The rules in badminton can be segmented into different categories like serving rules, scoring rules, rules for doubles, and others. But each category is very much interrelated and amalgamated with others. So when you have specific queries on a certain topic, you have to go through 4 or 5 pages to get satisfied. That consumes quite a bit of your valuable time. That’s why we come up with the 15 most frequently asked questions that may answer all your queries regarding the scoring rules in badminton.
Badminton Scoring Rules: Questions & Answers
Badminton, one of the most popular sports, is played between two players/ teams (pairing 2 players) on a rectangular field, known as a court with specified dimensions for singles and doubles. A stringed racket is used to hit a shuttlecock so that it lands inside the correct area of the court after passing over a net.
1. What is a rally in badminton?
A rally is the exchange of shots between two players/ teams while the shuttlecock is in play. A rally starts with the service and continues till any of the players/ teams commits a fault. The winner of the rally scores a point.
2. How many points do you need to win a set (or game)?
- A set consists of 21 points. The player who scores 21 points with a minimum difference of 2 points against his opponent, wins the set (example: 21-15, 18-21, 21-19).
- If the score arrives at 20-20, a lead of 2 points is necessary to win the set (example: 22-20, 23-25).
- At 29-29, the player who wins the 30th point wins the set.
3. How many sets are in a match?
As per scoring rules, a badminton match consists of a maximum of 3 sets (games). If any side wins two consecutive sets, the match ends in 2 sets. The situation of the 3rd or final set arises when the match is tied 1-1 (one set all).
4. Who serves first in the opening set?
A toss is being conducted to decide the server of the 1st set. The side winning the toss has the opportunity either to serve/ receive or to start the game from any end of the court. The remaining choices are then left for the losing side.
5. Who takes the 1st serve in the next set?
The player/ team who wins the last point of the preceding set takes the 1st serve of the succeeding set.
6. Where do you need to stand while serving?
As per the rules of serving governed by the Badminton World Federation, a service must go diagonally, i.e from the server’s service court to the service court of the receiver end with the following consideration.
If the server’s score is an even number (0, 2, 4, and so on), the server serves from the right service court with the intention to land the shuttlecock on the diagonally opposite service court.
In reverse, if the score is an odd number (1, 3, 5, and so on), the server serves from the left service court with the intention to land the shuttlecock on the diagonally opposite service court.
7. Where is the 1st serve in badminton?
A game starts with a score of 0 – 0. As “0” is an even number, the 1st serve is taken from the right service court with the aim to land the shuttlecock on the diagonally opposite service court.
8. How does the service alter between players like in tennis/ table tennis?
Like tennis or table tennis, in badminton, the rotation of services is not uniform between players/ teams. A server keeps on serving as long as he wins the rally.
9. Is there any reversal of ends between players/ teams during a match?
Players/ teams change the ends of a court after the 1st set, 2nd set, and during the 3rd set (for a 3-set match) when any player scores 11 points.
10. What happens if the shuttlecock hits the net but lands inside?
- During a rally, if a shuttlecock touches the net but lands in the right area, it is a good shot.
- While serving, after clipping the net, if a shuttle lands before the short service line, it is a fault. But if the service is within the right area, it is called “let” and the server is given the opportunity to serve again. There is no limit on the number of “let serve” as per the rules.
11. What happens if the base of the shuttle gets separated?
It is also a “let” in badminton. In this situation, the play is interrupted and the winner of the last point serves again.
12. Is it a valid shot if the shuttle lands on the line?
Yes, if the head of the shuttlecock touches the marking white line, it is considered “in”.
13. What happens if the shuttlecock touches you?
If the shuttlecock gets in touch with your body/ dress, you lose the point, regardless the shot is inside or outside.
14. Is it right if you touch the net with your racket or body?
No, it is not allowed to get in contact with the net during play. This type of fault generally occurs whenever you are approaching a net kill as it is a very close-to-the-net shot.
15. Can a badminton racket cross the net?
No, you can’t hit the shuttlecock by crossing your racket over the net. You have to wait till the shuttlecock is on your side of the court.
Wrapping Up
There may be other numerous questions left regarding the scoring rules in badminton. If anything is on your mind, please leave a comment. I will try to answer all your queries in the shortest possible time. Thanks for continuing till the end.
