Andrew Pace
Badminton is a racket sport played with a shuttlecock, where players hit it over a net to score points. The badminton court is rectangular and divided in half by a net, with each side further split by a center line into left and right service courts. The service courts are set back from the net by a 'short service line', and the doubles game also features a 'long service line' placed 2.5 feet from the back boundary line. The first serve is always from the right service court, and the server alternates between the left and right service courts with each subsequent point.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Court dimensions for singles | 44' length, 17' width |
| Court dimensions for doubles | 44' length, 20' width |
| Court dimensions for juniors | 34' length, 20' width |
| Service court error | Serving or receiving from the wrong side of the court |
| Service court sides | Left and right |
| Service court line | Short and long |
| Service court positioning | Diagonally opposite sides of the court |
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The first serve
The service court in badminton is located within the badminton court, which is a rectangular surface divided in half by a net. The court dimensions vary slightly between singles and doubles matches. For singles, the court is 17 feet wide, while for doubles, it is 20 feet wide. The length of the court is 44 feet, but for junior players, it is recommended to reduce the length to 34 feet to make it easier for young athletes to reach across the court.
The service court is split by a center line that divides the width of the court. It is set back from the net by a 'short service line', which is 6.5 feet from the center of the court to each sideline. This short service line is often used as a reference point for serving. The 'long service line' for singles is the rear boundary of the court itself, while for doubles, it is marked by a separate line located 2.5 feet from the back boundary.
When serving, the player must ensure that the shuttlecock is hit below the waist, and that some part of their feet is in contact with the court surface. The serve must go over the net and land within the boundaries of the opponent's side of the court. If the serve goes out of bounds, the receiving player or side wins the point.
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Singles vs doubles
The service courts in badminton are located on either side of the net, with each player or pair of players having a right and left service court. The service court is a box made from four lines, with the width extending from the side tramline to the centre line, and the length extending from the front service line to the inside back line.
Now, onto the differences between singles and doubles in badminton. The main differences lie in the court size, the gameplay, and the techniques employed.
Court Size
In singles, the tramlines are out of bounds, resulting in a narrower court. Conversely, in doubles, the tramlines are considered in play, making the court wider. Additionally, the doubles service courts are wider and shorter than those in singles due to the utilisation of different lines.
Gameplay
In singles, players have full control over their shots, allowing for a variety of offensive, defensive, and deceptive techniques. The absence of a teammate means that singles demand a combination of speed, power, and strategic play aimed at exhausting the opponent. Footwork and shot technique are of utmost importance as mistakes can easily result in lost points.
On the other hand, doubles is characterised by lightning-fast rallies and a wider range of shot types. Teamwork, communication, and court coverage are essential, with players needing to predict opponents' shots and adjust their positions accordingly. The presence of a partner allows for a mix of shots, including pushes, net shots, deceptive lifts, and drive shots.
Techniques
While singles may favour high-risk, high-reward play with deadly smashes, drops, and punch clears, doubles require less floaty shots and more fast-paced shots. Hard smashes are less effective in doubles, with half smashes targeting the body, hips, or shoulders being more advantageous. Doubles also involve covering your partner and intercepting mid-court shots by predicting your opponents' moves.
In summary, the choice between singles and doubles in badminton depends on your preference for a solo or collaborative game. Both formats offer distinct challenges and opportunities for sharpening your skills and enhancing your overall performance on the court.
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Court markings
A badminton court is a rectangular surface divided in half by a net. The court is usually marked for both singles and doubles matches, with boundary widths varying between the two match types. The doubles court is wider and has a shorter serve-length distance than the singles court.
The service courts are split by a centre line dividing the width of the court and are set back from the net by a 'short service line'. This line is located 6.5 ft (1.98 m) from the net and is often used as a reference point for serving. The short service line links the net to the sideline, and it should measure 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) from the centre of the court to each sideline. The sideline and baseline are the outer boundaries of the court.
