Badminton is a widely loved racket sport, which can either be played as an individual or as a team of two. It is one of the most popular sports around the globe. Badminton’s inclusion in the Olympics in 1992, has gained it immense popularity worldwide. Understanding the badminton rules is essential for both players and fans. It is an indoor sport but for recreational purposes it can also played outdoors, showcasing its versatility and adaptability to different environments.
In this article, we will be discussing the Dimensions of the badminton court along with net height and some basic badminton rules i.e. rules for badminton serve, common faults in badminton, etc.
Objective
The objective of badminton is to gain points by hitting the shuttlecock over the net and landing it within the specified area or forcing the opponent to hit the shuttlecock out of the designated area or into the net. If the opponent returns the shuttle properly then a rally (To & Fro placement of shuttlecock by both sides) occurs till either of the above-mentioned terms of gaining a point is met. According to badminton rules, the player is required to gain 21 points to win a game. Mostly, matches are played as best of 3 games.
Players & Equipment
Badminton can either be played as an individual (Singles) or as a team of two (Doubles). There are some differences in badminton rules and court dimensions for Single and double. In Doubles there is also a category Mix-Doubles in which a team consists of one male and one female player.
The main equipment used for badminton is a stringed racket and a shuttlecock. Professional players also invest in high-performance gear i.e. non-marking shoes with good grip and comfortable athletic attire are essential for maneuvering swiftly on the court.
Badminton Racket
The racket is usually made up of carbon fiber to make it light without compromising its strength. A grip is added to the handle to maximize the gripping.
Badminton Shuttlecock (Badminton Birdie)
Shuttlecock (Also known as Birdie) is a conical-shaped object with a half-round ball at the bottom with feathers (for Professional) or plastic fins (for Recreational) attached to it.
Net
A Net is placed in between courts and is essential part of the game.
Badminton Attire
Badminton Attire includes comfortable clothes and shoes. Shoes are made to help players move easily and safely on the court. They’re light, strong, and have special soles for good grip. Plus, they’re cushioned to protect your feet and keep you comfortable while you play.
Dimension of the badminton court
In Single, the measurement of the court is 5.18m (17ft) in width and 13.4m (44ft) in length. The width in the doubles game is extended to 6.1m (20ft).
Net Height:
The net is placed at the center of the rectangle with a height of 1.55m (5ft, 1in) at the edges and 1.524m (5ft) at the center.
Scoring system:
All the matches are played as best of 3 games. To win a game player/team should gain 21 points. After each rally, a point is awarded to a side winning the rally. If the scores are levelled at 20-20 then two a team gaining a two-point advantage will be considered the winner. If the scores are still levelled at 29-29 then the side reaching the 30 points will be the winner.
Rules Badminton Serve
Rules must be followed while serving
- The serve must be made from within the boundaries (Not touching the lines) of the service court, with the server’s feet stationary.
- The serve must be made underhand (Racket head below the server’s waist while touching the shuttlecock).
- The player must serve across the net to the diagonal side of the court. As the points progress the server adjusts its position in the court i.e. for the server having even points the serve is made from the right side of the court and for the server having odd points the serve is made from the left side of the court.
- The first serve of the game will be decided by a toss a player winning the toss will either choose to serve first or the side of the court they want to start from.
- The serving side continues to serve until they lose a rally, at which point the service is transferred to the opposing side.
- While playing doubles, the team serving will rotate its position while the receiving side will maintain their position. No two consecutive points are to be served to the same opponent.
- Badminton does not allow retake of serve.
Winning the point:
Once the serve is made there are several ways by which the point is awarded to either side
- By hitting the shuttlecock over the net and landing it within the court you gain a point.
- A shuttle is hit into the net or outside the designated area then the opposition is awarded a point
- A player touches the net with a racket or any body part then the opposition is awarded a point
- If The serve is not made according to the rules then the opposition is awarded a point
- If the player is intentionally distracting the opposition during the point then the opposition is awarded a point
Change of Ends:
According to badminton rules, the ends of players change if a certain condition is met. After the completion of each game ends are changed. If a third game is required, then the ends are changed at the start of the game as well as within the game once either side reaches 11 points.
Winning the Match:
To win a match player/team is required to win 2 games as most of the matches are played as best of 3 games.
Common Faults in Badminton
Common faults that can cost players a point are
- Hitting a Shuttlecock multiple times (as it is allowed only to hit it once to cross the net).
- Playing the shuttle even before it has crossed the net.
- Touching the net (racket or with body).
- Serving from above the waist, or serving in a non-serving area.
- Distracting the opponent within the rally.
- Touching the boundary lines while serving.
- At the point of contact with the shuttle, the racket is crossing the net.
Conclusion:
Whether you’re playing or watching as a fan. Understanding the badminton rules makes watching and playing more enjoyable. It will let you enjoy the game more.
