Rules to Play Badminton

Master the game with the official rules, service guidelines, dos & don'ts — all in one place.

Basic Rules

Core regulations of the game

  1. 1A match consists of the best of 3 games, each played to 21 points.
  2. 2A point is scored on every serve — the rally winner gets the point.
  3. 3The side winning a game serves first in the next game.
  4. 4The shuttle must land within the opponent's court boundaries to be "in".
  5. 5A shuttle that hits the net and falls on the opponent's side is still in play (during a rally).
  6. 6Players change ends at the start of the second game. In the third game, ends are changed when the leading player first reaches 11 points.
  7. 7If the score reaches 20-all, the side that gains a 2-point lead first wins that game.
  8. 8If the score reaches 29-all, the side that scores the 30th point wins.

Scoring System

Rally-point system (BWF standard)

Winning a rally
+1 point to the rally winner regardless of who served.
Game point
First to 21 points (with 2-point lead); capped at 30.
Match
Best of 3 games. Win 2 games to win the match.
Service after win
The winner of each rally serves next.
Interval
60-second interval when the leading score reaches 11 in the third game; 2-minute interval between games.

Service Rules

How to serve correctly

  • The serve must be hit below the server's waist (the last rib) at the moment of contact.
  • Both the server and receiver must stand within their respective service courts without touching the lines.
  • The racket head must point downward at the moment of impact during a serve.
  • The serve must travel diagonally to land in the receiver's correct service court.
  • In doubles, only the server may score; upon losing a rally, service passes to the opponent.
  • A serve that clips the net and lands in the correct court is valid ("let" rule does not apply in modern BWF rules).
  • The server must not delay the serve after taking position; feinting is not allowed.

Common Faults

Actions that result in losing a point

The shuttle lands outside the boundaries of the court.
The shuttle passes through or under the net.
The shuttle does not pass over the net.
The shuttle touches the ceiling or side walls.
The shuttle touches a player's body or clothing.
A player touches the net with racket or body during play.
A player reaches over the net to play the shuttle (unless follow-through after a legal stroke).
A player deliberately distracts the opponent.
The shuttle is hit twice in one stroke (double hit).
A player invades the opponent's court over or under the net.

Do's & Don'ts

Best practices and things to avoid on court

Do's
  • Warm up properly before every match to prevent injuries.
  • Communicate clearly with your doubles partner throughout the match.
  • Return to the center of the court (base position) after each shot.
  • Watch the shuttle closely from your opponent's racket to anticipate direction.
  • Use a variety of shots — clears, drops, smashes, and net shots — to keep opponents guessing.
  • Stay light on your feet and use split-step before your opponent strikes.
  • Maintain a firm but relaxed grip to generate power and control.
  • Respect the opponent, referee, and line judges at all times.
  • Hydrate and rest adequately between matches in a tournament.
  • Call "fault" or "out" only when clearly certain; concede the point when in doubt.
Don'ts
  • Do not touch the net with your racket or body during play.
  • Do not hit the shuttle before it crosses to your side of the net.
  • Do not obstruct or distract your opponent while the shuttle is in play.
  • Do not delay the game intentionally — play at a reasonable pace.
  • Do not hit the shuttle twice (double hit) with your racket in one stroke.
  • Do not let the shuttle hit your body or clothing during a rally.
  • Do not argue excessively with the umpire — accept calls gracefully.
  • Do not wear inappropriate footwear — always use non-marking court shoes.
  • Do not use a shuttle that is visibly damaged; ask for a shuttle change.
  • Do not step into the opponent's court — this is a fault.