Badminton Lessons
Badminton Lessons
Badminton Lessons
Badminton is a racket-and-shuttle game played on a court by two players or doubles teams. The sport
takes its name from Badminton House—home of the Duke of Beaufort in the English county of
Gloucestershire.
Definition of Terms
• Alley: Extension of the court by l 1/2 feet on both sides for doubles play.
• Back Alley: Area between the back-boundary line and the long service line for doubles.
• Backcourt: Back third of the court, in the area of the back-boundary lines.
• Balk: Any deceptive movement that disconcerts an opponent before or during the service;
often called a "feint."
• Baseline: Back boundary line at each end of the court, parallel to the net.
• Carry: An illegal tactic, also called a sling or throw, in which the shuttle is caught and held on
the racket and then slung during the execution of a stroke.
• Center or Base Position: Location in the center of the court to which a singles player tries to return
after each shot.
• Center Line: Line perpendicular to the net that separates the left and right service courts.
• Clear: A shot hit deep to the opponent’s back boundary line. The high clear is a defensive shot,
while the flatter attacking clear is used offensively.
• Court: Area of play, as defined by the outer boundary lines.
• Drive: A fast and low shot that makes a horizontal flight over the net.
• Drop: A shot hit slowly and with finesse to fall rapidly and close to the net on the opponent’s
side.
• Fault: A violation of the playing rules, either in serving, receiving, or during play.
• Flick: A quick wrist and forearm rotation that surprises an opponent by changing an apparently
soft shot into a faster passing one; used primarily on the serve and at the net.
• Forecourt: Front third of the court, between the net and the short service line.
• Hairpin Net Shot: Shot made from below and very close to the net with the shuttle rising, just
clearing the net, and then dropping sharply down the other side. The shuttle’s flight
approximates the shape of a hairpin.
• Half-court Shot: A shot hit low and to midcourt, used effectively in doubles against the up-and-
back formation.
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• Kill: Fast, downward shot that cannot be returned; a "put away." Let - A legitimate cessation of
play to allow a rally to be replayed. Long Service Line - In singles, the back-boundary line.1n
doubles a line 2 l/2 feet inside the back-boundary line. The serve may not go past this line.
• Match: A series of games (at U.S. Olympic Festival-’93 it is three out of five), to determine a
winner. Midcourt - The middle third of the court, halfway between the net and the back-
boundary line.
• Net Shot: Shot hit from the forecourt that just clears the net and drops sharply.
• Push Shot: Gentle shot played by pushing the shuttle with little wrist motion, usually from net or
midcourt to the opponent’s midcourt.
• Racket: Instrument used by player to hit shuttlecock Weight: About3 ounces. Length: 27 inches.
Made of: Ceramic, graphite, or boron frame; beef-gut string.
• Rally: Exchange of shots while the shuttle is in play.
• Serve or Service: Stroke used to put shuttlecock into play at the start of each rally.
• Service Court: Area into which the serve must be delivered. Different for singles and doubles
play.
• Short Service Line: The line 6 l/2 feet from the net which a serve must reach to be legal.
• Shuttlecock: Official name for the object that players hit. Also known as "birdie". Weight: .17-l9
ounces. Made of: 16 goose feathers attached to a cork tip covered with goat skin. Usually lasts
for no more than two games. The heavier the shuttlecock, the faster it flies. Flies faster in higher
temperatures and at higher altitudes.
• Smash: Hard-hit overhead shot that forces the shuttle sharply downward. Badminton’s primary
attacking stroke.
• Wood Shot: Shot that results when the base of the shuttle is hit by the frame of the racquet. Once
illegal, this shot was ruled acceptable by the International Badminton Federation in 1963.
The Court
Badminton Courts are the rectangular surfaces used for the racket sport of badminton. divided
in half by a center badminton net, courts are usually marked for both singles or doubles games with
boundary widths varying between the two match types. Badminton courts should be surfaced with
safe flooring materials for gameplay, that include wood, synthetic, and rubber flooring options.
Badminton Courts have a length of 44’ (13.4 m), but double courts are 20’ (6.1 m) wide while
single courts are reduced to 17’ (5.18 m); shrinking by 1.5’ (.46 m) on both sides. Service courts are split
by a center line dividing the width of the court and are set back from the net by a ‘short service line’
of 6.5’ (1.98 m). Doubles games also require a ‘long service line’ that is placed 2.5’ (.76 m) in from the
back boundary. Clearances of 2’ (.61 m) should be providing around the entire badminton court.
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The Equipment
1. Racket
The badminton racquet or racket, which is the official term adopted by the Badminton World
Federation (BWF), is a simple to handle, light piece of equipment which forms the basis of the sport.
While there are multiple lengths and sizes of the badminton racket for kids, adults, and casual
use, professional badminton players have to use rackets of a certain specified length and width.
The badminton racket has five major parts to it – the stringed area, the head, the throat, the
shaft, and the handle. The racket in its entirety is called a frame.
• The frame can have a maximum length of 680mm while the overall width is restricted to 230mm.
