Plan Badminton today.Live another day!
Rules and how to play
Learn the basic rules of the game, how to score and the tricky Men, Women and Mixed Doubles rotation!
Just starting out in badminton?
The aim of the game is simple; The aim of badminton is to hit the shuttle with your racket so that it passes over the net and lands inside your opponent’s half of the court. Whenever you do this, you win a rally; win enough rallies, and you win the match. Your opponent has the same goal. He will try to reach the shuttle and send it back into your half of the court. You can also win rallies from your opponent’s mistakes: if he hits the shuttle into or under the net, or out of the court, then you win the rally.
Equipment
Badminton is played using a stringed racket and a shuttlecock. The game requires a court and a net, over which players must hit the shuttlecock.
Racket: A racket (or racquet) is a sports tool consisting of a handled frame with an open hoop across which a network of strings or catgut is stretched tightly.
Shuttlecock: A shuttlecock is a high-drag projectile used in badminton. It has an open conical shape formed by feathers embedded into a rounded cork base.
Contact us if you need any other equipment to set up for your players.
Playing Strategies
Singles: One player on each side of the court.
Doubles: Two players on each side of the court. Same-sex or mixed doubles are allowed.
Overhead: The shuttle is situated above the head.
Smash: The smash is probably the most attacking shot in badminton. If executed well, it is likely the most difficult shot to return because of the pace and direction put on the shuttle.
Attacking
Drop Shots: An effective drop shot can be an outright win.
To execute the drop shot:
Get behind and in line with the shuttle, then turn sideways to the net.
Keep your non-racket arm in front of your body and your racket hand behind your head.
For maximum disguise, prepare your racket and body as you would for a smash or a clear.
As the shuttle approaches, extend your racket arm and rotate your shoulders and hips to face the net.
Direct the shuttle downward as with a smash, but slow down your racket head speed instead of accelerating through. This makes the shuttle drop in the forecourt area.
Net Shot: The net shot is played from the net. When played correctly, it should tumble just over the net and land as close to the net as possible on the opponent’s side.
Tips for a good net shot:
Reach the shuttle before it drops too low. This makes the shot easier and gives your opponent less time to react.
Step forward with your dominant foot and reach with your racket arm.
Align the racket face with the falling shuttle.
Put slightly more body weight on your front foot, with your racket hand palm facing up when making contact.
The final racket lift should come from your shoulder, so the shuttle bounces off the racket face with no extra pressure, falling just over the net.
After contact, continue moving the racket upward in the direction of the shuttle’s path.
Smash: The smash is a powerful attacking shot. When executed well, it is very difficult to return due to the pace and direction applied to the shuttle.
Overhead Clear: The forehand clear forces your opponent to the rear court. It can be played as an attacking or defensive shot.
Attacking clear: Hit faster and flatter into the rear corners.
Defensive clear: Hit much higher. Although it gives your opponent time to get behind the shuttle, it also gives you more time to return to your base position.
To execute the overhead clear:
Turn sideways, with your non-racket foot forward.
Prepare by lining up your racket head and non-racket hand, pointing toward the shuttle.
Follow the shuttle’s line back until it is almost within hitting range.
Draw the racket back behind your shoulder into a throwing position (similar to a javelin thrower).
Scoring
A point is scored when you successfully hit the shuttlecock over the net and it lands in your opponent’s court before they hit it. A point can also be gained if your opponent hits the shuttlecock into the net or outside the court boundaries.
To win a game, you must reach 21 points before your opponent. If you do so, you win that set.
If the score is tied at 20–20, the winner is the first player to gain a two-point lead.
If the score reaches 29–29, the next point wins the set.
To win the overall match, you must win 2 out of 3 sets.
Effective 4 January 2027 a new 3X15 scoring system will come into effect
BOOK A SESSION
Ghana Badminton (BAG) is creating a long-term pathway to develop young badminton talents who can represent Ghana internationally in the coming years. The aim is to build a consistent pipeline of technically sound young players progressing into the National Pathway. To achieve this, four (4) Regional Training Centres (RTCs) will be established across Ghana. These centres will deliver a structured training curriculum to nurture a strong pool of young players. The RTCs will be run by selected private academies and clubs in partnership with Ghana Badminton
