Rules and how to play
Learn the basic rules of the game, how to score and the tricky Men, Women and Mix 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.
- Badminton is played using a stringed racket and a shuttlecock. There is a court and a net that the players have to hit the shuttlecock over.
- Racket: A racket or racquet is a sports implement 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 the sport of 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.
- Singles: one player on each side of the court.
- Doubles: 2 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 and if executed well it is probably the most difficult shot to return, just because of the pace and direction put on the shuttle. Here we demonstrate and explain the backhand smash and forehand smash shots..
- Drop Shots: An effective drop shot can be an outright win. To execute the drop shot get behind and in line with the shuttle and turn the side on to the net. Have the non-racket arm in front of the body and the racket hand behind the head. To enable maximum disguise the racket/body preparation should be similar to how you would play a smash or a clear. As the shuttle comes closer extend the racket arm and rotate the shoulders and hips round to face the net. Make sure to direct the shuttle downwards as with a smash but to decelerate the racket head speed – rather than accelerating it through. This will ensure the shuttle drops in the forecourt area.
- The net shot is played from the net and when played correctly should tumble over the top of the net and land as close to the net as possible on the opponents. Try and reach the shuttle before it drops too low to make the shot easier and give the opponent less time to react. To reach the shuttle quickly, step forward with the dominant foot and reach with the racket arm. Make sure to put the racket face in line with the dropping shuttle. Aim to put slightly more body weight on the front foot. The racket hand palm should face up when making contact. The last racket lift should come from the shoulder. This should mean the shuttle bounces off the face with no pressure on it, falling just over the net. After making contact with the shuttle the racket should keep moving in upward direction with the shuttle’s path.
- Smash: The smash is probably the most attacking shot in badminton and if executed well it is probably the most difficult shot to return, just because of the pace and direction put on the shuttle. Here we demonstrate and explain the backhand smash and forehand smash shots..
- Overhead Clear: The purpose of the forehand clear is used to force your opponent to the rear court. It can be played as an attacking shot or a defensive shot. The attacking clear is hit faster and flatter into the rear corners. The defensive clear is hit much higher and despite giving your opponent time to get behind the shuttle – it also gives you more time to get back to a base position. The overhead clear is played with a throwing action. To execute the shot turn sideways on with the non racket foot forward. Prepare the racket by lining the racket head and the non racket hand up, pointing towards the shuttle. Follow the line of the shuttle back with racket and hand until just before the shuttle is in hitting range. At this stage draw the racket back behind the shoulder and form a throwing position – not dissimilar to that of a javelin thrower
- A point is scored when you successfully hit the shuttlecock over the net and land it in your opponent’s court before they hit it. A point can also be gained when your opponent hits the shuttlecock into either the net or outside the parameters
- To win a game you must reach 21 points before your opponent. If you do so then you will have won that set. If the scores are tied at 20-20 then it comes down to whichever player manages to get two clear points ahead.
- If the points are still tied at 29-29 then the next point will decide the winner of the set. Winning the overall game will require you to win 2 out of the 3 sets played
Video Pointers
Our film series gives a visual explanation of how to hold the racket, basic drives as well as the doubles rotation format.
Doubles Rotation
What are the faults in Badminton?
Serve Rules
Doubles Rotation
Badminton Rules
Looking for the official laws of Badminton?
For more in-depth information on the rules (laws) of Badminton and the regulations governing the sport internationally and domestically, visit our regulations section.
Useful links
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