• Stringed area is the netted part of the badminton racket with which the player intends to hit the
shuttlecock. The BWF rules stipulate that the stringed area should be flat, and the pattern of
cross strings should be alternatively interlaced where they cross with each other. The string
pattern is advised to be uniform in nature and not dense – more amount of string means lesser
string tension - at any part of the stringed area. The overall length of the string should not exceed
280mm while the overall width needs to be maintained within 220mm.
• The head is the area which bounds the stringed area is called ‘the head’ of the badminton
racket. Now, the shape of the head is generally oval – which is used by professional players who
usually prefer more power on their shots. However, there is also another shape called the
‘isometric head’ – which means that the racket is broader at the top. The wider nature means
that there is a bigger ‘sweet spot’ – the part of the racket which meets the shuttle best - allowing
players more chances of hitting the shuttle better. However, this is generally used by amateur
badminton players and not by pros.
• The throat is the part of the racket which supports the head by providing a steady base and
connects the head to the shaft. This is an optional part, as some badminton rackets directly
connect the head to the shaft. In rackets that have no throat, the stringed area can be
extended. However, the extended limit can have a maximum width of 35mm while it should
simultaneously ensure that the overall length of the stringed area does not exceed 330mm.
2. The Shuttlecock
A Badminton Shuttlecock, also called a bird or a birdie, is a high-drag projectile used in the sport
of Badminton. The open conical shape is formed by feathers, or a synthetic alternative, and
embedded into a rounded cork or rubber base. Synthetic Shuttlecocks are referred to as plastics, and
feathered Shuttlecocks are called feathers. There are 16 or so overlapping feathers, and it is preferable
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to use feathers from right or left wings, and to not mix feathers from different wings. This shape makes
the Shuttlecock aerodynamically stable, and regardless of the initial orientation, the Shuttlecock will
turn to fly cork first.
Badminton Shuttlecocks have a head diameter of .98”-1.1” (25-28 mm) and increase to an
overall feather diameter between 2.28”-2.68” (58-68 mm). The overall length of a shuttlecock varies
from 3.35”-3.75” (85-95 mm) and is dependent on the lengths of the feathers and the height of the
head. The mass of a Badminton Shuttlecock is between .167-.194 oz (4.75-5.5 g).
Laws in Badminton
1. TOSS
1.1 Before play commences, a toss shall be conducted and the side winning the toss shall
exercise the choice in either Law 1.1.1 or 1.1.2:
1.1.1 to serve or receive first;
1.1.2 to start play at one end of the court or the other.
1.2 The side losing the toss shall then exercise the remaining choice.
2. SCORING SYSTEM
2.1 A match shall consist of the best of three games, unless otherwise arranged.
2.2 In men's singles and doubles, a game is won by the first side to score 15 points, except as
provided in Law 2.5
2.3 In women's singles, doubles and mixed doubles, a game is won by the first side to score 11
points, except as provided in Law 2.5
2.4 Only the serving side can add a point to its score (see Law 5.3 or 6.5)
2.5 If the score becomes 14-all (10-all in women's singles, doubles and mixed doubles), the side
which first scored 14 (10) shall choose either Law 2.5 or 2.5.2:
2.5.1 to continue the game to 15 (11) points, ie not to 'set' the game; or
2.5.2 to 'set' the game to 17 (13) points.
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2.6 The side winning a game serves first in the next game.
3. CHANGE OF ENDS
3.1 Players shall change ends:
3.1.1 at the end of the first game;
3.1.2 prior to the beginning of the third game (if any); and
3.1.3 in the third game, or in a match of one game, when a side first scores:
- 6 in a game of 11 points; or
- 8 in a game of 15 points.
3.2 If players omit to change ends as indicated in Law 3.1, they shall do so as soon as the mistake
is discovered and the shuttle is not in play. The existing score shall stand.
4. SERVICE
4.1 In a correct service.
4.1.1 neither side shall make undue delay to the deliver of the service once a server and
receiver have taken their respective positions;
4.1.2 the server and receiver shall stand within diagonally opposite service courts without
touching the boundary lines of these service courts;
4.1.3 some parts of both feet of the server and receiver shall remain in contact with the
surface of the court in a stationary position from the start of the service (Law 4.4) until the service
is delivered (Law 4.5);
4.1.4 the server's racket shall initially hit the base of the shuttle;
4.1.5 the whole shuttle shall be below the server's waist at the instance of being hit by the
server's racket;
4.1.6 the shaft of the server's racket at the instance of hitting the shuttle shall be pointing
in a downward direction to such an extent that the whole of the head of the racket is discernibly
below the whole of the server's hand holding the racket as in Diagram D;
4.1.7 the movement on the server's racket shall continue forward from the start of the
service (Law 4.4) until the service is delivered; and
4.1.8 the flight of the shuttle shall be upward from the server's racket to pass over the net
so that, if not intercepted, it lands in the receiver's service court (ie on or within the boundary
lines).
4.2 If a service is not correct by virtue of any of Laws 4.1.1 to 4.1.8, it shall be a 'fault' (Law 8) by
the offending side.
4.4 Once the players have taken their positions, the first forward movement of the server's racket
head shall be the start of the service.
