Ever felt confused while watching badminton and not knowing when a point is awarded or why a serve is called a fault? This article will help you understand all the rules of badminton, from the basics to effective playing strategies for beginners.
This article is designed to help you play badminton correctly, safely, and confidently. In addition to discussing the rules of the game, we'll also thoroughly explore basic techniques, strategies, and common mistakes beginners make, ensuring your training is effective and your performance improves.
Getting to Know Badminton as a Popular Sport
Badminton isn't just about hitting the shuttlecock as hard as possible; it's also about quick thinking and sharp reflexes. Strategic precision and technical mastery are crucial for winning every rally.
This sport is played by two players in singles or four players in doubles. The goal is simple: to send the shuttlecock over the net so that it lands in the opponent's court.
As a sport born in England and rapidly growing in Asia, including Indonesia, badminton has a highly structured set of rules. The Badminton World Federation (BWF) is the official body that regulates court size , service types, and the scoring system.
Interestingly, badminton trains almost every aspect of the body, including hand-eye coordination, leg strength, and mental focus. It's no wonder this sport is popular with a wide range of people, from students to seniors looking to stay active and healthy.
Also read: History of Badminton in Indonesia: Why is it so popular worldwide?
Basic Things You Must Know in Badminton
1. Basic Equipment You Must Have
Before learning techniques, make sure you have the right equipment for your performance. The racket is your primary weapon; choose a light one for speed or a heavy one for power, depending on your playing style and hand strength.
Shuttlecocks are also important; feather shuttlecocks are suitable for tournaments, while plastic shuttlecocks are more durable for practice. Don't forget to wear shoes with strong grip for safety during fast footwork, and lightweight, sweat-wicking clothing for comfort and freedom of movement.
2. Types of Match Categories & Their Rules
In badminton, there are five categories: men's singles, women's singles, men's doubles, women's doubles, and mixed doubles. Each category has a distinct style of play; singles focuses on endurance and strategy, while doubles demands speed and teamwork.
The system used is a 21-point rally point system, meaning whoever wins the rally wins the point, whether serving or receiving. At the end of each game, players must switch sides to maintain fairness and balance.
3. Positions and Roles of Players on the Field
In the singles category, players must be prepared to cover the entire court from front to back. Endurance, speed, and accurate reading of the ball's direction are key to victory.
Meanwhile, in the doubles category, coordination between players is crucial for effective attack and defense. The side-by-side formation is used for defense, while the front-back formation is used for attacking with sharp smashes or clears.
Also read: The Difference Between Padel and Badminton: A Complete Beginner's Guide
Badminton Game Rules for Beginners
1. How to Start the Game (Serve)
The serve is the first move in every rally and often determines the outcome of the game. Players must serve from the right for even numbers and the left for odd numbers. The shuttlecock must be struck below the waist with the feet still.
A valid serve must cross the line into the opponent's court. Many beginners misposition the ball or hit it too high, resulting in a fault. Practice hand control and focus on the direction of your shot to make your serve more consistent and effective.
2. Score Calculation and Set System
In a rally point system, whoever wins a rally scores one point. Each game is played to 21 points, and the winner must win by two points. If the score reaches 29–29, the 30th point determines the winner.
Official matches typically use a best-of-three game format. The first two sets to win is the winner. This system is designed to keep the game fast-paced, competitive, and exciting.
3. Violations and Sanctions
Some common fouls in badminton include the shuttlecock going out of line, an illegal serve, the racket touching the net, or obstructing the opponent's view. Additionally, unsportsmanlike behavior such as delaying play or excessive shouting can also be penalized.
The referee will issue a warning, a fault, or even disqualification for repeated violations. So, in addition to mastering technique, you also need to maintain ethics and sportsmanship on the field.
Also read: List of the Best Indonesian Badminton Athletes in 2025
Common Beginner Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
1. Serve and Smash Errors
Serves are often a major source of errors for beginners. This is usually due to the racket being positioned too high or the shot not being directed across the court. To avoid this, practicing rhythm and hand control is crucial.
Smashes often fail due to unstable body position or poor swing timing. Focus on accuracy first before adding power. A sharp smash doesn't have to be hard, but it does have to be on target.
2. Wrong Position and Movement
Footwork is the foundation of badminton. Many beginners move too slowly or rely solely on their hands. The ideal body position is slightly bent at the knees, with weight on the balls of the feet, and always ready to move in any direction.
Exercises like ladder drills or side steps can improve reflexes and balance. Efficient movements help you tire less and respond more quickly to the shuttlecock.
3. Common Violations that Often Occur
Besides technical errors, many beginners commit minor infractions like touching the net, serving before their opponent is ready, or talking during a rally. These small mistakes can disrupt the rhythm of the game and reduce focus.
Always maintain good sportsmanship and adhere to BWF rules. The more disciplined you are in playing, the faster your skills will improve.
Improve Your Badminton Skills with Equipment from SVRG
Understanding the rules of badminton is a crucial step to playing more confidently and effectively. By mastering the serve, scoring system, and footwork, you can enjoy the game without frustration and improve more quickly.
Optimize your badminton training with the best sports equipment from SVRG. Find comfortable sportswear , kinesio tape to prevent injuries, and comfortable grip tape , all designed for maximum performance in every movement.
Come on, improve your game now with professional equipment from SVRG! Experience the difference in playing with more agility, comfort, and confidence in every smash and rally.
