Badminton is the fastest racket sport in the world. Shuttles can fly over 300 miles per hour during a smash. To play the game well, you must know the official rules set by the Badminton World Federation (BWF).
This guide explains all official badminton rules in simple words. Whether you play singles or doubles, recreational or competitive, here is everything you need to know.
Core Objective of the Game
The goal in badminton is simple. Hit the shuttlecock over the net into your opponent’s court. If the shuttle lands inside their court, you win a point. If your opponent fails to return the shuttle or hits it out, you also win a point.
Official BWF Scoring System (21-Point Rally Scoring)
Since 2006, the BWF uses the Rally Point Scoring System. You score a point on every single rally, regardless of who served.
- Match Format: A match is the best of 3 games. The first side to win 2 games wins the match.
- Game Target: Each game is played to 21 points.
- Lead Requirement: You must win by at least 2 points (e.g., 21-19).
- Deuce (20-20): If the score ties at 20-all, play continues until one side gains a 2-point lead (e.g., 22-20, 24-22).
- Sudden Death (29-29): If the game reaches 29-all, the side that scores the 30th point wins immediately. 30 is the absolute cap.
- Next Serve: The side that wins a rally always serves next.
The Coin Toss: Starting the Match
Before a match begins, players toss a coin or spin a racket. The winner of the toss chooses one of two options:
- To serve first or receive first
- Which side of the court to start on
The loser of the toss takes the remaining choice. Players switch ends after the first game. If a third deciding game is needed, players switch ends again when the leading score reaches 11 points.
Official Serving Rules
Serving starts every rally. The serve must be hit diagonally across the net into the receiver’s service court. Here are the mandatory serving laws:
- 1.15 Meter Fixed Height Rule: The whole shuttle must be below 1.15 meters from the court floor at the moment of contact.
- Feet on the Ground: Both of the server’s feet must stay flat on the ground inside the service box until the shuttle is struck.
- No Line Touching: You cannot touch any boundary line while serving.
- Hit the Base: You must strike the cork base of the shuttle first, not the feathers.
- Continuous Motion: Once you begin your forward swing, you must hit the shuttle in one smooth motion without stopping.
- Even Score = Right Side: When the server’s score is 0, 2, 4, 6, etc., they serve from the right service box.
- Odd Score = Left Side: When the server’s score is 1, 3, 5, 7, etc., they serve from the left service box.
Singles vs Doubles Court Boundaries
The badminton court measures 13.4 meters (44 feet) long and 6.1 meters (20 feet) wide. However, the boundaries change depending on the match type:
| Rule Element | Singles Play | Doubles Play |
|---|---|---|
| Court Shape | Long and Narrow | Short and Wide (on serve), Full court (in rally) |
| Side Lines (Alleys) | Inner side lines (Alleys are OUT) | Outer side lines (Alleys are IN) |
| Back Boundary (Serve) | Full back line is IN | Inner back line (Long service line) is OUT |
| Back Boundary (Rally) | Full back line is IN | Full back line is IN |
| Net Height | 1.55m at posts / 1.524m at center | 1.55m at posts / 1.524m at center |
Official Equipment Standards
BWF regulations define strict requirements for badminton equipment:
- Racket: Maximum total length of 680 mm and width of 230 mm. Strings must be flat and uniformly interlaced.
- Shuttlecock: Made of 16 natural goose or duck feathers fixed in a cork base, weighing between 4.74 and 5.50 grams. Synthetic nylon shuttles are also permitted for amateur play.
- Footwear: Non-marking indoor court shoes are required to prevent slipping and protect hardwood/synthetic court mats.
Common Faults & Rule Violations
A fault ends the rally immediately and awards a point to the opponent. The most frequent faults include:
- Net Touch: Touching the net or posts with your racket, body, or clothing while the shuttle is live.
- Over the Net: Striking the shuttle before it crosses the net onto your side. (Follow-through over the net is legal if contact was made on your side).
- Double Hit: Hitting the shuttle twice in one turn, or both doubles partners hitting it sequentially.
- Body Contact: The shuttle touching your body, shirt, or shoes instead of the racket strings.
- Out of Bounds: Shuttle landing completely outside the boundary lines or passing through/under the net.
- Obstruction: Blocking an opponent’s legal stroke at the net or distracting them on purpose.
Intervals and Rest Periods
- Mid-Game Interval: A 60-second break occurs automatically when the leading score reaches 11 points in any game.
- Between Games Interval: A 120-second (2-minute) rest is allowed between the first and second games, and between the second and third games.
- Coaching: Players may receive advice from coaches only during intervals and while the shuttle is not in play.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if the shuttle hits the net and goes over?
If the shuttle hits the net during a rally or serve and lands inside the opponent’s boundary, play continues normally. It is completely legal.
Does a line count as ‘in’ or ‘out’ in badminton?
Any shuttlecock that lands on any part of the boundary line is considered IN. Even if just a fraction of the cork touches the line, it is a valid in-bounds shot.
Can you touch the net with your racket in badminton?
No. Touching the net, net posts, or tape with your racket, body, or clothing while the shuttle is in play is a net fault. Your opponent immediately receives the point.
What is the highest possible score in a badminton game?
The maximum score in a standard BWF game is 30-29. If both players or teams tie at 29-29, the next point wins the game with no deuce extension.