Badminton is an Olympic sport you can play professionally or with friends for recreational purposes. As the fastest racket sport in the world, badminton provides players with a considerable workout. According to the Calorie Control Council, a 150 lb. person will burn almost 400 calories an hour playing badminton. The Badminton World Federation dictates that badminton players must follow certain rules when participating in matches. Whether you’re competing or simply playing for fun, adhering to the rules of badminton will ensure that you play property and get the most out of each game.
Serving Rules
BWF rules dictate that, prior to the start of a match, players determine who initially serves by tossing a shuttle into the air. The player the shuttle points to upon landing may choose who serves first or select which side of the badminton court he wishes to play on. Modifications of this rule, such as a coin toss, are acceptable. When serving, a player must toss the shuttle into the air and strike it with his racket when it falls below his waist. Only the serving player or team can score points. If the serving player wins the initial rally, he serves again. Service passes to his opponent if he loses the rally. In the event that players are competing in a doubles game, service passes from the shuttle toss winner to the receiver, from the receiver to the initial server’s partner and then from the initial server’s partner to the original receiver’s partner.
Committing Faults
A “fault” occurs when a player violates the official badminton rules either intentionally or inadvertently. Examples of faults include: stepping out of bounds of the court, touching the net, hitting the shuttle twice in succession and serving the shuttle using an overhand stroke. Texas A&M University notes that when the serving player commits a fault, she loses her right to serve and service passes to her opponent. When the non-serving player commits a fault, however, the serving player receives an extra point.
Completing Matches
Unlike some other sports, badminton does not provide players with a break until the game is over. The BWF notes that the only exception exists in international competitive events or nationally sanctioned events in which players may take a five minute break between sets. If a player commits any act that the judging body deems an “intentional suspension of play,” the judging body reserves the right to issue a warning to the player. If the player was previously warned, stopping a game for any reason other than an injury is considered a fault.
Wheelchair-bound Players
Players bound to a wheelchair must adhere to a slightly different set of rules when playing badminton. While standard serving and match guidelines still apply, wheelchair-bound players may take three minute breaks between sets to catheterize. In addition, handicapped players play from one-half of the court, rather than the full court. Should a shuttle fall within the court but outside of the boundary lines set for the game, it is out of bounds. The BWF also dictates that wheelchair-bound players must also use an elastic belt to secure themselves within their chairs during the duration of the game.
Member Comments