For singles matches, the court measures 17 ft (5.18 m) wide and is marked by a 'long service line' located 22 ft (6.7 m) from the net. This long service line is the rear boundary of the court itself. In doubles matches, the court measures 20 ft (6.1 m) wide and features a separate 'long service line' that is placed 2.5 ft (0.76 m) in from the back boundary line. This line is located 2 ft 6 in (0.76 m) from the back boundary line and is used for doubles service.
All court markings are done with white paint or tape for better contrast and visibility, although bright yellow may be used if it is more suitable. The playing surfaces are typically wooden, synthetic, or concrete, with professional courts invariably using synthetic or wooden surfaces as concrete is prone to causing injury. Synthetic courts require regular mopping and sweeping to remove abrasion caused by player movements over time. Wooden courts, meanwhile, need to be protected from external factors such as humidity and dust, which can spoil the playing surface. Regular cleaning and polishing with special gripping coats, such as gum, are applied to keep the surface playable.
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Service rules
The service rules in badminton are set by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) to ensure fairness in the game. While the serve may not be as decisive as in other sports, it is still an important part of a player's gameplay.
To begin, the server is determined by a coin toss. The player then stands on the right side of the service court and starts the service by moving their racket head forward. The server must ensure that some part of their feet is in contact with the court surface while making the serve. The shuttlecock must be struck below 1.15 meters (3.77 feet) from the court's surface to limit power and ensure fairness. In non-BWF tournaments, players follow the traditional rule of hitting the shuttle below the waist. The shuttlecock must be hit over the net to the opponent's side without touching the net or going out of bounds. If the shuttlecock goes out of bounds, the receiving player or side wins the point.
In doubles, the basic service rules remain the same, but the positioning is slightly different. The server's partner should stand on the opposite side of the court, and the receiver must stand on the alternate service court. After a point is scored, the players switch sides, and the player who served now stands on the opposite service court. In doubles, it is important to remember that the side is "in" and the back is "out" for serving. Additionally, no player on the receiving side shall receive two consecutive services in the same game.
The players on either side can take up any positions on their side of the court as long as they do not impede the sight of the server or receiver. It is important to avoid service court violations, such as serving outside the designated service area or touching the net with your body or racket before or during the serve. Distracting the opponent during their serve is also illegal.
The first side to reach 21 points with a two-point difference wins the game, and a match consists of three games. After each game, the sides change, and any player from the winning side can serve in the next game.
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Scoring system
The scoring system in badminton has evolved over the years, with the original scoring system dating back to as early as 1873. In the traditional scoring system, a match or rubber is decided by the best of three games, with each game played to 15 points in men's singles and doubles, 11 points in ladies' singles, and 21 points if a single game determines a match or rubber.
In 2002, the International Badminton Federation (now the Badminton World Federation, or BWF) experimented with different scoring systems to improve the commercial and broadcasting appeal of the sport, as matches could be unpredictable and lengthy. This resulted in the adoption of a new scoring system in August 2006, which capped scoring at 30 points and introduced a golden point rule at 29-29.
The current scoring system in badminton, as of the BWF's endorsement in November 2024, is the 3 x 15 (setting to 21) scoring system. This means that matches are still the best of three games, with each game now played to 15 points, and if the score reaches 14-14, the player who got to 14 first can choose to 'set' and play to 15 or play straight through to 15, with the winner being the first to score three points. If the score reaches 29-29, the first to get their 30th point wins.
In singles, the first to serve is determined by a coin toss, and they serve from the right side of the service court. The server will then continue to serve from the right side after scoring an even number of points and from the left side after an odd number of points. The receiver must stand on the alternate service court, and the player or pair that wins the point becomes the server for the next point. In doubles, 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 side wins a point, they assume the serve, and the player who did not initially serve will only assume the serve once their side has won a point as the receiving side.
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Frequently asked questions
The badminton court is divided into halves by a net, with each half further divided into left and right service courts by a centre line.
The short service line is 6.5 ft (1.98 m) from the net.
The long service line in singles is located 22 ft (6.7 m) from the net.
The long service line in doubles is located 2 ft 6 inches (0.76 m) from the back boundary line, which is 26 ft (7.92 m) from the net.
The service court is located in front of the net, with the short service line linking the net to the sideline.
