How to Play Badminton? Rules and the Basics

Badminton is a fast, high-tempo racket sport played by hitting a shuttlecock over a net into the opponent's side of the court. The answer to how to play badminton lies in a few core rules: a correct serve, accurate strokes and knowing the scoring system. In this guide you will find everything you need to know, from the court and equipment to serving and the basic strokes.

Court Dimensions and the Net

A badminton court is rectangular and measures 13.40 metres long and 6.10 metres wide. The interesting part is that singles and doubles matches use different lines:

• Singles: The side lines move inward, so the court is narrower (5.18 metres) but used at full length.
• Doubles: The full width (6.10 metres) is used, but the service area is shortened slightly at the back line.
• Net height: The top edge of the net is 1.55 metres above the floor, and 1.524 metres at the centre.

Because of these line differences, both singles and doubles can be played on the same court; you just need to know which lines are valid.

Equipment: Racket and Shuttlecock

Badminton requires two basic pieces of equipment. The first is a light racket; modern rackets are made of carbon fibre and usually weigh between 80 and 100 grams. The second is the symbol of the sport, the shuttlecock. There are two types of shuttlecock:

• Feather (goose feather) shuttle: Used in professional matches, it flies more precisely but wears out quickly.
• Synthetic (plastic) shuttle: More durable and economical, ideal for beginners and training.

In addition, non-slip indoor shoes and comfortable sportswear noticeably improve your playing comfort.

Singles and Doubles Format

Badminton is played in two formats. Singles is played by two opposing players, while doubles is played by four people, with two players on each side. In doubles there are men's doubles, women's doubles and mixed doubles (one man and one woman) categories. Doubles is faster and more reflex-oriented, while singles requires more endurance and court coverage skill.

Serving Rules

The serve is the part of badminton where play begins and where most rules apply. The basic serving rules are:

1. The serve is always played underhand, with the head of the racket kept below the wrist.
2. At the moment of contact the entire shuttlecock must be below 1.15 metres.
3. The serve is played diagonally; from the right service box to the opponent's right box.
4. If the serving player's score is even the serve is from the right, if odd it is from the left service box.
5. Both players' feet must remain inside the service box and in contact with the floor until the moment of contact.

In doubles the serving order and boxes are a little more complex, but the logic is the same: a diagonal serve from the right or left box according to the score.

Scoring System

Modern badminton is played with the rally point system; that is, the side that wins a rally scores a point regardless of who served. The details:

• Each game is played up to 21 points and you need a 2-point lead to win the game.
• If the score reaches 20-20, play continues until there is a 2-point difference.
• If it reaches 29-29, the side that scores the 30th point wins the game (the cap).
• The match is played over 3 games; the side that wins two games wins the match.

Basic Strokes

There are a few basic strokes that shape play in badminton. Learning them will improve your game quickly:

• Serve: The stroke that starts play; it can be short or long.
• Clear (long shot): Sending the shuttle high to the opponent's back line; it buys time and pushes the opponent back.
• Drop: Gently dropping the shuttle just over the net into the front of the opponent's court.
• Smash: A powerful, sharp downward stroke; the most effective way to win a point.
• Drive: A fast, horizontal stroke at net height; used a lot in doubles.
• Net shot: A delicate shot leaving the shuttle just over the net.

Basic Stance and Footwork

A good badminton player starts with the ready stance: knees slightly bent, weight on the balls of the feet, racket forward and up. Footwork is the backbone of badminton; reaching every corner of the court quickly and returning to the centre is essential. Take up position with small, fast steps and try to return to the centre of the court after every stroke.

Common Faults

Some actions in badminton lead to losing a point. The most common faults are:

• Touching the net: It is a fault if the racket, clothing or body touches the net.
• Double hit: The same team hitting the shuttle twice in a row.
• Service fault: An overhand serve, the wrong box or a foot fault.
• Shuttle landing out of court: Your own stroke going outside the valid lines.
• Hitting over the net: It is forbidden to hit the shuttle on the opponent's side before it crosses the net.

Tips for Beginners

If you are new to badminton, first focus on hand-eye coordination and the basic strokes. Being able to send the shuttle over consistently is far more valuable than powerful smashes. Work on footwork early; because it is impossible to hit well without getting into the right position. And most importantly: practise by playing regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many points is badminton? Each game is played up to 21 points and you need a 2-point lead to win the game. The match is played over 3 games, and the side that wins two games wins.

How many people play badminton? In the singles format 2 people play, and in the doubles format a total of 4 people play, with two players on each side.

How is the serve played? The serve is always played underhand, with the shuttle below 1.15 metres and sent to the diagonal box.

How long does a shuttlecock last? Goose feather shuttles wear out within a few matches, while synthetic plastic shuttles last far longer and are ideal for beginners.

Now that you have learned the answer to how to play badminton, it is time to practise. With the Maç Var Mı? app you can find open badminton matches in your area and players looking for a partner within seconds, and join a match that suits your level. Grab your racket and start playing right away!