Here are some easy badminton rules to help you get started:
1. Basic Objective:
– Badminton can be played as singles (1 vs 1) or doubles (2 vs 2).
– The goal is to hit the shuttlecock (also called a birdie) over the net and into the opponent’s court without them returning it successfully.
2. Scoring:
– A match is typically played best of 3 games.
– Each game is played to 21 points, and you must win by 2 points.
– Points can be scored by either the serving or receiving side (rally scoring).
– If the score reaches 29-29, the first player/team to reach 30 points wins the game.
3. The Serve:
– The serve must be underhand and hit below the server’s waist.
– In singles:
– Serve from the right service court when the score is even.
– Serve from the left service court when the score is odd.
– In doubles:
– Serve starts on the right and alternates sides after each point.
4. Serving Rules:
– The shuttle must land in the opposite diagonal service court.
– If the shuttle lands outside the service court or doesn’t go over the net, it’s a fault.
5. During Play:
– Players rally by hitting the shuttle back and forth.
– The shuttle must not touch the ground.
– A rally ends when the shuttle hits the ground, goes out of bounds, or a fault occurs (e.g., shuttle hits the net).
6. Faults (When Play Stops):
– The shuttle lands outside the boundary lines.
– The shuttle does not go over the net or hits the net.
– The shuttle is hit more than once by the same player.
– A player touches the net with their body or racket.
– The shuttle is hit above the waist during a serve.
7. Winning a Rally:
– If the shuttle lands in your opponent’s court and they cannot return it, you win the rally and score a point.
8. Switching Sides:
– Players switch sides of the court after each game, and in the third game (if needed), players switch ends when the leading score reaches 11 points.
With these simple rules, you’re ready to enjoy a game of badminton!
