Badminton serve rules require the server to hit the shuttle below a fixed height, with both feet still and in contact with the court, sending it diagonally into the opponent’s service court. The serve must be one continuous forward movement, and the shuttle must be struck on the base first. Breaking any of these rules is a service fault, and the point goes to the receiver.
The serve starts every rally, so understanding the rules helps players avoid giving away easy points. This guide covers where to stand, how high to serve and the most common faults.
Where to Stand
The server and receiver stand in diagonally opposite service courts. The side depends on the server’s score.
- When the server’s score is even, including zero, they serve from the right service court.
- When the server’s score is odd, they serve from the left service court.
- Both players must stand inside their service courts without touching the lines.
- Part of both feet must stay in contact with the court until the shuttle is struck.
Serve Height and Technique Rules
The Badminton World Federation introduced a fixed height rule. The whole shuttle must be below one point one five metres from the court surface at the moment it is hit. Before this, the rule referred to the server’s waist, which was harder for officials to judge consistently.
- The racket must move forward continuously from the start of the serve until the shuttle is hit.
- The server must hit the base of the shuttle first, not the feathers.
- The serve must not be delayed once both players are ready.
- The server must not feint or stop the movement to confuse the receiver.
Service judges at major tournaments sometimes use a measuring device to help check the height. Rules for broadcasting and following matches differ from rules of play, and fans who watch tournaments online may find tips in this live viewing guide.
Singles and Doubles Service Courts
The service court shape changes between singles and doubles, which often confuses beginners.
- Singles: the service court is long and narrow. It uses the inner side line and goes all the way to the back boundary line.
- Doubles: the service court is short and wide. It uses the outer side line, but ends at the doubles long service line, which is a little in front of the back boundary.
After the serve, the full court comes into play for the rest of the rally, with singles using the inner side lines and doubles the outer ones.
Common Service Faults
- Hitting the shuttle above the fixed height limit.
- Lifting or dragging a foot before the shuttle is struck.
- Standing on a line of the service court.
- Missing the shuttle completely when trying to serve.
- Landing the serve outside the correct service court.
- The receiver moving before the serve is struck, which is a fault by the receiver.
If the shuttle hits the top of the net and still lands in the correct service court, it is a good serve and play continues. Badminton has no second serve, so a fault simply loses the rally.
Types of Serve
Players mainly use two serves. The low serve travels just over the net and lands near the front service line, which is the main serve in doubles. The high serve travels high and deep to the back of the court, which is common in singles, because it pushes the opponent back. Flick and drive serves are faster variations used to surprise an opponent who is expecting a low serve.
Tips for a Better Serve
- Use a relaxed grip and a short, smooth swing for low serves.
- Practise hitting a target area, such as a towel on the court.
- Keep your routine the same each time so the receiver cannot read you.
- Check your height by asking a partner to watch from the side.
Racket sports and cricket share a focus on timing and repetition. More sports reading is available on this BD sports blog.
Final Word
Serve from the correct court, keep the shuttle below the fixed height, keep both feet grounded and move the racket in one smooth forward motion. Follow those rules and practise regularly, and your serve will start rallies instead of ending them.