Flores, Keith P.

BSIT-A303

BADMINTON
Definition - Badminton is a game played by two or four players on a rectangular court with a high net
across the middle. The players try to score points by hitting a small object called a shuttlecock across the net using a
racket.
History - The game of badminton originated in Siam, China over 2,000 years ago. It was brought to England in
1870 and was played somewhat like tennis. After being played in Canada, badminton arrived in America and has been
popular since 1929. Since 1992, badminton has been an Olympic sport, with bird speeds reaching 100
m.p.h. The original name of badminton was called “Battledore and shuttlecock”, and you can find similar games in
ancient Greece and Egypt. It used to be a game that could have multiple players involved, and each of them will hit a
shuttlecock with feathers with rackets.

Rules and Regulations for Singles and Doubles

SINGLES
 The serve - One of the important rules of badminton is about the serve. The serve should always be
done underarm and below the server’s waist. An overarm serve is against the basic rules of
badminton, and would be considered a fault.
 Format - At the start of the game, the score is (0-0). 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. When the
server’s score is even, the server serves from the right service court. When the server’s score is odd,
the server serves from the left service court. If the server wins a rally, the server gets a point and then
serves again from the alternate side. If the receiver wins a rally, the receiver scores a point and
becomes the new server. The server starts from the appropriate side– left if their score is odd, and right
if the score is even. According to the rules and regulations of badminton for singles, a “play-by-play”
tournament format is followed everywhere, wherein all players will be paired with an opponent for the
first-round matches. These players will have one week to play their matches before advancing to the
next round of the tournament.
 Scoring System - When the server wins the game, a point is scored and serve is retained. When the
receiver wins the rally, they earn the right to serve. However, the ability to gain a point or lose a point
will depend on the set of badminton rules and regulations. A match consists of best-of-three games to 21
points. At 20 all, the server which gains a two-point lead first wins the game. At 29 all, the side scoring
the 30th point first wins that game. A server in a new game will be the winner of the previous one, and
every time there is a serve, there will be a point scored, unless that point is replayed. A two-minute
break is allowed between each game. A 60-second break can be taken when the leading score reaches
11 points. In official BWF play, the receiver scores points. However, only the server can earn points
while playing classic-rules badminton in universities.
 Faults - In official games of BWF, faults and errors result in a point for your opponent and you must
surrender the serve to them. A major fault as listed in the badminton rules and regulations for singles is
missing the shuttle while swinging on the serve. If you hit the shuttle but it passes underneath the net, it
can be counted as a fault. Also, when you hit the shuttle out of bounds it is a major fault as per the rules
of badminton. Lastly, touching the shuttle with your body or clothing is frowned upon amongst the basic
rules of badminton.
DOUBLES
 Coin Toss - The basic rules and regulations of any badminton rally, either Olympics or leisurely with
your family is that the game always begins with a toss. When playing with your friends, stop fighting
for the first serve, because you must comply with the badminton rules that qualify a coin toss as an
appropriate determinant. The next first serve depends on who wins the rally. If you win the first rally,
then the next game begins with your serve.
 Boundaries - A player out of a team of 2 must serve inside the white lines of the diagonally opposite
side so that the shuttlecock falls inside it. After the receiver returns the serve, the player can hit the
shuttle anywhere within the entire court area
 Format - In doubles, the scoring system can be a little confusing, since there are 2 players in a team
who can serve. A rule of thumb is that a badminton game always starts from the right-hand side The
order of server depends on the score odd or even, the same badminton rules and regulations for doubles
as it is for singles. For example, if both pairs have decided that you and your partner start the game
with you delivering the first serve, the score is 0-0. Since 0 is an even number, you will serve from the
right side of the court. Otherwise, the players continue to stay in their respective service court from
where they played their previous game. From this method, alternate servers are guaranteed.
 Switching sides on the court - In Badminton rules and regulations for doubles entail that the players
or teams will switch sides on the court during the following times:
 At the end of the first game at the end of the second game and if a third game is to be played during the
third game if the first player/team scores a total of 11 points.
 Scoring System - If the serving side wins, they score a point and the same server serves again from the
alternate service court. If the receiving side wins, the receiving side scores a point. The receiving side
becomes the new serving side. To win the game of badminton, you must score points before your
opponent. Out of 3 sets of play you must win two. Every time there is a serve, there is a point scored.
According to badminton rules and regulations for doubles, the side of doubles that win a rally adds a
point to its score. When both sides reach 20 all, the side which gains a 2-point lead first, wins that game.
When both sides reach 29 all, the side scoring the 30th point, wins that game.
 Faults - The shuttlecock which is either served or hit should land inside the service court. Any
shuttlecock which flew away from the white boundaries will not be counted and the opponent will
score. One side has only one attempt to retrieve the shuttle, either one of the players is going to hit the
shuttle. Even if the shuttle is accidentally touched by hand, it is still a fault. Also, an important rule of
badminton is that only the receiver can return the serve directed at them.

