
When preparing to serve in singles in badminton, players must stand on the right side of the service court if they have an even number of points and on the left side if they have an odd number of points. The receiver must stand on the alternate service court. The players' feet must not touch any of the court lines, and they must strike the cork of the shuttlecock, not the feather, ensuring that it is below waist level. The serve must be delivered in a forward continuous motion, without any undue delay once both players are ready.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Court position | The server and receiver stand on diagonally opposite sides of the court without touching the boundary lines. |
| Foot placement | The server's feet must be in contact with the ground and must not touch any court lines. |
| Shuttlecock position | The entire shuttlecock should be below the waist of the server when hit by the racket. |
| Shuttlecock base | The cork, not the feathers, must be struck first. |
| Shuttlecock height | The shuttlecock must be struck below 1.15 meters. |
| Serving order | The player who serves first does so from the right side of the service court. |
| Service motion | The service motion must be continuous with no pauses. |
| Service delay | There should be no undue delay between the server and receiver being ready and the start of the service. |
| Service style | Common styles include short backhand, high-toss, and long forehand serves. |
| Court coverage | In singles, the court is thinner, and the wide outside tramlines are out of bounds. |
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What You'll Learn

The receiver should stand closer to the centre when playing singles
When preparing to serve in singles badminton, the receiver should stand closer to the centre of the court. This is because, if you are too far away from the centre, your opponent can place the shuttlecock into the gap between you and the centre, leaving you unable to reach it.
The receiver should also be aware of the type of shot their opponent is playing. For example, if you play a net shot, your base will remain towards the front of the court. The tighter the net shot, the closer you will stand to the front. If you play a very tight net shot, then you can commit to the net, as your opponent's lifts will have to travel very high, giving you time to move back.
It is also important to adjust your base position to cover your opponent's strengths. For example, if your opponent relies heavily on cross-court drop shots, you can adjust your base slightly forward and towards the cross-court. This tactic can also be applied if your opponent is predictable in certain situations, even if all their shots are equally strong.
In singles badminton, the player who serves first in any game shall do so from the right side of the service court on which they begin the match. The sides are required to change after each game, and any player from the winning side can serve in the next game, and vice versa for the losing side.
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The first serve should be from the right side of the court
The first serve in badminton is an important aspect of the game. It sets the tone for the match and can offer an early advantage to the server. When preparing to serve in singles, the player must stand on the right side of the court. This is a fundamental rule of the game, and it applies to both singles and doubles matches. The player who serves first is decided by a coin toss, and this initial serve must come from the right service court.
The right side of the court offers a strategic advantage for the server. By standing on the right, the server can utilise a variety of serves to gain an early advantage. A short backhand serve is a common choice for initiating the match, but some players may opt for a high-toss serve. The angle and position of the server on the right allow for a broader range of shot options, which can help establish control from the outset.
The rules regarding the right-side serve are consistent across singles and doubles matches. The player who serves first always does so from the right service court. This rule remains constant, regardless of whether it is a singles or doubles game. However, in doubles matches, the service rules become slightly more intricate due to the involvement of partners.
After the initial serve, the server's position alternates. If the server wins an even number of points, they continue serving from the right side. However, if they accumulate an odd number of points, the subsequent serve must come from the left side of the court. This alternating pattern continues throughout the game, with the server's position changing after each point to maintain the integrity of the game.
The first serve from the right side is crucial as it establishes the flow of the game. It allows the server to employ various strategies and gain an early advantage. The right side of the court offers a wider range of shot options, providing an opportunity for the server to showcase their skills and set the tone for the match. Whether it's a short backhand, a high-toss, or a powerful forehand serve, the first serve from the right side is a critical element in the dynamic world of badminton.
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The cork, not the feather, must be struck
Serving is an art in badminton and forms a crucial part of a player's gameplay. There are a few rules that govern how one should serve, and these rules are in place to ensure a fair game.
One such rule is that the cork, not the feather, must be struck. This means that the base of the shuttlecock, or cork, should be struck first when serving. This rule was introduced because players were gaining an advantage by hitting the feathers first, creating a lot of spin on the shuttlecock. This new rule ensures that players cannot manipulate the spin in this way and also helps with the durability of the shuttlecock.
