The Laws that govern the game of Badminton

The Game
Like tennis, badminton can be played by singles and doubles, mixed or same sex. Matches are played to the best of three sets. The first player (or team) to reach 15 points wins the set, except in women’s singles when the target is 11 points. In badminton the serve is of huge importance. Points can only be won on serve, so winning and keeping the right to serve is vital.

Serving
In singles, players serve diagonally from one service box to another, alternating between the left and right side of the court as points are won. The server always serves from the right-hand box at the start of a game and when they have an even number of points. They serve from the left-hand court when they have an odd number of points. In doubles, the player on the right always starts the serve and, when a point is won, the players switch sides and the server then serves from the left, continuing to alternate until a serve is lost. At this point the other player then serves from his respective court. Therefore in doubles both players have a turn at serving before service returns to the opponents.

Service Action
The shuttlecock must be hit below the server’s waist and the racket head must stay below the server’s wrist, which means the shot must be played underarm.

The Court
Badminton is played indoors, on courts 6.1m wide by 13.4m long. The net posts are 1.55m high. Courts should have a clearance of 2m on all sides and a ceiling height of 12m.