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Badminton is a fast-paced and exciting sport enjoyed by people of all ages. Understanding the basic rules of badminton helps you play confidently and fairly, whether you’re on a professional court or just having fun outdoors.

In this article, we’ll discuss the fundamental rules of badminton, which can be applied both on a court or outdoors. Some adjustments may be needed depending on whether or not you have a net.

Simple Badminton Rules

Below we will talk about the rules of badminton game:

Match Format

• A match consists of games, and a player must win two games to win the match.
• Matches can end with scores of 2-0 or 2-1 (best-of-three games).

Winning a Game

• To win a game, a player must score 21 points.
• If the score reaches 20-20, play continues until one player leads by two points.
• The game can extend to 29-29, where the next point scored wins.

Serving Rules

• The player who wins a game serves first in the next game.
• The server must keep part of their foot on the court surface while serving (no jumping).
• If the server’s score is even (including zero), they serve from the right side. If the score is odd, they serve from the left side.
• When the server wins the point, they switch sides for the next serve. When the receiver wins, they gain the right to serve.

Serving and Side Selection

Matches begin with a coin toss or drawing lots, where the winner chooses one of the following options:

• To serve or receive the serve.
• Which side of the court to start on.

The player who loses the toss gets the remaining option.

During the match, players switch sides:

• At the end of the first game.
• Before the third game starts (if the match goes that far).
• In the middle of the third game, when one player reaches 11 points.

Faults

Most faults involve the movement of the racket and player actions and/or behavior.

A fault occurs if:

• The shuttlecock hits the net or goes under it.
• Lands beyond the court boundaries or any designated playing area.
• Hits the ceiling during indoor play.
• Contacts the player’s body, clothing, or footwear.
• Strikes the player’s racket but fails to reach the opponent’s side.
• Hitting the shuttlecock twice in a single stroke.
• Touching the net or net posts with the body or racket.
• Crossing any part of the body, clothing, shoes, or racket into the opponent’s side of the court.
• Intentionally distracting the opponent with movements or noises, such as waving arms before a shot or shouting during a hit.

Disputes

A let is called when the match proceeds irregularly. Common scenarios include:

• Equipment failure during play (e.g., a broken racket). 
• A player was not ready to receive the serve.
• The umpire (if present) did not see a situation, and one side disputes the outcome.
• Both players commit a fault simultaneously.

Court Boundaries

In badminton, the court boundaries differ for singles and doubles games. Understanding these differences helps in effective play and avoiding faults.

In singles, the court is narrower and longer, using the inner side lines and the full length of the court. This layout requires players to cover more ground along the length. 

In doubles, the court is wider, using the outer side lines, and slightly shorter, with the back boundary line serving as the limit. 

This configuration focuses on lateral movement and teamwork, so strategic positioning is important for success in doubles. If you’re interested more you can read about tennis court dimensions. Understanding these differences helps in effective play and avoiding faults.

How to Become a Badminton Player?

To become a badminton player, follow these steps:

Learn the basics: Understand rules, scoring, and basic techniques like serving and footwork.

Keep practicing: Regular practice helps improve your skills and endurance.

Seek coaching: Get guidance from a coach or join a badminton club to refine your techniques.

Play matches: Gain experience by participating in local tournaments or friendly games.

Stay fit: Focus on exercises that boost agility, strength, and overall fitness.

Study the game: Watch professional matches to learn strategies.

Set clear goals: Track your progress by setting achievable goals.

Final Thoughts on the Basic Rules of Badminton

Badminton is a fun and accessible sport for people of all ages. Understanding the basic rules, such as serving, scoring and error recognition, will improve your game and promote fair play.

Whether on a formal court or playing casually outdoors, these rules help ensure the game remains fair and enjoyable. You can fully enjoy the sport with practice and a good grasp of these fundamentals.

FAQs About Basic Rules in Badminton

What are the basic rules in badminton❓

The basic rules of badminton aim for a player to win two out of three games. Each game requires 21 points to win. If the score reaches 20-20, the game continues until one player leads by two points. If the score hits 29-29, the next point wins the game.

How does scoring work according to badminton sport rules❓

Scoring in badminton is straightforward. A player wins a game by being the first to reach 21 points. If the score ties at 20-20, the game continues until one player leads by two points. At 29-29, the player who scores the next point wins.

What are the rules for serving in badminton❓

Simple badminton rules for serving include keeping part of your foot on the court. Serve from the right side if your score is even and from the left if it’s odd. The winner of the point serves next and switches sides for the following serve.