To ensure a legal serve, the shuttlecock should be struck below the server's waist. This is defined as below an imaginary line coinciding with the server's lowest rib, and the entire shuttlecock should be below 1.15 metres from the court surface when struck. The server must also ensure that there is no undue delay once both players are ready, and the serve must be one continuous motion without any pauses.
To summarise, when preparing to serve in badminton, it is important to remember that the cork of the shuttlecock must be struck first to ensure a fair game. This rule is in place to prevent players from gaining an advantage through excessive spin and also helps with the longevity of the shuttlecock. By following these guidelines, players can ensure their serves are legal and the game remains competitive and enjoyable for all participants.
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The shuttlecock should be below the waist of the server
When serving in badminton, the shuttlecock should be below the waist of the server when it is hit by the racket. This rule is crucial, as it ensures that the serve is fair and consistent. The waist is considered an imaginary line that coincides with the server's lowest rib. This means that the shuttlecock should be no higher than this imaginary line when it is struck by the racket.
Some players might argue that serving with the shuttlecock below the waist is a hindrance and will result in a slower shot. However, serving in this manner has its advantages. For instance, by striking the shuttlecock at a lower point, it takes a sharper trajectory and descends deceptively into the opponent's court, making it more challenging for them to attack the shot.
There are various techniques employed by players to achieve this. One technique is to hold the shuttlecock below the waist and then release the fingers to let it drop a few inches before making contact with the racket. This technique ensures that by the time the shuttlecock is struck, it is already a few inches below the waist, allowing for a sharper trajectory.
It is important to note that while there is no rule against throwing the shuttlecock as high as you want before serving, consistency might be more challenging with increased variables. Therefore, keeping the shuttlecock below the waist when serving is a recommended practice to ensure a fair and consistent serve in badminton.
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The receiver cannot receive two consecutive serves
When preparing to serve in singles badminton, the server and receiver stand on diagonally opposite sides of the court without touching the boundary lines. The player who serves first in any game shall do so from the right side of the service court on which they begin the match. The basic service rules state that the player who serves first shall continue to do so each time after gathering an even number of points during a game, while a serve after winning an odd number of points shall come from the left service court.
Now, onto the rule that "the receiver cannot receive two consecutive serves". This rule is in place to ensure fairness and variety in the game. Here's a detailed explanation:
In badminton, the receiver cannot receive two consecutive serves from the same player in the same game. This rule applies to both singles and doubles matches. The rationale behind this rule is to prevent one player from gaining an unfair advantage by consistently serving to the same receiver, who may become predictable or tired. It also encourages teamwork and strategy by requiring players to communicate and coordinate their serves and receives.
The receiving side can switch players between serves to match the serving player, especially if a receiver is struggling with a particular server's style. This ensures that different players on the receiving team get a chance to face different servers and return their serves. However, the receiver cannot simply wander around the court. They must stand on the alternate service court without impeding the sight of the server.
After a point is won, the pair who won the point becomes the server for the subsequent point, and the players on the other team become the receivers. This back-and-forth dynamic ensures that no player receives two consecutive serves, as the serving duty shifts with each point.
In summary, the rule "the receiver cannot receive two consecutive serves" is an essential part of badminton's service rules. It promotes fairness, teamwork, and strategic variety in the game of badminton. It also ensures that players on both teams have an opportunity to serve and receive during a match, creating a well-rounded and dynamic playing field.
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Frequently asked questions
The player who serves first does so from the right side of the service court and continues to do so each time they gather an even number of points during the game. A serve after winning an odd number of points comes from the left service court. The receiver must stand on the alternate service court, and the player or side that wins a point serves the next point.
Your feet must not be touching any of the court lines. Both the server and receiver must have both feet in contact with the ground until the shuttle is struck.
The optimal position when receiving a serve in singles is a place where 50% of the time, you receive a flick serve. However, most players receive a short serve most of the time. Moving forward would mean a better return on the serve if you receive a short serve.







































