It is super important for every badminton player to know the rules of badminton well if you want to play a badminton match. Whether you play recreationally or want to win matches, a good understanding of the badminton rules not only provides more fun, but also a greater chance of winning. Below you can read an explanation of the most important badminton rules, so that you are better prepared on the court.
What are the official rules for badminton?
The rules in badminton are established by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) and are the same everywhere in the world. With these rules, the BWF ensures fair competition, which all players must adhere to.
Scoring in badminton
In Badminton, scoring is actually very simple. The game is being played up to 21 pointswhere the winner is always at least two points difference must have. When the score is 20-20, play continues until one player has a two-point lead or the score of 30 reaches.
The ‘Rally point’ systeemwhich means that every mistake or score means a point for you or the opponent. By default, a maximum of 3 sets are played and if you win two sets, you win!
The playing field and setup
Lines are drawn on the badminton court for both singles and doubles:
- For single game is the field smaller then for doubles
- The serving courts differ in depth between singles and doubles (explained below)
This difference can be confusing for new players, so pay close attention to the lines during the game! Make sure you always know whether you are in a singles or doubles match.
Server rules and techniques
The serve is crucial in a badminton match and often determines the pace of the rally. There are strict rules for serving:
- The shuttle must privately be beaten
- The shuttle must below the waist hitting the serving player
- It racketblad has to get started point downwards
In addition, the server must always ‘obliquely‘ to it opposite serving compartment serve. An incorrect serve immediately leads to a loss of points, so make sure you know these rules well to avoid mistakes.
Rules for doubles in badminton
- The serving area is wider, but shorter
- After the service, the outer lines apply and the entire court is part of the game
- After each point won, the players switch serving courts
- Only the receiving player in the ‘diagonally’ opposite court may return the service
Communication and cooperation are crucial in doubles. A good doubles team knows who hits the shuttle and when and sticks to the agreements. Make clear agreements with your teammate to avoid confusion.
Important ‘fouls’ in badminton
To enforce the rules of the game, a number of ‘fouls’ have been drawn up that lead to a loss of points for the offending side:
- Double stroke: The shuttle may only be touched once per turn. Hitting the shuttle twice will result in a loss of point
- Netfout: It is forbidden to touch the net with anything other than the shuttle during play. Any contact with the net, whether by the badminton racket or by the body, is considered a foul.
- Outside the lines: The shuttle must land within or on the lines of the court; otherwise the point goes to the opponent.
Tactics and tips to avoid mistakes
A good understanding of the rules of the game helps to avoid mistakes, but tactics also play a role.
- Play controlled and keep the shuttle within the court
- Communicate with your partner in doubles
- Pay attention to the lines and adjust your force when hitting the shuttle to avoid mistakes
Frequently asked questions about badminton rules
Below we answer some frequently asked questions about badminton:
What happens when the shuttle hits the ceiling?
If the shuttle hits the ceiling, you lose the point. So make sure you keep the shuttle under control and don’t hit it too high.
How do I know who can start the service?
A simple way to determine who starts is to toss a coin. The winner may choose to serve or receive. The player or team that does not start on server may choose which side of the field they start on.
How often can I serve?
There is one serve per player. If you make a mistake, the opponent serves, and he gets a point as compensation.
What are the rules regarding switching halves of the field?
In a match, players switch sides after each set. In the decisive third set, the players switch at a score of 11 points to ensure more equal conditions.
View the badminton range in our badminton store
Now that you have read the rules for badminton, you are of course also very curious about where you can buy the best badminton equipment. In the KW FLEX Badminton store you can find everything you need. Our colleagues can provide you with professional advice based on their years of experience.