What are the basic rules for beginners in badminton❓

Beginners should understand the best-of-three format, practice proper serving techniques, and learn basic court positioning. It’s also crucial to know how to switch sides during the game and recognize common faults.

How do players decide who serves first in badminton❓

According to badminton rules, a coin toss or drawing lots decides who serves first or which side of the court to start on. The player who loses the toss gets the remaining option.

What are some common faults according to the rules of badminton❓

Common faults in badminton occur if the shuttlecock hits the net, goes out of bounds, or if a player touches the net with their racket or body. Other faults include hitting the shuttlecock twice in one stroke or distracting the opponent.

Tennis court dimensions are standardized and governed by the International Tennis Federation (ITF). 

Key Tennis Courts Dimensions

It is important to know the basic dimensions of tennis courts.

Singles Court

• Length: 23.77 meters (78 feet)
• Width: 8.23 meters (27 feet)

Doubles Court

• Length: 23.77 meters (78 feet)
• Width: 10.97 meters (36 feet)

Service Boxes

• Length: 6.40 meters (21 feet) from the net to the service line
• Width: 4.115 meters (13.5 feet) each, divided by the center service line

Net

• Height at the center: 0.91 meters (3 feet)
• Height at the posts: 1.07 meters (3.5 feet)
• Post Distance: The placement of the posts is 0.914 meters (3 feet) outside the doubles court on each side, making the total distance between the posts 12.8 meters (42 feet).

Additional Areas

• Backcourt (space behind the baseline) is typically around 5.5 meters (18 feet) for recreational play, though for professional courts it can be deeper.
• Sidelines (space outside the sidelines) is around 3.05 meters (10 feet) on each side.

Additional Tennis Measurements

1. Run-Off Space is an additional space around the court for player movement and safety.

• Backcourt is a minimum of 6.40 meters (21 feet) for professional courts.
• Sidelines are a minimum of 3.66 meters (12 feet) for professional courts.

2. For night play, lighting equips the courts to ensure an even distribution of light without glare. The recommended lighting level is about 300-500 lux for recreational play and up to 1,500 lux for professional tournaments.

3. Fencing or barriers often surround courts to contain balls and enhance safety. They are usually around 3.66 meters (12 feet).

Surface Types of Tennis Court

Various materials can be used to make tennis courts, each affecting play style and speed. Also you can read about other tennis type games and decide which surface type is best:

Hard Courts

Hard courts are usually made from asphalt or concrete with an acrylic surface layer. Known for providing a consistent bounce and speed of play.

Clay Courts

Clay courts are made from crushed stone, brick, or shale. Slower surface that offers high bounce and is easier on the body.

Grass Courts

Grass courts are made from natural grass. Fastest surface with a low bounce, requiring quick reflexes.

Carpet Courts

Carpet courts are an indoor surface, often made from artificial turf or textile surfaces. Speed varies based on material.

Player Zones and Seating

• Player Benches are located on opposite sides of the net, often with shade or protection.
• Umpire Chair is an elevated chair near the net for the umpire to oversee the match.
• Spectator Seating varies widely, from small bleachers in recreational courts to extensive seating arrangements in stadiums for professional matches.

What are Tennis Court Dimensions Sum Up

These tennis court dimensions ensure a standardized playing area for both singles and doubles matches, ensuring consistency in play across different courts worldwide.

FAQs About Tennis Court Measurements

What is the standard size of a tennis court❓

The standard size of a tennis court is 78 feet long and 27 feet wide for singles matches and 36 feet wide for doubles matches.

What is the size of a regulation tennis court❓

A regulation tennis court is 78 feet long and 27 feet wide for singles matches or 36 feet wide for doubles matches.

What is the length of a tennis court❓

The length of a regulation tennis court is 78 feet.

How wide is a tennis court for singles play❓

The width of a tennis court for singles play is 8.23 meters (27 feet).

What is the width of a doubles tennis court❓

The width of a doubles tennis court is 10.97 meters (36 feet).

How high is the net at the center of a tennis court❓

The net height at the center of a tennis court is 0.91 meters (3 feet).

What are the dimensions of the service boxes❓

Each service box is 6.40 meters (21 feet) in length and 4.115 meters (13.5 feet) in width, divided by the center service line.

Have you ever watched an official table tennis doubles match? If so, you may have wondered what the exact double table tennis rules are. 

The rules for a singles match in table tennis can also be very complicated for many spectators and new players.

In this article, we will explain the most important rules for table tennis doubles. 

