
Scoring in badminton is done through a point system. A point is scored when a player wins a rally, which happens when a player hits the shuttlecock over the net and into their opponent's court, and the opponent fails to return it. The first player to reach 21 points wins the game, but they must win by at least two points. If the game reaches 30 points, the player who reaches that score wins. The match is the best of three games, with the winner being the first player to win two games.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When a point is scored | When the shuttlecock lands inside the opponent's court or if a returned shuttlecock hits the net or lands outside of the court |
| Scoring | A point is scored every time a player wins a rally |
| Winner | First player to reach 21 points wins the game |
| Game limit | 30 points |
| Winning margin | A player must win by at least two points |
| Serving | If the server wins a rally, they score a point and then serve again from the alternate service court. If the receiver wins a rally, they score a point and become the new server |
| Service court | When the server's score is even, they serve from the right service court. When the server's score is odd, they serve from the left service court |
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What You'll Learn

Points are scored by winning rallies
Badminton is a fast-paced racquet sport where players score points by winning rallies. A rally refers to the back-and-forth exchange of shots between players during a point. To win a rally and earn a point, a player must hit the shuttlecock over the net and into their opponent's court, ensuring it cannot be returned. The shuttlecock must be hit underarm and below waist height, with the racquet shaft pointing downwards. If the shuttlecock hits the net or lands outside the court, the player loses the rally and the point.
When a player wins a rally, they score a point and gain the next serve. This means they switch from their previous position as server or receiver to the opposite role. The server's position is determined by their score; if their score is even, they serve from the right service court, and if it's odd, they serve from the left. The receiver stands in the diagonally opposite service court. This ensures that players alternate between service courts with each rally, creating a dynamic playing field.
In a badminton match, games are typically played up to 21 points, and a player must win by a margin of at least two points. If the game reaches a score of 20-20, the winning score is increased, requiring consecutive wins to secure victory. For example, a player might win with a score of 22-20 or 25-23, but not 21-20 or 24-23. This rule adds an exciting layer of challenge and prevents games from ending in a tie.
The scoring dynamics slightly differ in doubles matches, where pairs of players compete against each other. In this format, the pair functions as a unit, collectively earning points and determining the server and receiver roles. The service court positions are still dictated by the score of the serving player within the pair, ensuring a dynamic playing field.
It's important to note that proper etiquette dictates saying the score out loud to your opponent before starting each rally. This helps prevent disputes and keeps both players aware of the current standing. By following these scoring rules and conventions, players can fully engage in the exciting and strategic world of badminton.
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A point is a minimum lead of two
The scoring system in badminton is designed to be simple, but it can get a little confusing, especially when it comes to serving and receiving positions. The basic aim is for players to score points by hitting the shuttlecock over the net and into the opponent's court, ensuring that the opponent cannot return it. A point is scored when the shuttlecock lands inside the opponent's court. If a returned shuttlecock hits the net or lands outside the court, the player loses the point.
When a player wins a rally, they score a point and then serve again from the alternate service court. If the receiver wins a rally, the receiving side scores a point, and the player becomes the new server. They serve from the appropriate service court—left if their score is odd, and right if it is even. Each pair only has one serve.
The game starts with a player serving from the right (even) service court. The receiver's position is determined by the server's score. The receiver always stands in the service box diagonally opposite the server. In other words, both players will be in the even service courts, or both will be in the odd service courts. You can never have one player in an even court and the other in an odd court.
A badminton match is typically played as the best of three games, with each game played up to 21 points. However, to win a game, a player or team must have a minimum lead of two points. For example, a score of 21-20 is not sufficient to win; the winning score could be 22-20 or 25-23. If the score reaches 30-29, the game is won, as 30 points is the upper limit to prevent matches from dragging on for too long.
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The first to 21 points wins
Badminton is a fast-paced racquet sport that is played both recreationally and competitively. The aim of the game is to score points by successfully hitting the shuttlecock over the net and into the opponent's court, ensuring that the opponent cannot return it. A standard badminton match consists of the best of three games, with each game played up to 21 points. To win a game, a player must be the first to reach 21 points and lead by at least two points. For example, possible winning scores include 22-20 or 25-23, whereas 21-20 would not be sufficient.
The rules regarding serving in badminton are specific. At the beginning of the game, when the server's score is even, they serve from the right service court. Conversely, when the server's score is odd, they serve from the left service court. If the server wins a rally, they score a point and then serve again from the alternate service court. On the other hand, if the receiver wins a rally, they score a point and become the new server, serving from the appropriate court depending on whether their score is odd or even. It is important to note that the receiver's position is determined by the server's score, with both players occupying either the even or odd service courts.
