The Ultimate Guide to Single Badminton Rules and Court

Single Badminton Rules and Court

Singles badminton is played on a court that is 13.4 meters long and 5.18 meters wide, with a net that is 1.55 meters high at the edges and 1.524 meters high at the center. The objective is to score 21 points and win the best out of three games. The server must stand inside the service court and hit the shuttlecock diagonally over the net to the receiver’s service court. A player commits a fault if the shuttlecock lands outside the boundaries of the court, fails to clear the net, lands in the wrong service court, or violates any other rule of the game.

Court Setup for Single Badminton

To set up a badminton court for singles play, you will need a rectangular court that is 13.4 meters long and 5.18 meters wide. The court should be marked with boundary lines that are 40mm wide and clearly visible. The net should be placed in the center of the court and should be 1.55 meters high at the edges and 1.524 meters high at the center. The net should be suspended from two poles that are 1.55 meters high and positioned outside the court boundaries. The service court should be marked with lines that extend 0.76 meters from the net towards the back of the court, creating a rectangle that is 1.98 meters long and 0.64 meters wide.

Scoring System in Single Badminton

In singles badminton, a match is usually played to the best of three games, with each game won by the player who scores 21 points first. If the score becomes tied at 20-20, the game continues until one player has a two-point lead. If the score reaches 29-29, the player who scores the next point will win the game. Points are awarded when a player successfully hits the shuttlecock over the net and it lands in the opponent’s court, or if the opponent commits a fault, such as hitting the shuttlecock out of bounds or into the net.

Equipment for Single Badminton

To play singles badminton, you will need several pieces of equipment, including:

  • Badminton racket: A lightweight racket with a small head and a long handle.
  • Shuttlecock: A feathered projectile that is used to hit back and forth across the net. It is usually made of 16 feathers attached to a cork base.
  • Badminton shoes: Specialized shoes with non-marking soles that provide good traction on the court.
  • Badminton net: A net that is hung from two poles and divides the court into two halves.
  • Court markings: Boundary lines that mark the dimensions of the court, as well as lines that mark the service court.
  • Protective gear: Optional gear that players may choose to wear, such as a wristband, elbow support, or knee pads.

Single Badminton Serving Rules

In singles badminton, the serving rules are as follows:

  • The server must stand inside the service court and hit the shuttlecock diagonally over the net to the receiver’s service court.
  • The serve must be underarm, and the server must keep both feet on the ground until the shuttlecock is struck.
  • The serve must pass over the net and land inside the service court diagonally opposite the server.
  • If the serve is good, the receiver must hit the shuttlecock back over the net and try to score a point.
  • If the serve is not good, it is considered a fault, and the point goes to the receiver.
  • The server continues to serve until they commit a fault, at which point the receiver becomes the server and serves from the opposite service court.
  • The server must alternate between the left and right service court after every point.
  • If the server wins a rally, they score a point and continue serving from the same service court.

Single Badminton Playing Rules

The following are the playing rules for singles badminton:

  • The objective of the game is to hit the shuttlecock over the net and land it in the opponent’s court, trying to score points.
  • The game is played to the best of three sets, with each set won by the player who scores 21 points first.
  • If the score becomes tied at 20-20, the game continues until one player has a two-point lead.
  • A point is awarded if the shuttlecock lands in the opponent’s court or if the opponent commits a fault.
  • A fault occurs when the shuttlecock lands outside the boundaries of the court, fails to clear the net, lands in the wrong service court, or is struck with an illegal hit, such as carrying or hitting the shuttlecock twice.
  • A player can only hit the shuttlecock once before it crosses the net and may not touch the net with their racket or body during play.
  • A player may move anywhere on their side of the court and must return the shuttlecock before it hits the ground.
  • If the shuttlecock hits the net during play and lands in the opponent’s court, it is considered a valid hit, and play continues.
  • The match is won by the player who wins two sets out of three.
  • If a player is injured or becomes ill during the match, they may request a short break to receive medical attention or recover.

Rules and Regulations of Competitive Single Badminton

Competitive single badminton follows the same rules as recreational play, with some additional regulations to ensure fair and competitive play. The following are some of the key rules and regulations of competitive single badminton:

  • Players must wear appropriate attire, such as non-marking shoes, and must adhere to any additional dress codes set by the tournament organizers.
  • Matches are usually played to the best of three sets, with each set won by the player who scores 21 points first. In some tournaments, matches may be played to the best of five sets.
  • Players must be ready to play at the scheduled match time and may be disqualified if they are late or fail to show up for a match.
  • Players are allowed a limited number of breaks between points and sets and must adhere to the time limits set by the umpire.
  • A referee or umpire is responsible for enforcing the rules of the game and may issue warnings, penalties, or disqualifications for rule violations or unsportsmanlike conduct.
  • In some tournaments, players may be required to undergo drug testing to ensure fair play.
  • Players must adhere to the rules regarding serving, footwork, and court boundaries, and may be penalized for rule violations or faults.
  • Players are not allowed to receive coaching during a match, except during authorized breaks or timeouts.
  • Spectators are not allowed to interfere with the match or distract the players, and may be removed from the venue if they violate these rules.
  • The tournament organizers may set additional rules or regulations as needed to ensure fair play and competitive integrity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, single badminton is a popular and competitive sport played by millions of people around the world. The rules and regulations of the game are designed to ensure fair play and competitive integrity, and players must adhere to these rules to participate in tournaments and matches. From the court setup and equipment to the scoring system and serving rules, every aspect of the game has been carefully designed to challenge players and provide an exciting and dynamic experience.

References:

https://getgoodatbadminton.com/badminton-rules-and-regulations-for-singles

https://blog.decathlon.in/articles/badminton-basic-rules-and-regulations