In badminton, players hit a shuttlecock back and forth over a net that divides the court into two equal parts, each 20 feet wide by 22 feet long. The Badminton World Federation, formerly known as the International Badminton Federation, provides specific rules regarding the badminton net's height and structure in its official rulebook.
Posts
Two posts support the badminton net. These posts must be fixed to the ground along the doubles sidelines for both singles and doubles competition. The posts should measure 5 feet high from the surface of the court. The posts should remain vertical rather than tilted.
Net
The standard badminton net measures 5 feet high at the center of the court and 5.1 feet high at the sides, where it attaches to the posts. There should be no space between the edges of the net and the posts.
Materials
The net must consist of fine dark cord with an even thickness and mesh size. This mesh should stretch at least 20 feet across. A narrow white tape should run across the top of the net to make it stand out to the players, referees and spectators. This tape should measure about 2.95 inches wide.
Net Rules
If your serve gets caught in the net, it is a fault. If your shot passes under or through the net, you lose the point. If you touch the net or the net posts with your racket or any part of your body, you commit a fault and lose the point.
Badminton Net History
According to the Badminton World Federation, badminton has roots in games called battledore and shuttlecock, which might have been played for more than 2,000 years. Battledore and shuttlecock gained popularity in England in the 17th century. In the 19th century, a form of shuttlecock and battledore known as "Poon" gained popularity in India. This game included a net, whereas the earlier forms simply required players to hit the shuttlecock continuously without letting it hit the ground. British officers brought the new form of the game back with them to England, where it gained popularity.
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