The quick version: a badminton match is the best of three games. Each game goes to 21 points and every rally wins a point, whoever served. You must win by two clear points, and at 29-all the next point wins, so 30 is the most a game can reach.
Scoring
- Best of three games, each to 21 points.
- Rally scoring: the side that wins the rally scores, whoever served.
- At 20-all, play on until one side leads by two. At 29-all, the next point wins.
- The winner of a game serves first in the next game.
Serving
- Serve diagonally into the opposite service court.
- Serve from the right-hand court when your score is even (0, 2, 4…) and from the left when it is odd.
- The whole shuttle must be below 1.15 m from the court surface when you hit it.
- Both feet stay in contact with the floor, inside the service court, until the shuttle is struck.
- Hit the base (cork) of the shuttle first, in one continuous forward movement.
Singles vs doubles courts
- Singles: the long, narrow court. Inner side lines, back line is the baseline.
- Doubles: the wide court. Outer side lines. On the serve only, the shuttle must land short of the doubles long service line (one line in from the back).
In or out
A shuttle that lands on the line is in.
Common faults
- Touching the net or posts with your racket, body or clothing.
- Hitting the shuttle twice in a row, or both partners hitting it on one shot.
- The shuttle hitting you, the ceiling or anything outside the court.
- Reaching over the net to hit the shuttle before it crosses to your side.
- A serve hit above 1.15 m or landing outside the service court.
Breaks and changing ends
- A break of up to 60 seconds when the leading side reaches 11 points.
- Up to 2 minutes between games.
- Change ends after each game, and at 11 points in a deciding third game.
Doubles service rotation
If the serving side wins the rally, the same server serves again, switching to the other service court. If the receiving side wins, they score and take the serve. Players only change service courts when their own side wins a point on their serve.
FAQs
Can you serve overhead in badminton?
No. The shuttle must be below 1.15 m when you strike it, so every legal serve is hit underarm or with a low backhand.
What happens at 20-20?
Play continues until one side is two points clear. If it reaches 29-29, the next point wins the game 30-29.
Is the line in or out?
In. If any part of the shuttle base lands on the line, the shot is good.
Get the right kit
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