The service rules can be challenging to grasp, especially in doubles matches. In doubles, each pair wins points together, and the serving and receiving positions can be confusing. The server and receiver must stand in diagonally opposite service courts, and the serve must be hit diagonally over the net and across the court. The badminton serve must always be an underarm shot, with the racquet shaft pointing downwards, and the shuttlecock should be hit below waist height.
It is essential to maintain good sportsmanship and fairness during the game. Players should avoid deliberately distracting their opponents and must not touch the net with any part of their body or racquet. Additionally, a player cannot hit the shuttlecock twice, and it is not allowed to bounce. If an unforeseen issue arises, the referee may call a 'let'. To prevent disputes, it is recommended to communicate the score to your opponent before starting each rally, stating the server's score first.
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Alternating service courts
In badminton, the server and receiver stand in diagonally opposite service courts. The service court on the right side is also known as the even service court, while the left side court is known as the odd service court. This is because the server switches between these courts based on whether their score is an even or odd number. For instance, if a player has scored an even number of points, they serve from the right court; if they have an odd number of points, they serve from the left court. This alternating service court rule applies to both singles and doubles matches.
The receiver's position is determined by the server's score. The receiver always stands in the service box diagonally opposite the server. This means that both players will be in the even service courts or the odd service courts together. It is never a mix of one player in an even court and the other in an odd court.
The basic service rules are the same for singles and doubles matches. However, the doubles service rules are slightly more complicated in the BWF's laws. In doubles, no player on the receiving side shall receive two consecutive services in the same game. If any player has served or received out of turn or from the wrong side of the court, it is deemed a service court error and is immediately corrected.
The service or serve is an important part of a badminton player's gameplay. A correct service is when a player hits the shuttlecock with their racket over the net to the opponent's side without the shuttlecock getting stuck in the net or going out of bounds. The shuttlecock should be below the server's waist when hit, and the whole shuttle should be below 1.15 metres from the court surface. The serve can be initiated with a short backhand or a high-toss, and players can also go for a long forehand serve to push their opponent to the baseline and stretch the play.
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The shuttlecock must not bounce
It is essential to understand that, in badminton, one of the fundamental ways to earn points is by ensuring that the shuttlecock does not bounce. This is a key factor that distinguishes badminton from other racquet sports, where bouncing or hitting the ball on the ground is permissible. In badminton, the absence of bouncing is a critical aspect that players must adhere to during rallies and when attempting to score points.
The shuttlecock, also known as the birdie, is a unique feature of badminton. It is designed with a distinct shape, consisting of a cork or synthetic base, a circular skirt typically made of nylon or plastic, and a cone-shaped top. This construction gives the shuttlecock an aerodynamic quality, allowing it to cut through the air with minimal drag, which is crucial for the fast-paced nature of the game.
For a shot to be considered valid and for points to be scored, the shuttlecock must be hit without touching the ground. This rule applies to both casual and competitive play. The absence of bouncing ensures that the game flows smoothly and maintains a continuous pace. Allowing the shuttlecock to bounce would disrupt the rhythm and speed of the game, as players would have to wait for it to rebound, which is contrary to the intended nature of badminton.
The act of hitting the shuttlecock without bouncing introduces a level of complexity and skill to the game. Players must possess precise timing, accurate stroke placement, and a keen understanding of shot selection. They need to coordinate their movements effectively to intercept the shuttlecock before it touches the ground, demanding excellent hand-eye coordination and quick reflexes.
Additionally, the no-bounce rule in badminton contributes to the strategic aspect of the game. Players must carefully consider their shot choices, angles, and placement to gain a tactical advantage over their opponents. They can employ a variety of shots, such as smashes, drives, drops, and cuts, to catch their opponents off guard and make it challenging for them to return the shuttlecock successfully without letting it bounce.
In conclusion, the rule "the shuttlecock must not bounce" is integral to the nature of badminton. It sets the pace, flow, and strategic complexity of the game. By adhering to this rule, players can showcase their skills, quick reflexes, and tactical thinking. Understanding and mastering this fundamental aspect of badminton is crucial for players aiming to improve their performance and achieve success in competitive matches.
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Frequently asked questions
Points are scored by hitting the shuttlecock over the net and into the opponent's court, ensuring that the opponent cannot return it.
The player gets to serve when they have won a rally and scored a point. The server serves from the right service court if their score is even and from the left service court if their score is odd.
A game is usually played to 21 points, but if the score reaches 20-20, then the game continues until one player has a two-point lead. However, the maximum score is 30 points.










































