Badminton is a popular racquet sport played by individuals or teams. It requires agility, speed, and precision to hit the shuttlecock over the net and score points. If you are new to the sport, understanding the rules and scoring can be confusing. This comprehensive guide will explain the basics of badminton rules and scoring, so you can enjoy playing the game with confidence.
Court Dimensions
A badminton court is 44 feet long and 20 feet wide, with a net running through the middle that is 5 feet high at the center and 5 feet 1 inch high at the edges. The court is divided into halves by the net, with each side marked by boundary lines. The area inside the boundary lines is inbounds, while any shots that land outside the lines are considered out of bounds.
Equipment
To play badminton, you will need a racket and a shuttlecock. The racket is usually made of lightweight materials such as graphite or aluminum, and it has a stringed surface that is used to hit the shuttlecock. The shuttlecock, also known as a birdie, is made of feathers or synthetic materials and is designed to be hit back and forth over the net.
Serving
The game starts with a serve, where one player hits the shuttlecock over the net to the opponent’s side of the court. The server must stand within the service court, which is a rectangular area on the court marked by lines. The server must hit the shuttlecock with an underhand motion, and the shuttlecock must pass over the net and land inside the opponent’s service court.
If the serve is successful, the receiving player or team must hit the shuttlecock back over the net, and the game continues. If the serve is unsuccessful, the server loses a point, and the other player or team gets to serve.
Scoring
Badminton is played to 21 points, with a player or team winning a game by being the first to reach 21 points. However, the game must be won by a margin of two points. If the score is tied at 20-20, the game continues until one player or team has a two-point lead.
Points are scored by hitting the shuttlecock over the net and landing it inside the opponent’s court. If the shuttlecock lands outside the boundary lines or on the net, the serving player or team loses a point, and the other player or team gets to serve.
If the receiving player or team hits the shuttlecock back over the net and it lands outside the boundary lines, on the net, or if they fail to hit it back at all, the serving player or team scores a point and gets to serve again.
Conclusion
Badminton is an exciting sport that requires speed, agility, and precision. Understanding the rules and scoring is crucial to enjoying the game and playing it well. Remember to serve within the service court, hit the shuttlecock over the net, and land it inside the opponent’s court to score points. With practice and perseverance, you can become a skilled badminton player and enjoy the game for years to come.