Comprehensive Badminton Rules

Your ultimate guide to understanding every single rule of badminton.

Key Rules to Keep in Mind

            A match is played to the best of 3 games, each game to 21 points.
A point is scored on every rally, regardless of who served (rally point system).
When the score is tied at 20-20, a player must win by 2 points.
The serve must be underhand, and the shuttle must be struck below the waist.
A rally ends when the shuttle hits the ground, goes out of bounds, or a fault is committed.

        

Full Badminton Rules

1. Scoring System

A match consists of the best of 3 games to 21 points each.
A point is scored on every rally under the rally point system.
If the score reaches 20-20, the game continues until a 2-point lead is achieved (e.g., 22-20).
If the score reaches 29-29, the first player to score 30 points wins.

2. Serving Rules

The server and receiver must stand diagonally opposite within their respective service courts.
The serve must be delivered underhand, and the shuttle must be struck below the server’s waist.
If the server wins the rally, they serve again from the alternate service court.
If the receiver wins the rally, they become the server.

3. Shuttle in Play

The shuttle is in play from the moment it is struck until it touches the ground, goes out of bounds, or a fault is committed.
A shuttle hitting the net and going over during the rally is considered in play.

4. Faults

If the shuttle lands outside the boundaries of the court.
If the shuttle passes through or under the net.
If the shuttle fails to cross the net.
If a player touches the net with their body or racket during play.
If a player hits the shuttle twice consecutively.

5. Let (Replay)

A let is called if both players commit faults simultaneously.
If the server serves before the receiver is ready.
If the shuttle gets stuck on the net after the service.

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