Badminton rules differ from match to match. The Badminton World Federation (BWF) rules outline the basic facets of the sport. These rules also define specific skills and shots. Service and proper use of the shuttlecock are governed by several rules. It is crucial to be able to follow these rules in order for a badminton match to be won.
A service is the most important shot in a badminton rally. This is a shot that can only be hit once, and will result in a point for the receiver. Official BWF play gives the receiver this right by winning an official rally.
Depending on which game you are playing, there will be different rules and regulations that you must follow. You cannot touch the net with your hands or serve overhead. You can only serve diagonally across or under the net. Another rule is that you can't hit the shuttlecock twice in succession.
The BWF rules also say that you should not serve in the wrong direction. For example, you can serve from the right side of the court if the score is even, and the left if it is odd. A court beyond the white lines is also prohibited.
To serve a birdie is not only an impressive feat of skill, it is also the most important shot of 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 cannot be hit more than once before it bounces over to the other side. Moreover, you are only allowed to hit it on the lower side of the birdie, and it will return back down.
There are some good service guidelines that you should be aware of. One is that the shuttlecock must land on the service line when it is considered to be the correct service. The same applies to doubles. You will also receive a point for serving in the correct court.
Similar rules can be used to determine whether a shot is a good idea or bad. 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. If you do not, your opponent could win the game by a wide margin.
Badminton's most important rule states that you can only hit the net once to lift the shuttle. Touching the net earns you a point.
Another rule is to not hit the shuttlecock twice in a row. Ideally, the birdie should have a rounded base. You don't need to be perfect but it's a good idea to learn how to return a meal in the right direction.