Badminton is a fast racket sport played by two players or two pairs, who hit a shuttlecock over a net. It is easy to start learning, yet it demands speed, accuracy and tactics at higher levels.

The court

The court is rectangular and divided by a net. Singles and doubles use slightly different boundary lines, and there are service areas on each side. Knowing which lines apply to which format is one of the first things beginners learn.

Scoring

Matches are generally played as the best of three games, and a rally point system is used: a point is scored on every rally, no matter who served. A game is won by reaching the required points with a minimum lead, subject to a cap in close contests. Always check the current official rules of the governing body for exact numbers.

Serving

  • The serve is hit underhand.
  • It must travel diagonally into the opposite service court.
  • The server and receiver must stay inside their areas until the serve is made.

Common faults

A fault occurs if the shuttle lands outside the court, goes into the net, is hit twice in succession by one side, or if a player touches the net during play.

Takeaway

Learn the court, the serve and the scoring, and the rest follows with practice. Many clubs and coaches welcome beginners.