Badminton is played on a court with a net that separates two sides. It can be played as a game of singles, with one player on each side, or doubles, with two players on each team. Players hit a shuttlecock back and forth over the net with rackets. Each time the shuttlecock hits the ground, goes out of bounds or doesn't make it over the net, a point is scored by the side that didn't miss.
To Start the Game
A coin is tossed, and the winner gets to choose to receive or serve. If no coin is available, the shuttlecock can be tossed or one of the rackets can be spun.
Serving
The server stands on the right side of her court and must have at least part of both feet on the ground while serving underhand. Jumping is not allowed, and the shuttlecock has to make contact with the racket below the waist of the server. The receiver cannot move from her position on the opposite court until the serve. The server in a singles game must move to the left side of the court if the points added up equal an odd number. If the game is doubles, the players on each team take turns serving.
Winning Points
The team that serves is the only one that can win points. A point is won when the shuttlecock goes over the net and falls onto the receiver's court. If it hits the line, it is good.
Fault
If the shuttlecock hits the net or a player on the serve, it is considered a fault. A fault also occurs if a player's racket or any part of her body touches the net. If one of the players swings and misses the shuttlecock while serving, it is called out. Gesturing or trying to distract the opponent in any way constitutes a fault.
Scoring and Winning
A badminton match is best three out of five games. After the serving side wins a point, that side serves again. To win a game, you must have 15 points in a doubles game or 11 in women's singles. However, if the score is tied 14-14, the side that reaches that level first can choose to reset the points for a win to 17 or leave it at 15.
Lets
When a shuttlecock sticks in the net or gets caught, play is stopped. Another let occurs when someone serves before the receiver is ready to play or if the shuttlecock breaks, the server hits from the wrong side or if another shuttlecock from a nearby court enters the playing area.
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