6 Most Important Rules in Doubles Table Tennis

Understanding the key rules of doubles table tennis is essential for playing effectively and enjoying the game with a partner.

1. Serve and Side Selection

In a real competitive game, a coin toss usually determines which team gets to serve first.

In less important games, the referees or players themselves hold a single table tennis ball behind their back and let the teams or the opposing doubles team guess which hand is holding the ball.

The team that wins the draw or guesses the ball correctly may decide which doubles pair will serve first or which side of the table tennis table their team would like to be on first. The other doubles pair may then make the other decision:

• If team A decides which team gets to serve first, team B chooses one of the two sides of the table.

• If team A chooses one of the two sides of the table, team B is responsible for deciding which team will serve first.

2. Serve

Essentially, the same double ping pong rules apply to the serve during a table tennis doubles match as for a singles match. Also, you can read about the rules and regulations of traditional table tennis.

However, there are some serious differences:

In contrast to a singles match in table tennis, in a doubles match, the ball must first touch the right side of your half of the court and then touch the diagonally opposite side of the opposing doubles team.

The first team to serve may decide which player in their doubles team will serve first. This player may then serve two times in succession.

The opposing team then receives the right to serve, and the player who has just returned the two serves must now make two serves, which player B of doubles 1 accepts.

3. Return of Serve

One of the things that makes doubles unique is that players have to serve and return the ball in a very precise order.

This helps to ensure that all players have the opportunity to hit, especially because some players tend to be more aggressive than others. To illustrate this often confusing aspect of table tennis doubles, take a look at the following example:

• The team (team A or team B) that is allowed to serve first may decide which player of the doubles team (player 1 or player 2) serves first. Let’s assume that team A serves first and decides that player 1 serves first.

• The team that does not serve first, in this case team B, may decide which player (player 3 or player 4) will return the serve. The team decides that player 3 will return player 1’s serve.

• Player 1 serves by the rules, and player 3 returns the ball.

• As soon as the ball has landed on Team A’s side of the table, Player 2 must touch the ball so that it lands on Team 2’s side of the table.

• As soon as the ball has landed on team B’s side of the table, it is player 4’s turn to hit it.

• On team A’s side of the table, player 4 is responsible for playing the ball again. This cycle continues until a doubles team scores a point. If a doubles pair does not follow the sequence, the opposing doubles pair scores a point.

Exception: However, there is a specific case in which this order can be relaxed. In games with disabled participants, anyone from the opposing team can return the ball.

4. Change of Serve

A team has the opportunity to serve twice before the opposing team has the opportunity to serve twice. Exception: In the extra set (from the score 10:10), each doubles pair has only one serve at a time.

If all serves are exhausted, the previous returner becomes the server and the partner of the previous server becomes the returner. I would also like to illustrate this with an example:

• Player 1 plays two serves to player 3

• Player 3 plays two serves to player 2

• Player 2 plays two serves to player 4

• Player 4 plays two serves to player 1

• Player 1 plays two serves to player 3

• …

This sequence is maintained throughout the entire sentence.

5. Change of Sides

As a rule, a table tennis match lasts up to 5 sets or 7 sets. This means that the first doubles pair to win 3 sets or 4 sets has won the whole match.

After each set, as in singles, the sides are swapped. Each time, the pair that served first in the previous set decides which player of their doubles team will serve.

The return server is then the player of the opposing doubles team who served to the new server in the previous set. I will also explain this using an example:

• If team 1 had the first serve in the previous set, team 2 now has the first serve and can decide which player serves first. Let’s assume that player 3 serves first.

• In the previous set, player 3 took player 1’s serve. Therefore, player 1 now accepts player 3’s serve.

• Player 1 plays two serves to player 4

• Player 4 plays two serves to player 2

• Player 2 plays two serves to player 3

• Player 3 plays two serves to player 1

• …

This runs through the entire game to ensure that everyone can fulfill every role. It also prevents a doubles pairing where only the player who is supposedly better at serving serves serves.

In a deciding set (fifth or seventh set), the sides are also switched as soon as one of the doubles has reached five points. Here, the serve and return sequence is also changed in exactly the same way as at the end of a set.

6. Scoring

As in a singles match, the doubles team that reaches 11 points first wins a set. At the end of the set, however, there must be a gap of at least two points between the doubles pairings.

So if the score is 10 to 10, the set continues to be played until one of the two pairs has a two-point lead.

But how can you collect points in a table tennis doubles match? Well, there are a few ways in which a team can score points in the race to win the match.