4.5 Once started (Law 4.4), the service is delivered when the shuttle is hit by the server's racket
or, in attempting to serve, the server misses the shuttle.
4.6 The server shall not serve before the receiver is ready, but the receiver shall be considered
to have been ready if a return of service is attempted.
4.7 In doubles, the partners may take up any position disadvantageous to the opposing server
or receiver.
5. SINGLES
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5.1 Serving and receiving courts
5.1.1 The players shall serve from, and receive in, their respective right service courts when
the server has not scored or has scored an even number of points in that game.
5.1.2 The players shall serve from, and receive in, their respective left service courts when
the server has scored an odd number of points in that game.
5.2 The shuttle is hit alternately by the server and the receiver until a 'fault' is made or the shuttle
ceases to be in play.
6. DOUBLES
6.1 At the start of a game, and each time a side gains the right to serve, the service shall be
delivered from the right service court.
6.2 Only the receiver shall return the service: should the shuttle touch or be hit by the receiver's
partner, it shall be a 'fault' and the serving side scores a point.
6.6 Service in any turn of serving shall be delivered from alternate service courts, except as
provided in Law 7 and 9.
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6.7 In any game, the right to serve passes consecutively from the initial server to the initial
receiver, then to that initial receiver's partner, then to the opponent who is due to serve from the right
service court (Law 6.4), then to that player's partner, and so on.
6.8 No player shall serve out of turn, receive out of turn, or receive two consecutive services in
the same game, except as provided in Law 7 and 9.
6.9 Either player of the winning side may serve first in the next game, and either player of the
losing side may receive the service.
7.2 If a service court error is discovered before the next service is delivered:
7.2.1 if one side made the error and won the rally, it shall be a 'let';
7.2.2 if one side made the error and lost the rally, the error shall not be corrected;
7.2.3 if both sides made an error, it shall be a 'let'.
7.3 If there is a 'let' because of a service court error, the rally shall be replayed with the error
corrected.
7.4 If a service court error is discovered after the next service has been delivered, the error shall
not be corrected as the play in that game shall proceed without changing the player's new service
courts (nor, when relevant, the new order of serving).
8. FAULTS
It is a 'fault':
8.1 if a service is not correct (Law 4.1) or if Law 4.3 or 6.2 applies:
8.3 if, when in play, the initial point of contact with the shuttle is not on the striker's side of the
net. (The striker, may, however, follow the shuttle over the net with the racket in the course of a stroke);
8.4 If, in play, a player:
8.4.1 touches the net or its supports with racket, person or dress;
8.4.2 invades an opponent's court over the net with racket or person except as permitted
in Law 8.3;
8.4.3 invades an opponent's court under the net with racket or person such that an
opponent is obstructed or distracted; or
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8.4.4 obstructs an opponent, ie prevents an opponent from making a legal stroke where
the shuttle is followed over the net;
8.5 if, in play, a player deliberately distracts an opponent by any action such as shouting or
making gestures;
8.6 if, in play, the shuttle:
8.6.1 is caught and hold on the racket and then slung during the execution of a stroke;
8.6.2 is hit twice in succession by the same player with two strokes;
8.6.3 is hit by a player and the player's partner successively; or
8.6.4 touches a player's racket and continues towards the back of that player's court;
8.8 if, on service, the shuttle is caught on the net and remains suspended on top or, on service,
after passing over the net, is caught in the net.
9. LETS
9.1 'Let' shall be called by the umpire, or by a player (if there is no umpire), to halt play if:
9.1.1 the server serves before the receiver is ready (see also Law 4.6);
9.1.2 during service, the receiver and server are both faulted;
9.1.3 a shuttle is caught on the net and remains suspended on top or, after passing over
the net, is caught in the net, except on service;
9.1.4 a line judge is unsighted and the umpire is unable to make a decision;
9.1.5 a line judge is unsighted and the umpire is unable to make a decision;
9.1.6 a service court error as specified in Law 7.2.1 or 7.2.3 has occurred; or
9.1.7 any unforeseen or accidental situation has occurred.
9.2 When a 'let' occurs, the play since the last service shall not count and the player who served
shall serve again, except where Law 7 is applicable.
10.2 it strikes the net and starts to fall towards the surface of the court on the striker's side of the
net;
11.2 Intervals not exceeding 90 seconds between the first and second games, and not
exceeding 5 minutes between the second and third games, shall be allowed in all matches.
11.7 The umpire shall administer any breach of Law 11.4, 11.5 or 11.6 by:
11.7.1 issuing a warning to the offending side;
11.7.2 faulting the offending side, if previously warned; or
11.7.3 in cases of flagrant offense or persistent offenses, faulting the offending side and
reporting the offending side immediately to the Referee, who shall have power to disqualify the
offending side from the match.
12.2 The umpire, where appointed, is in-charge of the match, the court and its immediate
surrounds. The umpire shall report to the Referee.
12.3 The service judge shall call service faults made by the server should they occur (Law 4),
12.4 A line judge shall indicate whether a shuttle landed 'in' or 'out' on the line(s) assigned.
12.5 An official's decision is final on all points of fact for which that official is responsible.
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