Kristian Ferrell
Badminton is a popular sport with a passionate following around the world. It can be played as singles or doubles. In singles, there are two players competing against each other, while in doubles, two pairs of players form teams and compete against each other. In both formats, players can score points for their team. The scoring system in badminton has evolved over the years, with the current rally point system allowing both players to score points during a rally, regardless of who served. This system has made the game faster and more exciting, with clear rules for serving and scoring. Let's delve into the specifics of how points are scored in badminton and explore the strategies teams can employ to maximise their score.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of players | Singles: 2; Doubles: 4 |
| Number of games | Best of three |
| Points to win a game | 21 |
| Points to win if score is tied at 20-20 | 2 clear points |
| Upper limit of points | 30 |
| Point scored on | Every serve |
| Next serve | Awarded to the winning side |
| Service courts | One on the left, one on the right |
| Serving rules | Underarm and below waist height |
| Shuttlecock height | Below 1.15m from the surface of the court |
| Racket shaft | Pointing downwards |
| Shuttlecock bounce | Not allowed |
| Player position | Inside or outside the court |
| Net touch | Not allowed |
| Hitting the shuttlecock twice | Not allowed |
| Referee's call | 'Let' in case of unforeseen or accidental issues |
| Rest periods | 90 seconds after the first game and 5 minutes after the second game |
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What You'll Learn
The rally point system
Under this format, a match or rubber is typically decided by the best of three games, with each game played to 21 points. In the event of a 20-20 tie, the game continues until one side establishes a two-point lead, ensuring a clear victory. If the score reaches 29-29, the game concludes when one side scores its 30th point.
Prior to the adoption of the current system, various other scoring formats were utilised. One such format, used in men's singles and doubles matches, featured games played to 15 points. In ladies' singles, a game was typically 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.
Over time, the BWF has continued to experiment with different scoring systems to regulate playing time and enhance viewer experience. For instance, in 2014, the BWF considered a system with five games to 11 points, aiming to shorten match lengths. However, they ultimately endorsed a 3 x 15 (setting to 21) scoring system as their preferred format.
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Singles and doubles scoring
Badminton can be played as singles or doubles. In singles, there are two players competing against each other, whereas in doubles, two pairs of players form teams, resulting in four players in total.
In singles, the server starts from the right service court and will continue to serve from that side every time they have an even number of points. If they have an odd number of points, they will serve from the left. Each player will retain the serve as long as they keep winning. The badminton court measures 13.41m (44ft) long and 5.18m (17ft) wide.
In doubles, the server starts on the right-hand side and keeps 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. The player who did not initially serve will only assume serving once their side has won a point as the receiving side. The width of the court is extended to 6.1m (20ft) in doubles.
The first side to reach 21 points wins the game in both singles and doubles. If the score reaches 20-20, a side must win by two clear points. If the score reaches 29-29, the first side to get their 30th point wins. In the event of a third game, players will change ends when one side reaches 11 points.
There are variations to the scoring system, with some clubs employing a 15-point system, and others suggesting a shorter game of the best of five 11-point sets.
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Scoring in doubles
Scoring in badminton doubles follows the same rules as in singles, with a few differences. The main difference is that in doubles, pairs win points together, rather than individuals. The first pair to reach 21 points wins the game, and matches are the best of three games. If the score reaches 20-20, the game continues until one pair has a two-point lead. If the score reaches 29-29, the first pair to score 30 points wins.
In terms of serving, the pair that serves first is decided by a coin toss in major tournaments, or by throwing the shuttlecock in the air and seeing which side it points to in more casual games. The server will start on the right-hand side and keep serving, alternating sides with their teammate, as long as they keep winning points. If the receiving pair wins a point, they get to serve. The player who did not initially serve for each team will only assume the serve once their side has won a point as the receiving side. The serve does not alternate between partners and stays with one person until the opposing pair wins a rally and gets the serve.
The server with the odd score serves from the left court, and the server with the even score serves from the right court. The receiver will stand in the diagonally opposite service court. It is good practice to say the score out loud to your opponent before each rally to avoid disputes. 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.
A point is scored when the shuttlecock lands inside the opponent's court. A point is also awarded if a returned shuttlecock hits the net or lands outside the court. A legal serve must be hit diagonally over the net and across the court, underarm, and below the server's waist height. The whole of the shuttlecock should be below 1.15 metres from the surface of the court when hit by the server, with the racquet shaft pointing downwards. The shuttlecock is not allowed to bounce.
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Scoring a point
In singles, a player will retain the serve as long as they keep winning points. In doubles, the server will start on the right-hand side and keep serving, alternating sides with their partner as long as they keep winning points. If the receiving side wins a point, they gain the serve, and the player who did not initially serve will then take over serving duties.
In terms of the actual scoring, the first player or team to reach 21 points wins the 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 gain 30 points wins. This rule is in place to prevent games from dragging on too long, especially at the top level of play, where long games can put athletes at risk of injury.
It is important to note that the server's score is always stated first. For example, if the server has 10 points and the opponent has 15, the score is called at 10-15, not 15-10. This is because the receiver's position is determined by the server's score. The receiver always stands in the service box diagonally opposite the server, so both players will either be in the even or odd service courts.
Finally, there are some rules regarding the serve itself. The serve must be hit underarm and below the server's waist height, with the whole shuttlecock below 1.15 metres from the court surface when struck. The racquet shaft should be pointing downwards, and the shuttlecock is not allowed to bounce.
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Winning a game
To win a game of badminton, you need to be the first player or team to score 21 points. Each player or team will retain serve as long as they keep winning points. If the score reaches 20-20, the game continues until a team achieves a two-point lead. If the score reaches 29-29, the first team to reach 30 points wins.
To win points, you can employ tactics that will force your opponent to play your style of game, making them uncomfortable and more prone to mistakes. For example, if you're good at playing near the net, get close to the net as often as possible and hit powerful drop shots that your opponent can't return. If you prefer to stay at the back line, hit long shots that land deep in your opponent's court to keep them away from the net. You can also try to confuse your opponent by hitting shots in unpredictable directions and varying your shots so they can't guess your next moves.
Improving your physical ability and strategic thinking can also help you win. Practice drills like shadow badminton and hitting shuttles against a wall can improve your speed and shot accuracy. Taking up yoga can improve your flexibility and help you reach shots more easily, as well as improve your breathing control for better cardiovascular performance.
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Frequently asked questions
A player or team must reach 21 points to win a game.
If the game is tied at 20-20, a player or team must win by two clear points.
Yes, if the score becomes 29-29, the player or team to score the 30th point wins the game.
A badminton match consists of the best of three games of 21 points. So, to win a match, a player or team must win two out of three games.
In singles, a player will retain serve for as long as they keep winning points. 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.
