Badminton is a popular recreational activity you can play with two or four players. The rules are different when playing a singles match, which involves two players, compared to a doubles match. The Badminton World Federation creates a list of tournament rules for badminton. Though you may not need to follow strict tournament rules when playing a game in your backyard, the official rules provide a good background when modifying the rules for your games.
Serving
A coin flip determines who serves first in a game of badminton. If you win the coin toss, you can serve, receive or choose the side of the court where you want to start play. Your opponent gets first serve if you choose to receive or if you choose the side where you want to start. Stand behind the baseline of the right service area when your points are even, and behind the left service area when your points are odd, according to the Badminton World Federation. Drop the shuttle with your free hand, and strike it with your racket below the waist in an upward motion. Hit the shuttle so it flies diagonally over the net to your opponent's service receiving area. Stand behind the baseline of the diagonal service area when your opponent is serving. A diagram of a badminton court is located in the Resources section.
Rallies
A rally starts when a player returns the shuttle after the service, according to the website Badminton. You and your opponent hit the shuttle back and forth over the net until one player commits a fault, stopping play.
Faults
Faults occur when a player commits an error during play. A fault can occur during the serve or in a rally. Service faults include missing the shuttle during your service attempt; both feet leaving the service area of the court during the serve; hitting the shuttle into the net; or the shuttle landing outside of the service area, according to the Badminton World Federation. A fault occurs during a rally if the shuttle lands outside the boundaries of the court; if the shuttle is hit into the net and does not continue to the other side of the court; if the shuttle is hit through the net; if the shuttle touches the side walls, ceiling or any fixture not part of the court or your body; if you hit the shuttle twice in a row; if you hit the net with your body, anything you are wearing or the racket; if your body travels under the net, except when following through with a shot; or if you obstruct or distract your opponent.
Scoring
You score a point any time your opponent commits a fault, and your opponent scores when you commit a fault. You do not need to serve to score a point. In addition, the receiver becomes the server whenever the server commits a fault. A game ends when one player reaches 21 points, unless both players reach 20 points. You must win by 2 points if the score is tied at 20. If the score is tied at 29, the first player to reach 30 points wins. Players switch ends of the court after each game. Switch ends at 11 points during the third game, if the third game is needed to determine the winner of the match. A match ends when one player wins two games.
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