1. A game of two or four:
Badminton can be played as singles or doubles. In a singles game, two players play against each other. While in a doubles game, you can pair up with a partner and play a game of four - doubles or mixed doubles.
Basic rules and regulations you need to know before you start playing badminton
Knowing the Rules of Badminton is important if you are serious about the game. Here is the complete information on the basic rules and regulations to follow.
Are you really a badminton enthusiast? Do you think the sport is for you? Any able person can do a sport, there's nothing simpler. But what really counts is your level and the knowledge you've acquired. If you feel capable of making progress in badminton, you're in the right place. To improve your knowledge, here's a list of badminton rules to follow.
Before beginning there are a few badminton rules and regulations which a player has to be aware of, to be a gnarly athlete. You should know where and how to hit, types of shots and the basic rules of badminton. None of this is rocket science, nor is it left to chance. The more regularly you play, the more comfortable you'll feel.
Basic badminton rules and regulations
2. Left or right
You cannot randomly choose your side as you wish. This is one of the basic badminton rules which needs to be followed for any rally. At the beginning of the game, when the server’s score is even, then you are at the right service court. If the server's score is odd, choose the left side. (yes! Be thorough with odd or even numbers, they do count!!)
3. Know the material
Badminton is played with a shuttlecock and a racket. The shuttlecock is made of 16 feathers and a cork base. The player should always hit the base and not the feathered part.
4. Begin it by a toss
At the start of any badminton match, you have to make a "toss". You place a shuttlecock on the net and let it fall. As soon as the shuttlecock stops, the direction of the cork indicates which player or pair will choose first to:
- either serve or receive
- or choose your court.
Then the player or pair who wins the rally serves for the next point.
When you play with friends, there's no need to argue about who serves first. Just play by the rules of badminton!
5. The serve
The serve is the first stroke of the shuttlecock at the start of each rally. A serve must be hit in an upward direction with an "underarm" hitting action. The main rule is to hit the shuttlecock at a height below the waist. The first step to mastering the serve is to understand the rules and the courts. In singles, the service courts are between the 1st service line and the last line of the badminton court. The doubles service courts are slightly different. The side lane counts but not the back of court lane.
Two points to remember:
- The server must stay within a service court.~- The server must aim for the opponent's service court that's diagonally opposite.
6. The net "trap"
The net is part of the game.
For example, if you smash and the shuttlecock hits the net, but lands on the opposite side without your opponent being able to return it, you score the point.
However, if the shuttlecock lands on your side of the court, you lose the rally.
Good to know: If the shuttlecock hangs on the edge of the net or on the other side of the net, it's a "let" and you have to replay the point. If the shuttlecock hangs on your side of the court, you lose the point.
7. Tame your hands and your feet
When serving, your feet must never touch the service line or the centre line.
Your racket is an extension of your arm, but the shuttlecock must not touch any part of your body, otherwise it's a fault.
8. "That's a fault!"
According to the basic rules of badminton, if your shuttle touches the ground outside the boundaries of the court or if you hit it twice from the same court, that’s considered a fault.
So there’s no replay or second chance. "In badminton, you either lose or win, there’s never a second chance!"
9. Don’t be bully kid
During a match, you must never provoke or distract your opponent. Trying to hinder your opponent in any way is a lack of fair play.
All sportsmen and women must behave properly and show respect.
10. 21 steps ahead
Your aim in a match is to score 21 points before your opponent, with a minimum 2-point difference, until you reach 29-29. Then the first player to reach 30 points wins the set.
You need to win two sets to win the match.
Badminton is easy, but that doesn't make it any less fun or dynamic. It's an active, healthy sport that everyone can try. It's flexible: you can play with family or friends to keep fit.
Badminton is easy to get to grips with, but if you like a challenge and competition, you'll need to know the rules on the court inside out, and that will make it all the more exciting.
Find and book a court
Hopefully this has given you a greater sense of the game and how to play it properly.
Looking for more inspiration on the top spots to play badminton in Singapore? Check out our sportsadvice article on our recommendations below