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Badminton is a fast-paced racquet sport with a unique scoring system. The first side to reach 21 points wins the game. If the score reaches 20-20, the game continues until one side has a two-point advantage. There is a maximum score of 30 points, which comes into play if the game is tied at 29-29. This scoring system was introduced to speed up games and prevent them from dragging on too long, especially at the top level of play.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Maximum score | 30 |
| Minimum score to win a game | 21 |
| Score required to win if 20-20 | 2-point lead |
| Score required to win if 29-29 | 30th point |
| Scoring | Point scored on every serve for the side that wins the rally |
| Serving side at the start of the game | Decided by a coin toss or tossing the shuttle |
| Serving side when the score is even | Right service court |
| Serving side when the score is odd | Left service court |
| Receiver's position | Service box diagonally opposite from the server |
| Change of ends | End of the first game, end of the second game if a third game is required, and when one side reaches 11 points in the third game |
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What You'll Learn
Scoring rules since 2006
Since 2006, badminton scoring rules have been standardised with the 3 x 21 rally point system, endorsed by the Badminton World Federation (BWF). This means that matches are played as the best of three games, with each game played up to 21 points. A point can be scored on every serve, regardless of who is serving. If the score reaches 20-20, a two-point advantage is required to win. If the score reaches 29-29, the first player to reach 30 points wins.
The service side is determined by the score. When the server's score is an even number, they serve from the right service court. When the score is odd, they serve from the left service court. In badminton doubles, the server will start on the right-hand side and keep serving, while alternating sides with their teammate, as long as they keep winning points. If the receiving side wins a point, they assume the serve, but the players do not change their respective service courts until they win a point when their side is serving.
The birdie, or shuttlecock, must be hit below waist height, with players serving diagonally into their opponent's service box. Both players must remain stationary until the serve is made. In singles, the court is 13.41m long and 5.18m wide, with each service court measuring 3.96m long and 2.59m wide.
The scoring system for badminton has evolved over time, with the BWF experimenting with different systems to regulate playing time and simplify the game for viewers. The 2006 scoring system replaced an older system, where matches were played to 15 points for men's singles and doubles, and 11 points for ladies' singles.
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Scoring rules before 2006
The maximum score in badminton is 30 points. If a game reaches 29-29, the first player or team to reach 30 points wins.
Badminton has had various scoring systems throughout its history. In 2006, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) adopted a new scoring system to replace the previous one, which had been in place since as early as 1873.
Under the old system, matches were decided by the best of three games. Each game was played to 15 points in men's singles and doubles matches, and to 11 points in ladies' singles matches. Alternatively, a match could be decided by a single game played to 21 points.
The first serve was usually determined by a coin toss or, in more casual settings, by tossing the shuttlecock in the air and letting it land. The side that won a rally earned a point and the next serve.
If the score reached 13-13 in a 15-point game, or 9-9 in an 11-point game, the player or team who reached that score first had the option to "set". If they chose to set, the score would revert to 0-0, and whoever scored three points first would win the game.
In 2002, the "setting" rules at 13-13, 9-9, and 19-19 were dropped, and the International Badminton Federation (BWF) began experimenting with a different scoring system to improve the commercial and broadcasting appeal of the sport. This new system shortened games to seven points and decided matches by the best of five games. However, match length remained an issue, and in 2006, the BWF adopted the current scoring system.
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Scoring rules in men's singles
Scoring rules in badminton are relatively straightforward, but the service and receiving positions can be confusing. In men's singles, the aim is to be the first to reach 21 points and win two out of three games. A point is scored on every serve and is awarded to the player who wins the rally. The winner of the rally will then serve the next point.
The server will always start from the right service court, and they will serve from that side every time they have an even number of points. If the server has an odd number of points, they will serve from the left court. The receiver will stand in the diagonally opposite service court. The receiver's position is determined by the server's score, not their own. Therefore, both players will be in the even service courts or the odd service courts, but never one of each.
The birdie, or shuttlecock, must be hit below waist height, and players must serve diagonally into their opponent's service box. Both players must remain stationary until the serve is made. A point is won if the birdie hits the ground in the opponent's half of the court, including the lines. A point can be conceded if a shot goes outside the court boundaries, if the birdie hits the net or passes through or under it, or if a player strikes the birdie twice with their racket. Players must wait for the birdie to cross the net before playing a shot. Touching the net with your body or racket results in a conceded point.
It is easy to lose track of the score, so it is good practice to say the score out loud to your opponent before starting each rally. When saying the score, always state the server's score first. For example, if you are serving and have 10 points to your opponent's 15, the score is 10-15, not 15-10.
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Scoring rules in ladies' singles
Badminton is played either as singles or doubles. In ladies' singles, two female players compete against each other. The first player to score 21 points wins the game. If the score reaches 20-20, a player must win by two clear points. For instance, 22-20 would be a winning score, but 21-20 would not be enough. If the score reaches 29-29, the first player to score the 30th point wins.
The server starts from the right service court and will serve from that side every time they have an even number of points. A player serves from the left each time they have an odd number of points. The server will retain the serve as long as they keep winning. The receiver's position is determined by the server's score. The receiver always stands in the service box diagonally opposite the server. Each player has a service court, and the players never change their service courts. The only way to change service courts is to win a point when your side is serving. When the receiving side wins a rally, the serve passes to them, but their service courts do not change.
The birdie, also known as 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. The shuttlecock should be hit below waist height, and players serve diagonally into their opponent's service box. Both players must remain stationary until the serve is made.
In club badminton, players usually stop after one game and choose players for the next game. In standard league or tournament play, a match consists of the best of three games, with the winner being the first to win two games.
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Scoring rules in doubles
Scoring rules in badminton doubles:
The scoring system in badminton is the same for both singles and doubles matches. The first side to reach 21 points wins a game. However, if the score reaches 20-20, the game continues until one side has a two-point lead. If the score reaches 29-29, the first side to get their 30th point wins.
In doubles, the server will start on the right-hand side and keep serving, while alternating sides with their teammate, as long as they keep winning points. If the receiving side wins a point, they assume the serve, and the player who did not initially serve will then serve once their side has won a point. The receivers never change their service courts; the only way to change service courts is to win a point when your side is serving.
A coin toss is usually used to decide which side serves first, although in more casual games, players may simply throw the shuttlecock in the air and let it land. The receiver always stands in the service box diagonally opposite the server. The server hits the shuttlecock after winning a rally.
In badminton, a fault is when the shuttlecock hits the net or gets caught in it during the service, or when a player's racket or body goes over the net during an attempted hit.
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Frequently asked questions
The maximum score in an official badminton game is 30 points.
A point is scored on every serve and is awarded to the side that wins the rally. The first side to reach 21 points wins the game.
If the score is 20-20, a side must win by two clear points to win the game.
The scoring system in badminton is called the 3 x 21 rally point system.
