The badminton net runs directly over the court’s net line and divides the court into two equal sides, each measuring 22 feet long by 20 feet wide. One player or team stands on each side of the net. To keep the shuttlecock in play, players must reach it before it hits the ground and return it over the net to the opponent’s side of the court.
Origin of the Badminton Net
Badminton evolved from games known as “battledore” and “shuttlecock,” played in ancient China, Japan and Greece. These earlier versions of the sport did not use a net. Instead, players simply tried to hit a shuttlecock back and forth to each other as many times as possible. In the 1800s, British Army officers returned to England having discovered a the game called “poona” in India. This game required a net. In 1893, the National Badminton Association was formed in England. And, in 1934, the International Badminton Federation, now known as the Badminton World Federation, was formed.
Net Height
According to the Badminton World Federation's Laws of the Game, the badminton net must measure 5 feet at the center and 5 feet 1 inch at the sidelines. Vertical posts at either side of the court provide support for the net. The net posts must measure 5 feet, 1 inch in height. The net height remains the same for singles and doubles play as well as for men’s and women’s competition.
Net Width
The Badminton World Federation's Laws of the Game dictate that the dark mesh badminton net must measures 30 inches from top to bottom. The shuttlecock cannot pass through our under the net.
Net Tape
White tape runs along the top of the net covering the net cord. The white tape should measure about 3 inches in height. This tape makes the top of the net more visible to players, spectators and rules officials.
Compared to Other Sports Nets
Badminton requires a much higher net than tennis. According to United States Tennis Association and International Tennis Federation rules, the standard tennis net measures 3 feet at the center and 3 feet 6 inches at the sides. The badminton net does not reach as high as the standard volleyball net, however. According to USA Volleyball and International Federation of Volleyball rules, the standard volleyball net for men’s competition must measure 7 feet ,11 5/8 inches, while the standard volleyball net for women’s competition must measure 7 feet, 4 1/8 inches.
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