Badminton is a fast-paced and exhilarating sport that requires skill, speed, and precision. Whether you’re a beginner stepping onto the court for the first time or a seasoned player looking to refine your skills, understanding the basic rules of badminton is crucial. In this article, we’ll explore the fundamental rules of the sport.
Match Structure:
All singles and doubles matches follow a best-of-three games format.
The first side to reach 21 points wins a game.
Scoring a Point:
A point is scored on every serve, and it goes to the side that wins the rally.
The winning side earns the next serve.
Tied Scores:
If the score is 20-20, a side must win by two clear points to secure the game.
If the score reaches 29-29, the first to get their 30th point wins.
Change of Ends:
Players change ends at the end of the first game.
In a best-of-three match, they also change ends at the end of the second game.
In the third game, a change of ends occurs when one side reaches a score of 11 points.
Winning a Point:
A point is won if the shuttlecock hits the ground in the opponent’s half of the court, including the lines.
Points can be conceded if the shot goes outside the court boundaries, if the shuttlecock hits the net or passes through/under it, or if a player strikes the shuttlecock twice with their racket.
Playing Etiquette:
Players must wait for the shuttlecock to cross the net before playing a shot.
While players can follow through over the net, touching the net with the body or racket results in conceding a point.
Service Rules:
The serve must be made diagonally across the net.
The server’s feet must remain stationary, with both feet on the ground, until the shuttle is struck.
The shuttle must be below the server’s waist at the time of contact.
In and Out Boundaries:
The court is divided into different zones for singles and doubles play.
During a serve, the shuttle must land inside the diagonal boundaries of the receiver’s service court.
In rallies, the shuttle must land within the court’s boundaries, and players must be mindful of the sideline and baseline.
Faults and Lets:
A fault occurs when a rule is broken, resulting in the loss of a rally and, potentially, a point.
Common faults include hitting the shuttle out of bounds, not clearing the net, or touching the net with any part of the body or racket.
A let is called when a rally must be stopped and replayed, usually due to unforeseen interruptions or disturbances.
Change of Ends:
Players switch sides at the end of each game and when the leading score reaches 11 points in the third game (if played).
This ensures that environmental conditions, such as lighting and air circulation, affect both sides equally.
Doubles Specific Rules:
In doubles, each team has a specific service court, and players must take turns serving.
The serving side scores a point only when they win the rally.
The receiving side becomes the serving side if they win the rally.
No Double Hits:
A player cannot hit the shuttle twice consecutively.
If the shuttle hits the racket and then any part of the player’s body or clothing, it is considered a fault.
Mastering the basics of badminton is essential for enjoying the game and competing effectively. By understanding these fundamental rules, players can ensure fair play, maintain sportsmanship, and elevate their skills on the court. So, grab your racket, lace up your shoes, and dive into the dynamic world of badminton!