Badminton is a fast-paced racquet sport that is played indoors or outdoors, enjoyed by millions of people worldwide. The game involves two or four players who take positions on opposite sides of the court, separated by a net. The primary objective is to score points by hitting a shuttlecock over the net and into the opponent’s side of the court. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the essential rules of badminton, covering everything from the court setup to scoring, serving, and fouls.
Court Setup:
The badminton court is rectangular, with a net stretched across the center. The court is divided into two halves by the net. Each half is further divided into two service courts, creating a total of four service courts. The dimensions of the court can vary for singles and doubles play.
For singles, the court measures 44 feet in length and 17 feet in width. For doubles, the width increases to 20 feet. The net is positioned at the center, and its height is 5 feet at the center and 5 feet, 1 inch at the posts.
The service courts are marked by boundary lines. The back boundary lines for singles are 2 feet 6 inches from the back tramlines, while for doubles, they are the same as the full width of the court. The net posts are placed at the doubles’ side boundary lines.
Scoring System:
Badminton follows a rally scoring system, meaning a point is scored on every serve, regardless of which side serves. The first side to score 21 points wins a game, and a match is typically the best of three games.
In case both sides reach a score of 20-20, the game continues until one side gains a two-point lead, winning the game. If the score reaches 29-29, the side scoring the 30th point wins.
Serving:
The right to serve is decided by a coin toss or other means. The server must stand within the service court diagonally opposite to the receiver. The shuttle must be struck below the server’s waist, and both feet must be in contact with the ground during the serve.
The serve must be delivered underhand and must go diagonally across the net to land in the opponent’s service court. The server and the receiver must remain within their respective service courts until the serve is made.
In doubles, the server and receiver must stand within their service courts, and the partners must stand diagonally opposite each other. The server must serve from the right service court to the opponent’s right service court.
Scoring in Doubles:
In doubles, each team is allowed only one service attempt per turn. If the serving side wins a rally, the same server serves again from the alternate service court. If the serving side loses a rally, the serve is then passed to the opposing side.
Faults:
Various faults can occur during a badminton match, resulting in points awarded to the opponent. Some common faults include:
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Service Faults:
- Failure to keep both feet on the ground during the serve.
- Striking the shuttle above the waist during the serve.
- The shuttle landing outside the service court boundaries.
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Faults During Play:
- The shuttle landing outside the court boundaries.
- Failure to return the shuttle before it hits the ground.
- Hitting the shuttle into the net or outside the opponent’s court.
- Double hits, where the shuttle is hit twice in succession by the same player or team.
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Invasion of Court:
- Crossing the net and entering the opponent’s court during play.
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Receiver’s Faults:
- The receiver moving before the serve is made.
- The receiver’s partner moving before the serve is made.
Let and Re-Serve:
If the shuttle hits the net and lands in the opponent’s court, it’s called a “let,” and the rally is stopped. A let is also declared if there is a disturbance or an unforeseen circumstance during play. In such cases, the rally is replayed, and the serve is retaken.
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Changing Ends:
Players or teams change ends at the completion of each game. If a third game is played, they also change ends when the leading score reaches 11 points in that game.
Umpire and Line Judges:
In competitive play, an umpire oversees the match, making decisions on scoring, faults, and other rules. Line judges may also be present to assist in determining whether a shot is in or out. Players have the right to challenge line judge decisions, and technology like Hawkeye may be used to review contentious calls.
Equipment:
Players use a lightweight racket to hit the shuttlecock. The shuttlecock, often referred to as a “shuttle,” is a feathered projectile with an open conical shape. In recreational play or for beginners, a plastic shuttle may be used instead.
Common Strategies:
While the rules dictate the framework of the game, players often employ various strategies to outmaneuver their opponents. Some common strategies include:
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Smash Shots: Powerful shots aimed at landing the shuttlecock in a downward trajectory, making it difficult for the opponent to return.
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Drop Shots: Delicate shots that just clear the net and land close to it, forcing opponents to move quickly to retrieve the shuttlecock.
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Clear Shots: Shots hit high and deep into the opponent’s court, creating space and allowing the player time to reposition.
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Net Shots: Shots played close to the net, designed to make it challenging for the opponent to return.
Conclusion:
Badminton is a sport that demands agility, precision, and quick reflexes. Understanding and adhering to the rules is crucial for an enjoyable and fair game. Whether you’re a casual player looking for a fun activity or a competitive athlete striving for excellence, mastering the rules of badminton is the first step toward becoming a skilled and knowledgeable player. So, grab your racket, hit the court, and enjoy the fast-paced and exhilarating world of badminton!