In badminton, the serve is the only shot where you have complete control over the shuttlecock. A well-executed serve puts your opponent on the defensive from the opening second, while a weak serve invites an instant attack.
Here is your complete guide to the 5 primary badminton serve types, their mechanics, and official BWF serving laws.
The 5 Core Badminton Serve Types
1. Backhand Low Serve (Standard for Doubles)
The backhand low serve is the most important serve in competitive badminton, especially in doubles and mixed doubles.
- Trajectory: Skims just millimeters over the net tape and lands barely past the short service line.
- Technique: Stand close to the front T-line. Hold the shuttle by a feather tip in front of your body. Use a short thumb-push motion without a large backswing.
- Why it works: Gives the opponent no downward angle to attack, forcing them to lift upward.
2. Forehand High Deep Serve (Standard for Singles)
The staple serve in men’s and women’s singles play.
- Trajectory: High, steep parabola that drops vertically down toward the opponent’s back baseline.
- Technique: Stand 2 to 3 feet behind the short service line with a side-on stance. Drop the shuttle from waist level and execute a full underarm swing with a high follow-through.
- Why it works: Pushes your opponent deep into their rear court, limiting their ability to hit a powerful jump smash.
3. The Flick Serve (Deceptive Weapon)
A surprise serve used in doubles when the receiver is leaning forward aggressively at the net.
- Trajectory: Starts looking like a gentle low serve, then suddenly whips over the receiver’s head toward the rear doubles service line.
- Technique: Prepare with identical body language to a backhand low serve. At the last instant, uncoil your thumb and wrist to generate sudden racket speed.
4. The Drive Serve (Attacking Flat Serve)
A fast, flat serve aimed directly at the opponent’s racket shoulder or body.
- Trajectory: Horizontal and fast across the net tape.
- When to use: To rush an unprepared receiver or catch an opponent off guard. High risk, high reward.
5. Forehand Low Serve
A soft low serve played with a forehand grip. Common in women’s singles to mix up serving rhythm and deny opponents an easy smash.
Official BWF Serving Laws & Fault Rules
To ensure your serve is 100% legal under BWF rules, you must follow these regulations:
- 1.15 Meter Height Rule: The whole shuttle must be below 1.15 meters from the court floor at the moment of impact.
- Feet on Court: Both feet of both the server and receiver must remain stationary and in contact with the court surface until contact is made.
- No Line Touching: Neither the server nor the receiver may touch any boundary lines during the serve.
- Hit the Cork First: You must strike the cork base of the shuttlecock, not the feathers.
- Continuous Motion: The server’s racket must move forward in one unbroken fluid motion once the swing starts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the backhand serve preferred in doubles?
The backhand serve has a shorter swing path and starts closer to the net tape. This gives the receiver less time to react and ensures the shuttle stays tight and low over the cord.
Can you serve overhand in badminton?
No. Overhand serving like in tennis or volleyball is illegal in badminton. All serves must be struck below 1.15 meters with the racket head pointing downwards.
What happens if a serve hits the net cord but lands in?
If a serve clips the top of the net tape and lands inside the correct diagonal service box, it is completely legal. The rally continues without interruption.