Badminton is a fast, exciting sport enjoyed by players of all ages. Whether you are playing casually with friends or competing in a tournament, knowing the basic rules is essential. Understanding the Badminton rules not only makes the game fair but also helps you enjoy it more. Here are the badminton rules everybody must know.
1. Objective of the Game
The main objective in badminton is simple. Players score points by hitting the shuttlecock over the net and landing it inside the opponent’s court in a way that the opponent cannot return it legally.
Badminton can be played in three formats:
Singles: one player on each side
Doubles: two players on each side
Mixed doubles: one male and one female player per side
2. Scoring System
Modern badminton uses the rally point scoring system.
A match is played as the best of three games.
Each game is played to 21 points.
A point is scored on every rally, regardless of which side serves.
A player or team must win by at least two points.
If the score reaches 20–20, play continues until one side leads by two points.
If the score reaches 29–29, the side that scores the 30th point wins the game.
3. Serving Rules
Serving is one of the most important aspects of badminton and has specific rules.
The server must hit the shuttlecock diagonally into the opponent’s service court.
In singles, the service court depends on the server’s score:
Even score: serve from the right service court
Odd score: serve from the left service court
In doubles, the same even and odd rule applies, but players rotate positions when they win a point on their serve.
The shuttlecock must be struck below the server’s waist.
The racket shaft must be pointing downward at the moment of contact.
Both feet of the serve
