Badminton doubles is a popular sport played with two players on each side of the court. The game requires quick reflexes, agility, and precise shots to outplay the opponent’s team. The basic badminton rules in doubles include serving diagonally, hitting the shuttlecock over the net, and landing it inside the opponent’s court. In this post, we will discuss some essential rules that every player should know before playing a badminton doubles match.
The first rally in badminton doubles starts with a serve from the right-hand side of the court to the opponent’s right-hand side. The server must hit below their waist level and ensure that their foot does not touch or cross over the boundary line during service. Afterward, players must alternate hitting the shuttlecock during the game and are not allowed to hit it twice in a row.
One crucial rule in badminton doubles is that players are not allowed to touch the net or cross over to their opponent’s court. If any part of their body touches the net while hitting a shot or they step into their opponent’s court while playing a shot, they lose that point. It is also essential for players to stay within their respective service courts until they hit or receive service.
Another critical aspect of badminton doubles is scoring points. A team can only score when they win a rally by forcing an error from their opponents or by making them hit outside of bounds. Unlike singles matches, where games are played up to 21 points, in doubles matches, games are played up to 15 points.
In addition to these basic rules, there are some other important things that players should keep in mind while playing badminton doubles. For example, if you accidentally hit your partner with your racket while attempting a shot, you lose that point. Similarly, if your partner hits you accidentally with his racket while attempting a shot or distracts your opponent intentionally during playtime – you lose that point.
Court Set-Up and In/Out Boundaries in Doubles Matches
Doubles Court: Wider and Longer
Compared to a singles court, a doubles court is wider and longer. In particular, the doubles court measures 44 feet long by 20 feet wide, while the singles court measures 44 feet long by 17 feet wide. The additional width of the doubles court allows more space for players to move around and cover their respective areas.
Service Courts: Center Line and Side Lines
The service courts in doubles matches are marked by the center line and side lines. Unlike in singles matches, where only one service court is used, two service courts are used in doubles matches. The left service court is for the serving team’s first serve, while the right service court is for their second serve. If a team wins a point on their opponent’s serve, they will then have the opportunity to serve from both service courts.
Service Lines: Long Service Line and Short Service Line
In addition to the center line and side lines, there are also two other important lines in badminton doubles: the long service line and the short service line. The long service line marks where a player must stand when serving, while the short service line marks where the shuttle must land when served.
In/Out Boundaries: Inside or Outside Lines
When playing badminton doubles, it is crucial to know whether your shots land inside or outside of the boundaries. If your shot lands inside any of the boundary lines—including sidelines, baselines, or back boundaries—it is considered “in” even if it hits any part of that line. However, if your shot lands outside any boundary lines—even if it just grazes that boundary line—it is considered “out”.
It should be noted that during competitive games, there may be an appointed official called a “service judge” who makes calls on whether land is within legal boundaries or not.
Service Rules for Doubles Matches: Foot Positioning, Racket Positioning, and Shuttle Height
Foot Positioning: Standing Within the Service Court
One of the most important aspects of serving in badminton doubles is foot positioning. During service, players must stand within their respective service courts and not touch the boundary lines. This rule ensures that both teams have an equal opportunity to hit or return the shuttlecock.
In addition to standing within the service court, players must also ensure that both feet are touching the ground when they make contact with the shuttlecock during a serve. If one or both feet are off the ground, it is considered a fault, and the opposing team will be awarded a point.
It’s essential to follow these rules, as violating them can result in a fault, which can lead to a point for the opposing team. Therefore, all players should practice their foot positioning during serves to avoid any unnecessary faults during matches.
Racket Positioning: Below Hand When Striking Shuttlecock
Another crucial aspect of serving in badminton doubles is racket positioning. The racket head must be below the player’s hand when striking the shuttlecock. This rule ensures that players do not use an unfair advantage while serving by hitting down on the shuttlecock with excessive force.
Players should hold their rackets with a loose grip and keep their wrists relaxed while striking the shuttlecock during service. Doing so will allow them to generate enough power without violating this rule.
Shuttle Height: Below Waist Level
The height of the shuttlecock during service is also regulated in badminton doubles matches. The shuttle height should be below the server’s waist level, and it should be hit from below waist level.
