The official laws of badminton, as written by the Badminton World Federation, provide a thorough and complex guide to the rules of the game. If you just want to have a fun match between friends, the rules of badminton can be stripped down into the key points needed to get you started.
Serve
Every game of badminton begins with the serve. The server must hit the shuttlecock from below his waistline, with both feet on the ground. To be classed as a legal serve, the shuttlecock must land within the opponent's service court. The shuttlecock is served diagonally across the court. For example, if you are serving from your right service court, the shuttlecock must land within your opponent's right service court. According to the British Olympic Association, players alternate between the right and left-hand side of the court as points are scored.
Play
The shuttlecock is in play as soon as a legal serve has been made. The subsequent rally takes place anywhere within the court boundaries. The full width of the court is used for doubles matches, while the inner sidelines are used for singles.
Points
A point is scored when the shuttle hits the ground on your opponent's side, as long as it is within the court boundaries. The continuation of play after a point has been scored depends upon the scorer. "If the servers win the point they continue to serve. If the receivers win the point they become the servers," according to the Talk Badminton website.
Faults
A fault is called, and a point given to the opposition, if you hit the shuttlecock outside the boundaries of the court, under the net or if the shuttlecock fails to pass over the net. Further faults, as defined by Badminton World Federation laws, include hitting the shuttlecock before it has crossed the net or touching the net with your racket or body. It is also illegal to hit the shuttle twice or sling the shuttle with your racket.
Scoring
A badminton match generally consists of three games, the winner being the player who wins two out of the three. A game is won by the first player to reach 21 points or, for a shorter match, 15 points. According to Badminton World Federation laws, "If the score becomes 20-all, the side which gains a two point lead first shall win that game." For 14-all ties in a 15-point game, the winner can be decided upon the next point scored or the target can be increased to 17 points.
Change of Ends
Players swap ends at the end of each game. If a third game is to be played, the players must change ends when someone has scored 11 points in a 21-point game, or 8 in a 15-point game.
Equipment
Badminton World Federation laws are very strict in regards to equipment. For example, the shuttlecock should weigh between 4.74 g and 5.50 g, while your racket should not exceed 680 mm in length and 230 mm in width. However, these are competition rules and do not need to be followed exactly for friendly play. Standard equipment available at a sporting goods store will suffice for informal matches.
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