Equipment
 Badminton Racket - Badminton rackets can be made from several types of materials. Depending on the
material selection, this can result in different combinations of racket weight, balance points and string tensions.
With so many different combinations, it will take time to decide which is most suited for your playing style.
 Shuttlecock - There are two types of shuttlecocks - plastic and feathered shuttlecocks.
Plastic shuttlecocks are far more durable compared to the feathered types which are commonly used. However,
plastic shuttlecocks are only recommended for beginners who are just starting out. This is because feathered
shuttlecocks are expensive and fray easily especially if the wrong technique is used.
Plastic shuttlecocks tend to travel shorter distances as they are heavier. Hence, they are good for building
strength as you make the transition to feathered shuttlecocks.
 Badminton Shoes - Badminton shoes are designed to give you better traction and grip to stop in time to
return a shot. They should also be lightweight have good cushioning to absorb impact when you jump or land.
Regular players will find heel cups useful to prolonging the lifespan of your shoes.
Do not wear jogging shoes as they usually lack grip and traction. You might end up crashing through the
badminton net if you are unable to stop in time to receive a drop shot.
 Badminton Attire - For casual to non-competitive players, a comfortable pair of shorts and cotton or dri-fit t-
shirt is sufficient. Some players may want to equip themselves with hand grips, wrist bands and ankle guards.
Each of these items serve a purpose and might also add a dash of colour to the entire get-up. When it comes to
badminton equipment, select what is appropriate before turning your attention to aesthetics. With this in mind,
have fun shopping and gearing up for your next match.

Basic Skills/ Strokes

 Clear Shot - Aim of this shot is to let the shuttle fly high in the air and land at your opponent’s back court. It is
used when you need time to get back to the base before the next return or if you don’t have a clear opportunity to
kill and win the point.

Trajectory: high, towards the back court

Played from: Back court
Purpose: Defensive shot

 Drop - It is used when the shuttle is heading towards you in the back court. As an attempt to this stroke, the
player must hit downward towards the opponent’s fore-court, aiming for it to go just over the net. The closer the
shuttle drops to the net, the harder it is to return. This shot is used when the opponent is in the back court,
expecting a clear shot or a drive.

Trajectory: Looping close to the net

Played from: Back court
Purpose: Attacking Shot

 Drive - The drive is a flat shot hit directly and slightly over the net. It is a very powerful and quick counter
attacking shot. Your racket should be held with the head facing straight ahead. It can sometimes be strategic to
aim the shot at your opponent who will be unable to react or shift his body in time as their natural reaction will
be to duck/avoid the shot.

Trajectory: Flat, towards the body

Played from: Mid-court
Purpose: Defensive Shot

 Smash - Most lethal shot in badminton. It can be defined as a drive angled downwards. It can be used when the
shuttle is high in the air and can be angled downwards.

Trajectory: Close to the net Played

from: Back court/Mid-court
Purpose: To provide less time for the opponent
 Net Lift - The net lift sends the shuttle high up to your opponent’s baseline. It is hit from very close to the net.
When you find it difficult to retrieve your opponent’s net shot, you can choose the defensive net lift. Do not
hesitate to lift it high and towards the back court. This can prevent your opponent from striking with a net kill.
Practice to lift the shuttle high enough so the shuttle won’t hit the net.

Trajectory: high, towards the back court

Played from: Forecourt
Purpose: Defensive shot

 Net Kill - A very useful shot to end a rally when your opponent executes a poor quality (too high) net shot.

Trajectory: Flat and downwards

Played from: Fore court Purpose:
To end a rally