Badminton is a fantastic, fast, and dynamic sport. Whether you are going to play with friends on the weekend or cheering for your child at their first tournament, it is good to know the rules in detail. I have written a detailed guide for you, thanks to which you definitely won't get lost on the court or in the stands.
1. Court, Net, and Equipment
Before the first shot is hit, basic parameters need to be clarified: * Court Dimensions: A standard court has a rectangular shape. The lines marking the court are 40 mm wide and are always part of the area they define. Therefore, if the shuttlecock lands exactly on the line, it is a good shot. * Net and Posts: The posts must be 1.55 meters high. In the middle of the court, the net is slightly drooped, and its top edge must be at a height of 1.524 meters from the surface. * Shuttlecock: The game is played with a shuttlecock that has 16 feathers firmly fixed in the base. Its correct weight ranges from 4.74 to 5.5 grams. * Toss: Before play commences, a toss is conducted, and the winner chooses whether they want to serve or receive first, or which side of the court they will start on.
2. Scoring, Sets, and Intervals
Modern badminton uses rally point scoring, which significantly speeds up the game: * Basic System: A match consists of the best of three sets. The winner of a set is the side that first scores 21 points. * Scoring a Point: A point is scored from every won rally, regardless of who is serving. * Tied Endgame: If the score becomes 20-all, the side which gains a two-point lead first, wins that set. However, the score is capped – if the score becomes 29-all, the side scoring the 30th point wins that set. * Intervals: Players are entitled to an interval not exceeding 60 seconds during each set when the leading score reaches 11 points. Between sets, an interval not exceeding 120 seconds is allowed. * Change of Ends: Players change ends at the end of the first and second sets. In a possible third set, ends are changed when a side first scores 11 points.
3. Serving – The Alpha and Omega of Badminton
A correct service has strict rules. The slightest deviation means losing a point: * Racket Movement: The flight of the shuttlecock must be upwards from the server's racket to pass over the net. The racket must initially hit the base of the shuttlecock. The movement of the racket must continue forward continuously. * Service Height: At the instant of being hit by the server's racket, the whole shuttlecock must be below 1.15 meters from the surface of the court. * Foot Position: Some part of both feet of the server and the receiver must remain in contact with the surface of the court in a stationary position from the start of the service until the service is delivered. * Odd and Even: If the server has no points or an even number of points, they serve from the right service court. When the score is odd, they serve from the left service court.
4. Faults and Lets
* Fault: A fault occurs if the shuttlecock lands outside the boundaries of the court , fails to pass over the net , or touches the ceiling, side walls, or the player's body. It is also a fault if a player touches the net with their racket or body , or hits the shuttlecock twice in succession.
-
Let: This is called to halt play without awarding a point. It is called, for example, if the server serves before the receiver is ready. A let is also ordered if the shuttlecock disintegrates during play and the base completely separates , or if any unforeseen or accidental situation occurs. In such cases, the rally is replayed.
5. Specifics for Parents: Minibadminton Rules (U8 – U11)
For our youngest hopes, we have modified minibadminton rules that ensure children enjoy the game: * Smaller Court and Lower Net: The net height is reduced to 140 cm. Players in the U8 and U9 categories play on a half court measuring 11.72 m x 3.05 m. Players U10 and U11 play on a court measuring 11.72 m x 5.18 m. * Faster Scoring: Games are most often played as the best of two sets to 15 points. The winner of the set is the one who first reaches the 15th point. * Rules for Cheering and Coaching: Coaching by parents and trainers is permitted only between sets. Coaching is not allowed during the game itself – parents cheer, but do not coach. The goal is not fierce rivalry, but the joy of the game.
6. Did You Know...? (Alternative Rules)
If you ever go to watch the top Czech league, the Adult Extraliga, you will witness a different scoring system. Matches in the Extraliga are played according to alternative rules for the best of five sets. Furthermore, the sets are shortened and played only to 11 points.