Badminton is a game most are familiar with casually, as an activity played in the backyard, park or at the beach. However, badminton is a highly competitive sport in many parts of the world, especially Asia. As with all sports, badminton has rules that govern its play to ensure consistency, fairness and enjoyment.
The Court
The badminton court dimensions are 44 feet long-by-17 feet wide for a game of singles. If the game is for doubles, court dimensions of 44 feet long-by-20 feet wide are used. The top of the net measures 5 feet from the floor in the center.
Coin Toss
The match begins with a coin toss. The winner of the toss chooses from one of two options: if he wants to serve, or which side of the court he would like to defend. The opponent then has choice in the option the winner did not select.
Touching the Net
As with volleyball, a player may not touch the net with either his body or racket. The player may not extend the racket across the net to return or block the shuttlecock.
Shuttlecock Etiquette
The shuttlecock, also known as the shuttle or birdie, may not be stationary on a player's racket. This applies to carrying the shuttle between points, or while a point is in play.
Service Rules
A serve must cross the badminton court diagonally, as with tennis. When serving, the shuttlecock must make contact with the racket below the player's waistline. An opposing player awaiting service may not touch any lines on the badminton court until the service has commenced.
Scoring
A player will receive one point upon winning a rally. A player wins a rally when he hits the shuttlecock and it makes contact with the court on the opponent's side. A player also wins a point if his opponent "faults." A common fault is committed if your opponent's serve fails to clear the top of the net, or lands outside of the fair boundary lines. In addition, a fault occurs if you hit the ceiling, roof or other obstruction over the field of play with the shuttlecock.
Hits
A player may hit the shuttlecock only once each time the shuttle is on his side of the net.
Match
A match consists of three separate games, the winner being the first to reach 21 points in each game. Players will change sides after each game concludes.
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