
The first serve in badminton is an important topic to understand, as it sets the tone for the match and can provide a strategic advantage. The rules for the first serve are determined by the scoring system in badminton. In singles, the server starts from the right service court with an even score and from the left with an odd score. In doubles, the server always starts on the right and alternates sides with their teammate as long as they keep winning points. The first serve occurs from the right side of the court, and the player who serves first is typically decided by a coin toss. The shuttlecock, or birdie, must be hit in an upward direction and below the waist of the server, landing in the opposing diagonal service court.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Server's starting position | Right-hand side of the court |
| Server's position after first point | Depends on the score; right for even scores, left for odd scores |
| Server's position for the rest of the game | Retains the position as long as they keep winning points |
| Opponent's position after first point | If the opponent wins the first point, they assume the serve |
| Opponent's position for the rest of the game | Opponent alternates between sides with their teammate as long as they keep winning points |
| Birdie/shuttlecock | Made of feathers or synthetic material attached to a cork or rubber base |
| Birdie/shuttlecock weight | Between 4.74 and 5.5g |
| Birdie/shuttlecock length | Between 62-70mm |
| Birdie/shuttlecock serve rules | Served diagonally into the opponent's service box; entire shuttlecock should be below the waist of the server |
| Change of ends | After the first game; in a third game, ends change when one side reaches 11 points |
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What You'll Learn

The first serve is always from the right side of the court
The first serve in badminton is always made from the right side of the court. This is true for both singles and doubles matches. The server's position is determined by the score: if the player or team serving has an even score, they serve from the right, and if they have an odd score, they serve from the left. For example, if a team's score is 14, they must serve from the right side.
The first serve is a critical part of the game as it sets the tone for the rally. A well-executed serve can give the serving side a strategic advantage. The serve must be made diagonally, with the shuttlecock hit upwards and landing in the opposing diagonal service court. The shuttlecock should be struck so that it is below the waist of the server when hit. The waist is considered to be an imaginary line at the level of the server's lowest rib.
There are different ways to determine who serves first in a badminton match. One method is to use a coin toss, with the winner deciding whether to serve or choose a side. Another method is to play a rally with the shuttlecock, with the winner of the rally having the right to serve or choose a side.
The rules of badminton state that players must change ends under specific conditions. In a three-game match, players should change ends after the first and second games. In the third game, players change ends when one side reaches a score of 11 points.
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The server's position depends on the score
The server's position in badminton depends on the score. Matches are typically played as a best-of-three-games format, with each game played to 21 points. To win a game, a player or pair must have a two-point lead, or if the score reaches 29-29, a sudden-death point decides the winner.
The first serve of the game is always made from the right side of the court, from within the service box. For the rest of the game, the server's position alternates between the left and right service boxes, depending on their score. If the server's score is even, they serve from the right box; if it's odd, they serve from the left. This rule applies regardless of whether the game is singles or doubles.
It's important to note that the server must follow certain rules when executing the serve. The shuttlecock must be hit in an upward direction and land in the opposing diagonal service court. Both feet must be in contact with the floor, and no part of the foot should be touching the service line or other court boundaries when the serve is hit. The serve must also be made underarm, with the racket head and shaft angled downward, and the shuttlecock below the waist at contact.
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The first serve is diagonal to the opponent's service box
The first serve in badminton is an important part of the game, setting the tone for the rally and offering strategic advantages if well-executed. The rules of the game dictate that the first serve is diagonal to the opponent's service box. This means that the server and receiver stand on diagonally opposite sides of the court.
In singles, the player serves from the right service court when their score is even and from the left when odd. For instance, if a team's score is 14, they serve from the right. This rule applies to both singles and doubles matches. In a doubles match, the server starts on the right-hand side and keeps serving and alternating sides with their teammate as long as they keep winning points.
The service court dimensions are 3.96m (13ft) in length and 2.59m (8.5ft) in width. The birdie or shuttlecock, the unique 'ball' of badminton, is hit upwards and diagonally into the opponent's service box. It must be struck so that the entire shuttlecock is below the server's waist, with the waist being an imaginary line at the server's lowest rib.
There are different methods to determine who serves first, including using the shuttlecock, playing a rally, or tossing a coin. The winner of the previous set starts serving in the following set. If a player commits a fault during service, they lose the serve and the point.
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The winner of the previous set serves first in the next
In badminton, the winner of a set does not serve first in the next. Instead, the losing team or player of the previous game serves first in the next game.
The first serve in a badminton match is always made from the right-hand court. After that, the service alternates between the right and left service courts depending on the server's score. If the server's score is even, they serve from the right service court; if the score is odd, they serve from the left service court. This rule applies to both singles and doubles matches.
It's important to note that the server's position is crucial in badminton. A well-executed serve can provide a strategic advantage to the serving side. When executing the serve, the shuttlecock must be hit in an upward direction and land in the opposing diagonal service court.
In singles play, the shuttlecock must land within the long, narrow court on the opponent's side. Meanwhile, in doubles, it must land within the short, wide court. A "let serve" occurs when the shuttlecock touches the top of the net but still lands in the proper service court. This is considered a fault unless it lands in the service court.
To summarise, while the winner of a badminton set might feel confident going into the next game, they do not get to serve first. The losing player or team of the previous game has the opportunity to turn the tables by serving first in the next game, allowing them to try and gain the upper hand.
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There are different ways to decide who serves first
In some cases, the first serve may be determined by the rules of the tournament or competition. For example, in a best-of-three-games match, the winner of the previous game may get to choose whether to serve or receive first in the next game. This is often the case in professional badminton tournaments, where the player or team that won the previous game has the advantage of choosing whether to serve or receive first in the next one.
It's important to note that the side of the court from which the first serve is made also matters in badminton. The server serves from the right side of the court if their score is even, and from the left side if their score is odd. This rule applies regardless of whether it is a singles or doubles game. So, when deciding who serves first, it's also important to keep in mind which side of the court the first serve will be made from.
Additionally, some tournaments or friendly matches may use a "serve for the first point" rule, where the first serve is chosen through a random selection process, such as a coin toss or drawing lots. This method ensures that both players or teams have an equal opportunity to start the game with a potential advantage.
In conclusion, there are various ways to determine who serves first in badminton, each with its own set of advantages and considerations. The choice of method can depend on the specific rules of the tournament or competition, as well as the preference of the players involved.
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Frequently asked questions
The first serve in badminton is made from the right side of the court.
In singles, the server serves from the right service court when their score is even and from the left when it is odd. In doubles, the server starts on the right and keeps serving while alternating sides with their teammate as long as they keep winning points.
The first server can be decided by a coin toss or a rally. If a coin toss is used, the winner can choose whether to serve or receive first. If a rally is used, the winner of the rally will serve first.
There are several ways to serve in badminton, including a short backhand serve, a high-toss serve, or a long forehand serve. The type of serve may depend on a player's strategy or handedness.
Yes, the shuttlecock must be hit in an upward direction and land in the opposing diagonal service court. Additionally, at the moment of being hit by the server's racket, the entire shuttlecock should be below the server's waist.
















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