Badminton is a racket sport played by two or four players. The objective of the game is to hit a shuttlecock, also known as a birdie, over a high net and make it land in the opponent’s court. Here are some of the basic rules of badminton:
- Court size: The court measures 44 feet by 17 feet for singles and 44 feet by 20 feet for doubles.
- Shuttlecock: The shuttlecock is a small projectile made of feathers or plastic and is hit back and forth over the net.
- Rackets: Players use lightweight rackets made of materials such as graphite or carbon fiber to hit the shuttlecock.
- Service: The game begins with a serve, where the server hits the shuttlecock over the net to the opponent’s court. The server then alternates with their opponent for each subsequent serve.
- Scoring: A rally ends when the shuttlecock hits the ground, goes out of bounds, or is not hit properly. A point is awarded to the side that wins the rally. The first side to reach 21 points, with a lead of at least two points, wins the game.
- Singles and Doubles: The game can be played as singles, where two players play against each other, or doubles, where two pairs of two players play against each other.
- Service court: The service court is divided into two sections, the right and left service courts. The server must hit the shuttlecock diagonally across the court, and the opponent must hit it back diagonally on the opposite side of the court.
- Let: A let occurs if the shuttlecock touches the net but still lands in bounds, or if a player is hindered during play. In this case, the rally is replayed without awarding a point.
- Faults: A fault occurs if the shuttlecock is hit out of bounds, hits the roof, or if the player hits the shuttlecock twice in succession. A point is awarded to the opponent in this case.
- Line Calls: The players are responsible for calling the lines on their side of the court. If the players cannot agree on a line call, the umpire’s decision is final.
Badminton is a fast-paced and exciting sport that requires quick reflexes, agility, and precision. It is enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities, and can be played both competitively and recreationally. Understanding the rules and regulations of the game is essential for players, coaches, and fans alike to fully appreciate the sport.