Badminton is one of the fastest, most exciting racquet sports in the world. Whether you’re playing in your backyard or at a competitive level, it’s important to understand the rules and things you should know for badminton to improve your game and enjoy it fully.
Furthermore, knowing the basics can prevent injuries, reduce faults, and boost your confidence as a beginner.
1. Basic Rules of Badminton
Before you hit the shuttle, it’s essential to know the official rules of the game.
For example, scoring is based on the 21-point system, and players must serve underhand.
Additionally, players switch sides after each game, and a rally is replayed if there’s interference.
- Court Size: Singles and doubles courts differ in width. Doubles is wider.
- Scoring: Matches are played to 21 points, best of 3 games.
- Service: You must serve underhand, below the waist.
- Change of Ends: Players switch sides after each game and at 11 points in the third game.
- Let: A rally is replayed if the shuttle gets caught in the net or there’s a distraction.
These are fundamental rules and things you should know for badminton before starting.
2. Singles vs Doubles Rules
In singles, you cover more court area, so fitness matters more.
On the other hand, doubles focuses more on communication and coordination.
Moreover, court boundaries and serving styles differ between both formats.
Make sure you adjust your game based on the format you’re playing.
3. Equipment You Need to Play Badminton
Here’s a list of things you’ll need:
- Racquet: Lightweight (70–90g), with a good grip and balance.
- Shuttlecock: Feather (for pros) or plastic (for casual games).
- Shoes: Non-marking, with good grip and ankle support.
- Net & Poles: Regulation height is 5 feet 1 inch at the edges.
These are the basic things you should know for badminton gear setup.
4. Common Faults and Penalties
Avoiding faults can help you win more rallies.
For instance, touching the net, serving above the waist, or hitting the shuttle twice are considered faults.
Therefore, understanding these rules is important for fair play.
Avoid these beginner mistakes that result in points for your opponent:
- Serving above the waist
- Shuttle landing out of bounds
- Double hits (same player hitting twice)
- Touching the net
- Delaying service intentionally
Understanding these helps reduce unforced errors and improve gameplay.
5. Important Tips for Beginners
Here are some beginner-friendly things you should know for badminton success:
- Warm up properly to avoid injuries
- Practice your footwork—it’s the foundation of speed
- Focus on consistency over power
- Watch the shuttle, not your opponent
- Stay in a ready position between rallies
These tips make a huge difference in performance and enjoyment.
6. Rules for Casual Play vs Tournament Play
If you’re playing at home or with friends, the rules can be more relaxed. But in tournaments:
- Line calls are strict
- Timeouts are limited
- There’s an umpire and service judge
- Matches are timed and follow BWF regulations
So whether you’re playing for fun or training for a tournament, the rules and things you should know for badminton vary slightly depending on the setting.
7. Key Terms You Should Know
Learning terms helps you understand commentary and tutorials better.
Terms like smash, drop, rally, and clear are used frequently.
As a result, knowing this vocabulary will make you feel more confident on court.
Here are a few commonly used terms:
- Smash: A powerful downward shot
- Clear: A high shot that lands deep
- Drop: A gentle shot near the net
- Deuce: When both players reach 20–20
- Rally: Sequence of shots between service and fault
Learning these terms helps you follow games better and improve your own.
Whether you’re playing indoors at a sports complex or in your colony with friends, knowing the rules and things you should know for badminton will make you a better, more confident player.
To sum up, just follow the rules, focus on the basics, and enjoy every rally.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What are the basic rules and things you should know for badminton?
A: Basic rules include underhand service, scoring up to 21, no net touching, and switching sides after each game. Knowing these rules helps avoid faults and enjoy fair play.
Q2. What equipment do I need to play badminton?
A: Racquet, shuttlecock, proper shoes, and a net. For tournaments, you’ll also need specific court shoes and clothing.
Q3. Can beginners play doubles in badminton?
A: Absolutely. Doubles is more about positioning and teamwork. Make sure you communicate well and understand the service rules.
Q4. How is serving different in singles and doubles?
A: In singles, serve to the diagonal half of the court. In doubles, the service area is shorter and wider. The server rotates differently based on points won.
Q5. Why is knowing the rules and things you should know for badminton important?
A: Understanding the rules and things you should know for badminton helps avoid faults, improves your gameplay, and makes matches more enjoyable.
