Kristian Ferrell
Badminton is a popular sport that originated in Asia and has been a regular fixture at the Olympic Games since 1992. The rules of badminton are set by the Badminton World Federation (BWF). The basic serve in doubles badminton is a crucial part of the game, with the server aiming to gain the first attack by putting pressure on their opponents. The player who serves first does so from the right side of the service court and continues to do so each time their team wins a point with an even number of points. If a point is won with an odd number of points, the serve comes from the left service court. The rules of the serve are the same as in singles badminton: the shuttlecock must be struck with the racket over the net to the opponent's side without touching the net or going out of bounds, and the server must have part of both feet in contact with the ground.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Objective | Gain the first attack |
| Tactics | Choose serves that pressure opponents to lift or play a weak shot |
| Starting position | Player who serves first stands on the right side of the service court |
| Serving rules | Player must strike the shuttlecock with their racket over the net to the opponent's side without the shuttlecock touching the net or going out of bounds |
| Feet position | Both feet must be in contact with the ground and no part of the foot should be touching the service line or the court boundary |
| Shuttlecock position | The whole shuttlecock should be below the waist of the server |
| Racket position | Racket head and shaft must be angled in a downward direction |
| Scoring | A point is scored if the serving side or the receiving side wins the rally; the first side to reach 21 points, with a two-point difference, wins the game |
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What You'll Learn
Doubles service rules
The basic serve in doubles badminton is called a service or serve. Here are the rules for serving in doubles badminton:
The service court for doubles is smaller and wider than in singles, making the serve more strategic. The player who serves first does so from the right side of the service court and continues to do so each time their team scores an even number of points. If their team has an odd number of points, the serve comes from the left service court. The players switch service courts after winning a point on their serve.
The receiver must stand on the alternate service court. After each game, the sides are required to change sides, and any player from the winning side can serve in the next game. No player on the receiving side shall receive two consecutive serves in the same game.
For a legal serve, the player must hit the shuttle below their waist with the racket shaft pointing downwards in an underarm motion. The whole of the shuttle shall be below 1.15 metres from the surface of the court at the instant it is hit. The base of the shuttle (the cork) must be struck first when serving.
Common faults during a serve include hitting the shuttle out of bounds, not clearing the net, and touching the net with the racket or body. If the server commits a fault, the receiving player/side wins the point.
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Tactics for serving
Serving is a crucial component of a badminton match, especially in doubles, where coordination with your partner is essential to winning rallies and gaining points. Here are some tactics to consider when serving in doubles badminton:
Vary Your Serve
Varying your serve is vital in doubles badminton. Keeping your opponent guessing by mixing up your serves can help you gain an advantage. A low serve is generally a good option as it is harder for your opponent to attack and often prompts a lift, giving you an opportunity to strike. However, don't be afraid to occasionally throw in a surprise flick serve or a wide serve to catch your opponent off guard.
Aim for the 'T'
Most of the time, you should aim to serve straight down the middle, towards the 'T' formed by the intersecting service lines. This limits your opponent's angles of reply and forces them to play shots from the corners, which are easier to defend against.
Choose the Right Formation
Positioning is critical in doubles. When serving, one player should take the up position just behind the service line, while their partner should take the back position near the midcourt. This formation aims to gain an early advantage in the rally and force the opponents into a defensive stroke. The server often assumes the front position, with their partner behind them, ready to defend.
Know Your Partner's Strengths
When serving, it's crucial to consider your partner's strengths and weaknesses. For instance, if your partner is slower or less powerful, you may want to adopt a traditional 'level doubles' serving position with the woman at the back. Additionally, consider who has the stronger serve or return, and choose that person to start serving or returning first.
Keep the Shuttle Low
Focus on keeping the shuttlecock low, especially in the initial shots of a rally. This can disrupt your opponents and make it harder for them to launch an effective attack.
Be Smart with Risky Shots
While taking risks can sometimes pay off, it's important to be strategic about when you attempt them. Assess your opponents' weaknesses and exploit them, but always remember that teamwork and coordination are crucial to success in doubles badminton.
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Foot placement
Now, let's delve into the specifics of foot placement during the serve. When performing a serve in badminton doubles, it is essential to maintain proper footwork to ensure balance, stability, and quick movement. Here are some key points regarding foot placement:
- Foot Placement for Right-Handed Players: For right-handed players, the footwork typically involves finishing or landing on the right foot, regardless of the type of shot played. For a forehand serve, the non-racket foot (left foot) is usually placed forward, while for a backhand serve, the racket foot (right foot) is brought forward. This ensures a smooth transition into the dominant stance for the subsequent shot.