• In particular, as in singles, the opposing doubles pair is awarded a point if you play a wrong serve or a wrong return, or if the ball hit by the other doubles pair crosses the baseline without first touching the table.

• As a special rule, you should note here (as mentioned above for the serve) that you must play your serve diagonally and that it must first touch your own right side of the table.

• Another special feature of doubles is that the opposing doubles team scores a point if the ball is played outside the specified stroke sequence. For example, if a doubles player plays the ball twice in succession.

Strategies and Tactics of Double Table Tennis

Players must not only rely on their skills but also coordinate their efforts with their partners to outmaneuver the opposing team. 

Here are some common strategies and tactics in doubles play:

Setting up Your Partner

One of the primary strategies in doubles is to set up your partner for a winning shot. This involves using well-placed shots to create opportunities for your teammate to attack. 

For example, a player might aim to hit a shot deep into the corner of the table to force the opponents into a defensive position, allowing their partner to capitalize on the open space with a powerful offensive shot.

Quick Exchanges

Doubles teams often use quick exchanges, also known as rallies, to keep opponents off balance.

By maintaining a fast-paced tempo and alternating shots rapidly between teammates, they can pressure the opposing team and prevent them from settling into a comfortable rhythm.

Quick exchanges can also exploit gaps in the opponents’ defense and force errors.

Targeting the Weaker Player

Another common tactic is identifying and targeting the weaker player on the opposing team. By focusing their attacks on this player, doubles teams can put additional pressure on them and exploit any vulnerabilities in their game. 

This might involve directing shots towards their backhand, exploiting their slower reaction times, or testing their consistency under pressure.

Adapting to Opponents

Successful doubles teams understand the importance of adapting their tactics based on the strengths and weaknesses of their opponents. 

This might involve making adjustments mid-match, such as changing the placement or pace of shots, to exploit emerging opportunities or counteract the opponents’ strategies. 

For example, if the opposing team excels at aggressive attacking play, a doubles team might opt for a more defensive strategy focused on consistency and placement.

Communication and Coordination

Effective communication between doubles partners is very important for implementing strategies and tactics successfully. Players must coordinate their movements, shot selection, and positioning on the court to ensure seamless teamwork. 

Clear and concise communication can help players anticipate each other’s actions and react quickly to changing situations, whether through verbal cues or pre-established signals.

Maintaining Pressure

Doubles teams often seek to maintain pressure on their opponents throughout the match.

By consistently applying pressure with aggressive shot-making, strategic placement, and relentless attacking play, they can force errors, create openings, and ultimately control the flow of the game. 

Maintaining pressure can also disrupt the opponents’ rhythm and confidence, making it more difficult for them to execute their own strategies effectively.

Conclusion on Double Table Tennis Rules

In doubles table tennis, players need to know different rules from singles. Double table tennis rules make the game more about strategy. 

These rules can be hard to get at first. But once you know them, you’ll enjoy doubles table tennis more. You’ll also play better. Understanding these rules is key whether you’re new to the game or have played for a while. 

Double Table Tennis Rules – F.A.Q

Do you have to alternate in table tennis doubles❓

In a rally, doubles partners are required to take turns hitting the ball, regardless of its placement on the table.

What is the difference between singles and doubles in table tennis❓

The main difference between singles and doubles in table tennis is the number of players on each side of the table. This difference affects strategies, court coverage, and communication between players.

Can players switch sides during a doubles match❓

No, players must remain on their designated sides throughout the match.

How do players decide who serves first in doubles❓

A coin toss or a guessing game usually determines which team serves first.

Are there specific serving rules for doubles❓

Yes, the serve must first touch the server’s right half of the court and then the diagonally opposite side of the opponents’ court.

Can any player return the serve in doubles❓

Typically, the player designated by the opposing team returns the serve, but there are exceptions for games involving disabled participants.

How often can a team serve in doubles❓

Each team serves twice in succession before the opposing team gets a chance to serve.

Is there a specific sequence for changing sides during a match❓

Yes, sides are changed after each set, with the serving team deciding who serves first on the new side.

What happens if a doubles team breaks the serving order❓

The opposing team scores a point if a doubles pair fails to follow the correct sequence of serves and returns.

How is scoring handled in a doubles match❓

The first team to reach 11 points wins a set, with a minimum two-point gap required for victory. Matches typically consist of 3 or 5 sets.

Doubles ping pong rules is the same like doubles table tennis ❓

Yes, doubles ping pong rules are the same as doubles table tennis rules. “Ping pong” is simply a more informal term for table tennis, but the rules for doubles play remain identical in both contexts.