As you speak of badminton, you experience an “un-present” thrill. After all, it’s a game where every point matters, every serve counts, and every rally keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Today, badminton enjoys significant popularity across the globe. It is among the fastest-growing racket sports worldwide, played by millions in every space good enough for badminton play — from backyards, roads, and parks to professional arenas and badminton courts.

True, this racket sport is often played for fun, without following the rules. But this does not mean that the game has none! This guide breaks down the official badminton rules for singles and doubles play to help you polish your skills. These rules are based on BWF badminton rules. 

Singles vs Doubles Badminton: The Basics

Just like padel and pickleball, badminton can be played in two main formats: singles and doubles. Even though the basic equipment and objectives are the same, a few essential rules differ between these formats. 

• In singles, the court used for playing is slightly narrower than for doubles. The shuttle must land within the singles boundary to be in play.  
• In doubles, the court is wider to accommodate team play, and the serve must land within a slightly different service area. These variations change how players move, serve, and score. 

Badminton Rules for Singles Play

Singles badminton is a one-on-one game where speed, accuracy, and stamina matter most. While the core rules remain the same, there are some key details that remain specific to singles play. 

1. Badminton Court Rules in Singles Play 

In singles matches, players use a narrower court. The length remains the same as doubles, but the side boundaries are drawn inward. Any shuttle landing outside these inner sidelines is considered out. 

Court Dimensions for a Singles Play 

Here are the official court dimensions for singles badminton play, explained clearly: 

• Court length: 13.40 meters (44 feet) 
• Court width (singles): 5.18 meters (17 feet) 
• Diagonal length: 14.38 meters (47 feet 2 inches) 

Important line differences in singles 

• The side tramlines are not used in singles (they are only for doubles). 
• The short service line is 1.98 meters from the net. 
• The back boundary line is the back singles line, which is the same as the back doubles line. 

2. Scoring System in Singles – 3 (Games) × 21 (Points) 

Singles’ matches follow the rally point scoring system. The 3-game × 21-point scoring system is the official format used in BWF-sanctioned singles matches worldwide. Before this update, some recreational singles players used older scoring formats, such as games played to 15 points. However, these systems are no longer recognized under official badminton rules. 

• Under current BWF rules, a singles match consists of a maximum of three games. The player who wins two out of three games is declared the match winner. 
• The first player to reach 21 points wins a game. 
• In singles play, a point is awarded on every rally, regardless of whether the player served or received the shuttle. 
• If the score reaches 20–20, the game continues until one player gains a two-point lead, such as 22–20 or 23–21. 
• If the score reaches 29–29, the following point decides the game. The player who reaches 30 points first wins the game and serves first in the next game. 

3. Singles Serving Rules 

Badminton serving rules in singles play are based on the server’s score: 

• When the server’s score is even, the serve is taken from the right service court. 
• When the score is odd, the serve is taken from the left service court. 

The serve must travel diagonally and land inside the correct service box of the opponent. 

4. Service Court Boundaries 

In singles, the long service line is the back boundary line of the court. This means the server can serve deep, making long serves more effective than in doubles. 

5. Player Movement and Positioning 

Only one player covers the entire court, so movement is more demanding. Players must return all shots themselves, without relying on a partner. 

6. Faults in Singles Play 

Common faults in singles include: 

• Shuttle landing outside the singles sidelines 
• Incorrect serve position 
• Shuttle failing to cross the net 
• Touching the net with the racket or body during play 

Badminton Rules for Doubles Play 

Doubles badminton is played by two players on each side, focusing more on coordination, quick reactions, and teamwork. The rules adjust slightly to support this format. 

1. Court Size Used in Doubles 

Doubles’ matches use the full width of the court, making it wider than singles. However, the length of serving is slightly shorter than singles. 

Court Dimensions for a Doubles Play 

Here are the official court dimensions for doubles badminton play, explained simply: 

• Court length: 13.40 meters (44 feet) 
• Court width (doubles): 6.10 meters (20 feet) 
• Diagonal length: 14.73 meters (48 feet 4 inches) 

Important line differences in doubles 

• The side tramlines are used in doubles (making the court wider). 
• The back boundary line for serving in doubles is the long service line, which is shorter than the full court length. 
• Doubles long service line is 0.76 meters inside the back boundary 
• During rallies, the back boundary line is the entire back line. 

2. Scoring System in Doubles – 3 (Games) × 21 (Points) 

Doubles badminton follows the same official 3-game × 21-point scoring system established by the Badminton World Federation. This system ensures consistency across singles and doubles competitions at all levels. 

• A doubles match consists of up to three games, and the team that wins two games is declared the match’s winner. 
• The first team to score 21 points wins the game. 
• In doubles play, every rally results in a point, whether the serving or receiving team wins the rally. 
• If the score reaches 20–20, the game continues until one team secures a two-point lead, such as 22–20 or 24–22. 
• If the score reaches 29–29, the team that wins the 30th point wins the game and takes the first serve in the following game. 

3. Doubles Serving Rules 

Serving in doubles follows these principles: 

• The serve is taken diagonally into the opponent’s service court. 
• Only one player serves at a time for the team. 
• If the serving team wins the rally, the same server continues but switches service courts. 
• If the receiving team wins the rally, they gain the serve. 

4. Service Court Boundaries 

In doubles, the long service line is shorter than in singles. A serve that goes beyond this line is considered out, even if it lands inside the back boundary. 

5. Partner Positioning 

Both players must stay within their service courts during the serve. After the serve, players can move freely and take shots anywhere on their side of the court. 

6. Faults in Doubles Play 

Common doubles faults include: 

• Wrong player serving or receiving 
• Serving outside the correct service box 
• Shuttle landing beyond the doubles long service line 
• Both players moving before the serve is struck 

Let Calls and Interruptions

A let is called when play is stopped and replayed due to unforeseen interruptions. This can happen if: 

• The shuttle gets caught in the net but still falls correctly, 
• Play is disrupted by an outside interference, 
• There’s confusion about a fault or boundary decision that requires clarification. 

Let calls ensure fairness and that no player gains an unfair advantage due to interruptions. 

Summing Up

Badminton is a sport that blends speed, strategy, and precision. Its official rules may seem detailed at first, but when broken down simply, they make sense and keep the game fair and fun for everyone.

Whether you’re playing singles or doubles, knowing the rules helps you enjoy every smash, drop, and rally to the fullest. Now grab a racket, step onto the court, and play by the book!

Frequently Asked Questions