🏸 Badminton Rules Explained: A Complete Guide for Beginners and Pros

Badminton is a fast-paced, high-energy racquet sport enjoyed by millions across the world—and especially beloved in India. Whether played casually at local parks or professionally at events like the BWF World Tour and Asian Games, the game follows a clear set of rules designed to ensure fairness, excitement, and skillful play.

This guide covers everything you need to know about how badminton works, from scoring to fouls and equipment.

1️⃣ Objective of the Game

The aim in badminton is simple:
✅ Score points by landing the shuttlecock in your opponent’s court.
✅ Win a match by winning 2 out of 3 games.

Each game is played to 21 points, and a player/pair must win by at least 2 points (with a cap at 30).

2️⃣ Match Format & Scoring System

• Singles (1 vs 1) and Doubles (2 vs 2) formats are both widely played.

• Matches follow the “rally point system” – a point is scored on every rally, regardless of who serves.

• Change of ends happens after each game and at 11 points in the final game.

3️⃣ Serving Rules

Serving is key in badminton, and strict rules apply:

• Serve must be underhand, below the waist.

• Server and receiver must stand within their service courts.

• In doubles, the server switches courts upon scoring.

If the server faults (misses the shuttle, stands outside the line, etc.), the point goes to the opponent.

4️⃣ Court Dimensions & Equipment

• A standard badminton court is 13.4m long and 6.1m wide (for doubles).

• The net height is 1.55m at the edges and 1.524m at the center.

• Players use lightweight rackets, and the shuttlecock can be made of feathers or synthetic material.

5️⃣ Common Fouls in Badminton

• Shuttle lands outside court boundaries

• Shuttle passes under the net

• Player touches the net or invades opponent’s court

• Double hit (same player/team hits the shuttle twice)

• Faulty serve or serve out of turn

6️⃣ Intervals & Breaks

• 60-second break at 11 points in each game

• 2-minute break between games

• In tournament play, coaches may give instructions during these breaks

7️⃣ Let Situations

A “let” means a rally is replayed, and it may be called if:

• The shuttle gets stuck in the net on service

• Both players fault simultaneously

• External distraction occurs (crowd, object on court, etc.)

8️⃣ Doubles-Specific Rules

• Alternate shots are not required—any player can hit anytime

• Proper rotation after each serve is crucial

• Communication and court coverage are key strategies

✅ Summary: Key Badminton Rules at a Glance

🏁 Final Note

India has produced some of the finest badminton stars—from P.V. Sindhu to Lakshya Sen. As the sport grows in popularity, understanding its rules ensures a more enjoyable experience whether you’re playing or cheering from the stands.