Basics for Newcomers

Badminton is played as the best of three sets. Each set is played to 21 points. A point is scored on every rally (rally-point system). If the score is 20-20, play continues until one side gains a two-point lead, up to a maximum of 30 points (whoever reaches 30 first wins the set).

• The Serve: Always diagonal. With an even (own) score, you serve from the right side; with an odd score, from the left.
• The 1.15m Line: At the moment of the service strike, the entire shuttlecock must be below 1.15 meters from the floor. Forget about over-the-head tennis serves!
• Faults:
  • Lifting a foot off the floor during the service stroke (both feet must remain in contact with the floor throughout the entire serve — BWF Law 9.1.4)
  • Touching the net with your racket or body during a rally
  • Hitting the shuttlecock twice in a row by the same player
  • "Reaching over" the net to hit the shuttlecock before it crosses to your side

Want to know every nuance?
[Click here to download the official BWF Statutes - Laws of Badminton]