Badminton Singles Rules

Overview

This video provides a comprehensive guide to the essential rules for playing badminton singles, particularly for those interested in competitions, covering scoring, court specifics, serving, and match procedures.

Scoring System and Game Structure

• Each game is played to 21 points, and a match is best of three games.
• If the score reaches 20-all, a player must win by two consecutive points, up to a maximum of 30 points.
• The first player to reach 30 points wins the game, regardless of the margin.
• The player who wins two games first wins the match; a third game is only played if both players win one game each.

Serving Rules and Court Layout

• Service order is determined by a coin toss or shuttle toss.
• Serve from the right side for even scores and from the left for odd scores.
• Only the inner court lines are used in singles; the outer alleys are out.
• Serves must be diagonal and land within the designated service box.
• The server and receiver must stay within their service boxes and not step on the lines during service.

Rally and Point Scoring

• Either server or receiver can score points on any rally (rally scoring).
• If the shuttle lands on the line, it is considered in.
• The point of contact must be with the cork, not the feather, for line calls.
• If the serve or shuttle hits the net but lands in, play continues.
• If a player returns a shuttle that was going out, the rally continues.

Intervals and Breaks

• At 11 points in each game, there is a 60-second break for players and coaches.
• A two-minute interval is given between games for coaching or rest.
• In the third game, players switch court sides at 11 points after the interval.

Miscellaneous Match Procedures

• Players must shake hands with each other, the umpire, and the service judge after the match.
• Players are advised to play any shuttle if uncertain whether it is out, as line judges watch where the cork lands first.

Action Items

• TBD – Players: Practice serving from correct positions and following rally scoring.
• TBD – Players: Memorize court boundaries and service box locations.
• TBD – Players: Watch recommended videos for singles strategies.
• TBD – New Competitors: Familiarize yourself with break and interval protocols in tournament play.