Badminton rules are different from one game to the next and match to match. Badminton World Federation rules (BWF), outline the basics of the sport. They also help to define certain skills and shots. There are several rules that govern how the shuttlecock is used and served. Understanding these rules is essential to winning a badminton match.
The most important shot of a badminton rally is the service. This shot is only possible once and will result in a points for the receiver. Official BWF play gives the receiver this right by winning an official rally.
You need to be familiar with the service rules for each type of game. The most important rule is that you can not serve overhead or touch any part of the net with a body. You cannot serve diagonally across the net. You cannot hit the shuttlecock more than once in a row.
Rules of the BWF also state that you shouldn't serve in an incorrect way. You can serve from either the right or left side of the court depending on whether the score is even. If it is not, you can serve from both sides. You can't serve from a court located outside the white boundaries.
A birdie serves as a demonstration of skill and is the most important shot in the match. You will lose the chance to hit it, however, if it is caught in a net.
A birdie, or shuttlecock, is a half-round ball with featherlike material around its bottom. It may only be struck once before it bounces back to the opposite end. Moreover, you are only allowed to hit it on the lower side of the birdie, and it will return back down.
There are a few other good service rules that you should know. One of them is that the correct service is when the shuttlecock lands on the service line. This applies to doubles. If you are able to serve in the right court, you will be awarded a point.
There are also rules for badminton that will help you decide if a shot or not. These rules include choosing the right racket for you, using a lightweight racquet, and not being too tall when you serve.
These are only a few of more than 30 badminton rules you should be aware of when playing. You could lose the game by a large margin if you don't.
Badminton's most important rule is to only take one hit to send the shuttle across the net. Touching the net earns you a point.
Another rule is to not hit the shuttlecock twice in a row. Ideal birdies should have a round base. Although you don't have to be perfect at returning a serving, it is a good start.