Badminton's serve rules trip up more new players than any other part of the game. Here they are in plain English, plus how scoring works.
The basic serve rules
The serve must be hit underarm, with the shuttle struck below the server's waist (roughly the lowest rib). The racket head must point downward at contact. Both players must stand still, with feet inside their service court, until the shuttle is struck. Serve diagonally, into the opposite service court.
Which service court?
When the server's score is even, they serve from the right service court. When it's odd, they serve from the left. Getting this right is half of "badminton serving rules" sorted.
Common service faults
Hitting the shuttle above the waist, the racket head pointing up, a foot touching a line or lifting during the serve, or serving into the wrong court — any of these hands the point to your opponent.
Scoring (rally scoring to 21)
A point is scored on every rally, regardless of who served. Games are played to 21 points, and you must win by 2 clear points. If the score reaches 20–20, play continues until one side leads by two; at 29–29, the next point (30) wins. A match is best of three games.
Serving after a point
In singles, if the server wins the rally they serve again from the other service court. In doubles, service passes between partners and sides based on the same even/odd rule.
Now you know the rules — get the gear. Browse badminton rackets and shuttlecocks at Central Sports.