Helena Frye
Badminton is a racquet sport played by either two opposing players (singles) or two opposing pairs (doubles). The first side to reach 21 points, with a two-point difference, wins the game, and a match consists of the best of three games. The player who serves first is usually decided by a coin toss, and the first serve is performed from the right side of the service court. The server must hit the shuttlecock diagonally to the opponent's half court and over their front service line, ensuring that the shuttlecock is below waist height when struck. The service forms a crucial part of a badminton player's gameplay, with professionals employing various strategies such as short backhand serves or high-toss serves to gain an advantage over their opponents.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How the first server is decided | Coin toss |
| Where the first server stands | Right side of the service court |
| Where the first receiver stands | Left side of the service court |
| Where the serve is aimed | Opponent's service box |
| Height of the serve | Below waist height |
| Height of the net | 1.55m (5ft 1in) at the ends, 1.52m (5ft) in the middle |
| Distance of the serve | Beyond the short service line, 1.98m (6.5ft) from the net |
| Scoring system | First to 21 points, with a two-point difference, wins the game; a match consists of three games |
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What You'll Learn
The first serve is from the right service court
The first serve in a badminton singles match is an important moment and the player who serves first will do so from the right service court. The player's position at the beginning of the match determines which side is used for the first serve. The server and receiver stand on diagonally opposite sides of the court without touching the boundary lines. The shuttlecock, also known as the birdie, should be hit below the waist of the server, with an imaginary line at the server's waist extending down to the lowest rib. The serve should also pass the short service line, which is 1.98m (6.5ft) from the net.
The player who serves first is decided by a coin toss, and after that, whichever player or side wins a point becomes the server for the next point. The basic service rules state that the player who serves first uses the right service court and continues to do so each time they have gathered an even number of points. When a player has an odd number of points, they serve from the left service court.
The type of serve employed by a badminton player is an important part of their gameplay. Some professionals prefer a short backhand serve, while others opt for a high-toss or long forehand serve. The angle of the shuttlecock when it is hit by a left-handed player also brings its own set of challenges for the receiver. While the serve in badminton is not as decisive as in sports like lawn tennis, it is still a crucial element of the game.
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The shuttlecock must be below the waist
The service is a crucial part of a badminton player's gameplay. The rules of service in badminton are quite detailed and specific, and these rules are the same for singles and doubles matches. One such rule is that the shuttlecock must be hit below the waist. This means that the entire shuttlecock must be below the waist level of the server at the exact moment it is struck by the racket. For the purposes of this rule, the waist is considered to be an imaginary line across the body, at the level of the player's lowest rib.
This rule is in place to ensure that the server does not gain an unfair advantage by striking the shuttlecock at a height or angle that makes it too difficult for the receiver to return. It also helps to ensure that the shuttlecock travels in a predictable trajectory, as its cone shape means that it will always fly cork-first once struck, until it is hit again. This consistency allows both players to make accurate returns and plan their gameplay.
The rule about the height of the strike also encourages players to focus on their technique and strategy, rather than simply using height to gain an advantage. A good serve in badminton is often about precision and control, rather than power. For example, a short backhand serve or a high-toss serve are commonly used by professionals to initiate play, and these types of serves are more about accuracy than strength.
It is important to note that while the shuttlecock must be struck below the waist, there are no restrictions on the follow-through of the player's racket. This means that a player can strike the shuttlecock at an angle that sends it above their waistline during the follow-through, as long as the initial contact with the shuttlecock was below the waist. This allows for a variety of serves and playing styles, while still maintaining fairness and competitiveness in the game.
Adhering to the "below the waist" rule is crucial in badminton, and it is one of the key factors that distinguish the sport from others like lawn tennis, where serve speed and accuracy are more important for gaining points.
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The receiver stands diagonally opposite
In a badminton singles match, the player who serves first is determined by a coin toss. The first serve of the game is performed from the right side of the service court. The server and receiver stand on diagonally opposite sides of the court without touching the boundary lines. The receiver must stand on the alternate service court. The players on either side can take up any position on their side of the court as long as they do not impede the sight of the server or receiver.
The receiver's diagonal position is essential for maintaining a balanced playing field. It ensures that neither player has an unfair advantage due to their court positioning. The diagonal stance encourages strategic play and demands a combination of offensive and defensive skills from both participants. The receiver's ability to read the server's intentions and adjust their position accordingly becomes critical in this configuration.
In addition to the initial positioning, the receiver must also be mindful of their movement during the rally. After the service, the receiver can adjust their position on their side of the court to gain a strategic advantage. However, it is crucial that they do not impede the server's sight or violate any rules regarding obstruction. The receiver's ability to interpret the server's tactics and adapt their stance accordingly becomes a crucial aspect of the game.
The receiver's diagonal stance is a fundamental aspect of the game's rules and fair play. It establishes a foundation for competitive and strategic exchanges. By adhering to this positioning, the receiver can actively engage with the server, creating a dynamic and unpredictable rally that showcases the skills and quick thinking of both players. This positioning is essential for maintaining the integrity of the game and promoting a challenging and entertaining experience for both participants.
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No delay is allowed once both players are ready
The service is a crucial part of a badminton player's gameplay. The BWF Laws of Badminton state that "neither side shall cause undue delay to the delivery of the service once the server and receiver are ready". This means that once the players are ready, there should be no delay in the service. The first forward movement of the server's racket head is considered the start of the service.
While there is no time limit specified in the rules, players have been called out for taking too long to serve. Umpires will usually warn players before calling a fault for a delay. It is generally advised that players should not take more than five seconds to serve once they are ready.
The service rules for singles and doubles are slightly different. In singles, the server starts from the right service court and will serve diagonally into their opponent's service box. In doubles, the player who serves first shall do so from the right side of the service court and continue to do so each time after scoring an even number of points. If an odd number of points is scored, the serve will come from the left service court.
The whole shuttlecock should be below the waist of the server when hit by the racket, and the base of the shuttle (the cork) must be struck first. This rule was introduced to prevent players from gaining an advantage by hitting the feathers first and creating spin.
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The winner of a game serves first in the next
In badminton, the winner of a game serves first in the next. This is true for both singles and doubles matches. The winner of the first point of a match is determined by a coin toss, and that player serves first.
The server starts the game by serving from the right service court. They will continue to serve from the right side when their score is even and from the left side when their score is odd. For example, if the server has scored 0, 2, or 4 points, they will serve from the right box. If they have scored 1, 3, or 5 points, they will serve from the left box.
The service must be hit diagonally to the opponent's half-court and over their front service line, which is the first horizontal line closest to the net. The shuttlecock should be hit below waist height, and the server must ensure that there is no undue delay once both players are ready. The entire shuttlecock should be below the server's waist at the instant it is hit, and the server's racket head and shaft must be angled downward.
In singles, the badminton court is 13.41m long and 5.18m wide. The net is 1.55m high at the ends and 1.52m high where it dips in the middle. The serve must pass the short service line, which is 1.98m from the net. The first side to reach 21 points, with a two-point difference, wins the game, and a match typically consists of three games.
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Frequently asked questions
The first server in a badminton match is usually decided by a coin toss.
The player who serves first in any game shall do so from the right side of the service court.
The shuttlecock should be hit diagonally to the opponent's half court and over their front service line. The shuttlecock should be below the waist of the server when hit.
The player who scores the first point shall become the server for the subsequent point.
The server will serve from the left side of the court after the first point and continue to alternate with each point scored.
