Basic badminton rules

Badminton players use racquets to hit a shuttlecock (sometimes called a “bird” or “birdie” in casual play) across a net, which separates the playing court into two equal halves. In most cases, badminton is played in single pairs (one player on each side of the net) or doubles (with two players playing together against two others).

1. The Serve: The server must hit the shuttlecock so that it passes over the net and lands within the opponent’s service court. If the shuttlecock lands outside the service court or is not hit properly, it is considered a fault.
2. Service Order: In singles, the server starts from the right service court, and will serve from that side every time they have an even amount of points. A player serves from the left every time they have an odd amount of points. Each player will retain serve for as long as they keep winning points. The side that wins a game serves first in the following game until the match is over. In doubles, the order of service must rotate between the players.
3. The Rally: Once the serve is made, players take turns hitting the shuttlecock back and forth over the net. The rally ends when the shuttlecock hits the ground, goes out of bounds, or a fault is made.
4. Scoring: A point is scored when the opposing team is unable to return the shuttlecock or commits a fault. The first team to reach 21 points, with a minimum lead of two points, wins the game (if the score is 29-All, the side that scores the 30th point wins the game). The first side to win 3 games wins a match.
5. Court Dimensions: The badminton court measures 20 feet wide and 44 feet long for singles play, and 20 feet wide and 20 feet long for doubles play.
6. The Net: The net must be 5 feet 1-inch-high at the posts and 5 feet high in the center.
7. Foot Fault: Players are not allowed to step on or over the boundary lines while serving, receiving or during a rally.
8. Double Hitting: Players are not allowed to hit the shuttlecock twice in succession or catch and throw it.
9. Obstruction: It is considered a fault if a player blocks or interferes with the opponent’s shot by physical means.
10. Substitution: Substitution of players is not allowed during a match unless there is an injury or illness.