legality of the spin serve varies depending on the level of play and the governing body of the tournament. In official matches, the BWF has the final say on the legality of the spin serve. In May 2023, the BWF announced an interim ban on the spin serve, effective immediately until May 29, 2023, ruling out its usage in major tournaments such as the Sudirman Cup and the Malaysia Masters. The BWF Council extended this ban until after the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, citing concerns about the negative impact on the game and its unfair advantage for the server. The BWF also wanted to avoid a scenario where elite tournaments became platforms for testing the new serve, disrupting the competition.
However, in unofficial matches and local clubs, the rules of the national badminton federation usually apply. These rules are often identical to the BWF's service rules, so it is likely that the spin serve will be considered illegal in these settings as well. Some players argue that the spin serve is within the rules of badminton service and is, therefore, legal. They consider it a valid strategy that requires skill and wrist control to execute well. However, it is generally frowned upon by most players and is not commonly used.
The legality of the spin serve in badminton is a complex issue, with valid arguments on both sides. While some praise its innovative nature, others criticise its potential to disrupt the flow and fairness of the game. The BWF's decision to impose a temporary ban shows their willingness to consider the concerns of the badminton community and maintain a balanced playing field for all participants.
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Spin serve history
The spin serve in badminton is a technique where the shuttlecock is hit with a high degree of spin, making it unpredictable and challenging for the opponent to control their return shot. While the technique has generated much interest in the badminton community, it has also sparked controversy and debates about its fairness.
The Origins of the Spin Serve
The spin serve gained prominence in the 1980s due to Malaysia's Sidek brothers, who created a serve that was considered nearly impossible to return. Their technique involved moving the racquet in a slicing motion while serving and making contact with the feathers rather than the cork. This serve became extremely popular, but it was eventually outlawed by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) as it gave an unfair advantage to the server. The current badminton rules now mandate that players must hit the cork first when serving.
Variations of the Spin Serve
Over time, various techniques for spin serves have emerged in badminton, with players experimenting with different grips, stances, and racquet swings to generate spin. One notable variation is attributed to Indonesian doubles star Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo, who holds the shuttlecock by the feathers with the cork pointing towards the body. By slicing at the base of the shuttlecock, this technique adds spin as it crosses the net.
Recent Popularity and Debate
In 2023, a new spin serve variation was introduced by Danish doubles player Marcus Rindshoj during the Polish Open. This technique involved spinning the shuttlecock before the racquet made contact, creating a wobbling effect that confused opponents. The spin serve gained attention as an "unreturnable" serve, leading to debates within the badminton community about its fairness and potential negative impact on the game. As a result, the BWF temporarily banned the spin serve to prevent disruption in major competitions.
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Spin serve counter-strategies
While the spin serve in badminton is now banned, there are some counter-strategies that players have shared for dealing with the move when playing in more casual settings or before the ban was implemented. Here are some of the strategies that can be employed:
- One player advises against trying to kill the shuttlecock at the net, as this results in unpredictable shots. Instead, they recommend letting the shuttlecock cross the net and stop spinning before returning it.
- Another player suggests matching the server by taking a position half a step back from the T. From this position, they recommend blocking the serve, forcing the server to lift the shuttlecock and allowing your partner to attack.
- A final strategy is to simply get used to the spin serve. One player mentions that they have become accustomed to the move as two players at their local club employ it frequently.
While these strategies may help counter the spin serve, it is important to note that the move is banned in official matches due to its negative impact on the game and unfair advantage for the server. The spin serve was deemed unplayable by the receiver, who had no control over the trajectory of their return, often conceding points.
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Spin serve's impact on the game
The spin serve in badminton involves a player holding the shuttlecock by the cork and spinning it anticlockwise while serving. This creates a large amount of spin, making it difficult for the opponent to return the serve. The spin serve can be executed by starting with the racquet head facing upwards, which allows the player to serve the shuttle up and over the net.
The impact of the spin serve on the game has been significant, with some players considering it an unfair advantage for the server. The receiver often has no control over the trajectory of their return, leading to frequent errors and conceding of points. The spin on the shuttlecock can cause the returns to land out of the court or meet the net, making the service unplayable.
Due to its potential for disrupting competitions, the spin serve has been a topic of debate within the badminton community. Some players and organisations, such as the Badminton World Federation (BWF), have expressed concerns about its negative impact on the game. The BWF received feedback from its Athletes' Commission and observed similarities between the spin serve and the disallowed 'Sidek serve'. As a result, the BWF temporarily banned the use of the spin serve in official competitions, including the Sudirman Cup and the Malaysia Masters, until further consultations could be held.
While the spin serve is no longer allowed in official matches, it is still practised in local clubs and unofficial games. Some players have shared strategies for countering the spin serve, such as adjusting their standing position or using blocking techniques.
The spin serve's impact on badminton has highlighted the delicate balance between innovation and fairness in the sport. While some players are open to experimenting with new techniques, others prioritise maintaining a level playing field. The spin serve's brief appearance in badminton has contributed to an ongoing conversation about the evolution of the game and the role of governing bodies in regulating it.
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Frequently asked questions
A spin serve is a type of serve where the player holds the shuttlecock by the cork, between the thumb and middle finger, and flicks it to add spin before hitting it with the racquet.
To perform a spin serve, you hold the shuttlecock's cork between the thumb and middle finger's nail and flick it before hitting it with the racquet. The spin makes it difficult for the opponent to control their return.
The spin serve was banned by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) in 2023 for international tournaments. The ban is in place until at least the conclusion of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
The spin serve was banned because it gave an unfair advantage to the server, making it almost impossible for the receiver to return. It also had similarities to the 'Sidek serve', which is not allowed.
Denmark's Marcus Rindshoj is credited with popularising the spin serve, using it in the second round of the Polish Open 2023. However, it is unclear if he was the first to use it.



































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