- Foot Placement for Left-Handed Players: For left-handed players, the opposite foot placement is generally recommended. During a forehand serve, the racket foot (right foot) is placed forward, while for a backhand serve, the non-racket foot (left foot) takes the forward position. This again allows for a seamless transition into the preferred stance for the next shot.
- Stance Variations: It is worth noting that some players may opt for a square stance, especially when serving in doubles. In this stance, the feet are positioned parallel to the net, allowing the server to quickly move sideways ("crab") to cut off returns. This technique is useful for intercepting steep slices and net drops, providing more flexibility in doubles play.
- Comfort and Balance: While foot placement is important, it is also crucial to feel comfortable and balanced during the serve. Each player may have a unique style, and it is essential to find a stance that suits your individual technique. Leaning too far forward can impair balance, so it is generally recommended to maintain a slight lean while keeping a comfortable and upright position.
- Footwork Rules: According to the BWF rules, during the serve, both feet must be in contact with the ground. Neither the server nor the receiver is permitted to lift or move their feet until the shuttlecock has been struck. Additionally, the feet should not touch any lines on the court during the serve or receive. Players can stand anywhere within their half, including the tramlines, as long as they do not impede the sight of the server or receiver.
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Scoring
In doubles, each pair wins points together. The side that serves first is determined by a coin toss in tournaments, or by throwing a shuttlecock in the air and letting it land in more casual games. The first server serves from the right-hand side, and the server will keep serving from this side as long as their team keeps winning points. If the receiving side wins a point, they become the new serving side. The player who did not initially serve for the team that wins a point will then become the new server.
The server must alternate sides with their teammate as long as they keep winning points. The receiver always stands in the diagonally opposite service box. If the server's score is an odd number, they serve from the left court; if it is an even number, they serve from the right court. The same rule applies to the receiver.
A correct service is when a player hits the shuttlecock with their racket over the net to the opponent's side without the shuttle getting stuck in the net or going out of bounds. The shuttlecock should be hit below the waist, and the player's feet should be in contact with the court surface. If the server's shuttle goes out of bounds, the receiving side wins the point. A point is also awarded to the receiving side if the serving side commits a fault or fails to return the shuttlecock.
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Faults
Serving is a critical aspect of badminton, and it becomes even more important in doubles matches. The basic serve in doubles badminton is subject to the same rules as in singles, but there are some nuances that make it more challenging and fault-prone.
One of the main challenges in doubles is the court size. In doubles, the full width of the court, including the tramlines, is in play. This means that servers have less room to manoeuvre and must be precise with their serves. A fault can occur if the server steps on or outside the service line before making contact with the shuttlecock, or if they serve from an incorrect position.
Another challenge in doubles is the presence of two opponents. To avoid being dominated by the receiver, the server often has to execute a tighter serve. This can lead to more faults as players push the limits of the rules to gain an advantage. For example, attempting a near net-touching short serve or a flick serve, which if not executed perfectly, can result in a fault.
Some common service faults in doubles badminton include:
- Failing to hit the shuttlecock below the waist of the server.
- Lifting the foot off the ground before striking the shuttlecock.
- Incorrect foot positioning, such as stepping on the service line or outside the service court.
- Serving from outside the service court boundaries.
- Deliberately trying to deceive the opponent with illegal actions, such as a flick or a double motion.
- Not pointing the racket head downwards when striking the shuttlecock, resulting in a service overhead fault.
To avoid these faults, players must pay close attention to their technique, positioning, and footwork. They should also respect their opponent's space and maintain a reasonable pace during the game.
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Frequently asked questions
The basic serve in doubles badminton is called the low serve.
The server's objective is to gain the first attack. This is achieved by choosing serves that pressure opponents to lift or clear the shuttlecock, or play a weak shot.
Serving straight limits your opponent's angles of attack. Playing the serve directly at the receiver is also a good option as it makes it difficult for them to decide whether to play a forehand or backhand. Serving straight also takes the least time to cross the net.
The old service rule states that the shuttlecock shall be below the server's waist at the moment of being hit. The new rule states that the shuttlecock shall be below 1.15 metres from the surface of the court when hit.
The first side to reach 21 points, with a two-point difference, wins the game. A point is scored on every serve and awarded to the side that wins the rally. The winning side gets the next serve.