During a serve, if a player hits above their waist or strikes at an angle towards their opponent’s side of court instead of directly over it, it is considered a fault. As mentioned earlier, violations of these rules can lead to points for opposing teams.
Therefore, players need to practice hitting shuttles at appropriate heights during serves to avoid any unnecessary faults during matches.
Understanding Faults and Let Services in Doubles Matches
Faults in Doubles Matches
In doubles matches, players are expected to follow specific rules to ensure fair play. When a player violates any of these rules during the game, it results in a fault. A fault is a violation of the rules that results in a point deduction or loss of service. Here are some common faults that can occur during doubles matches:
Touching the Net: One of the most common faults in badminton is touching the net with your racket or body. Players must not touch the net during play, as it can interfere with the trajectory of the shuttlecock.
Hitting Outside Court Boundaries: Another common fault is hitting the shuttlecock outside of the court boundaries. If you hit the shuttlecock outside of your opponent’s court, it results in a point for your opponent.
Crossing the Center Line: In doubles matches, both players on each team must cover their respective sides of the court and should not cross over to their partner’s side. Crossing over to your partner’s side during play results in a fault.
Let Services
During service, if a player commits any fault, it results in a “let.” A let means that service is replayed without any penalty or loss of service. Here are some situations where letting services can be called:
Shuttlecock Hits Net During Service: If you hit the shuttlecock during service and it hits the net before landing within your opponent’s court boundaries, it results in a let.
Unexpected Disturbance During Play: If there is an unexpected disturbance during play, such as an object falling onto the court or someone entering onto the court, it results in a let.
Receiving Team Not Ready: If you serve while your opponents are not ready for play, it results in a let.
Issues With Shuttlecock: If there is an issue with the shuttlecock, such as damage or deformation before serving, then also let services be called.
Understanding Faults and Let Services in Doubles Matches
It’s crucial to understand the faults and let them serve during doubles matches. It ensures that all players follow the rules and play fair. If you’re unsure about any of these rules, it’s always best to ask a referee or coach before playing. By following these rules, you’ll be able to enjoy badminton without any unnecessary point deductions or loss of serve.
Scoring System in Doubles Matches: Singles, Doubles, and Mixed Doubles
Scoring is an essential part of any sport, including badminton. In doubles matches, the scoring system is similar to that in singles matches, but with a few key differences. It is important to understand the scoring system in order to play and enjoy the game.
Best of Three Games
In doubles matches, each team has two players, and the scoring system is based on the best of three games. The first team to reach 21 points wins a game. However, if the score becomes tied at 20-20, then the team that gains a two-point lead first wins the game.
It is important to note that there are no restrictions on which player serves during a doubles match. This means that both players can serve for their team alternately throughout the match.
The 30th Point
The 30th point is an important milestone in doubles matches as it signifies the end of a game. If both teams are tied at 29 points, then the team that scores the 30th point wins the game.
Types of Doubles Matches
There are different types of doubles matches in badminton – men’s doubles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles – each with its own unique scoring system.
Mixed Doubles Scoring System
In mixed doubles matches, where one male and one female player form a team against another mixed pair, players switch sides after every six points instead of after every game like they do in singles or regular doubles play.
This change was introduced to ensure fair play between teams since there may be differences in strength and skill levels between male and female players. The first team to reach 21 points wins a game; however, if both teams are tied at 20-20, then again, it will be decided by who gains a two-point lead first.
Receiving Team Wins: Score and Rules in Doubles Matches
Scoring a point in badminton is a crucial aspect of the game, especially in doubles matches. In doubles, the receiving team has a significant advantage as they get to choose which side of the court they want to serve from, and if they win the rally, they continue to serve. Let’s explore this topic further.
Receiving Team Wins the Rally
In doubles matches, when the receiving team wins a rally, they score a point and continue to serve. The receiver becomes the server for the next rally. If their opponents win a rally, they will get the chance to serve.
Choosing Which Side of the Court to Serve From
One of the advantages that come with winning a rally in doubles is getting to choose which side of the court you want to serve from. This allows teams to play to their strengths or exploit their opponents’ weaknesses. For example, if one player on your team has an excellent backhand shot but struggles with forehand shots, you may choose to serve from their stronger side.
Serving from Even or Odd Numbered Points
In doubles matches, if your team wins an odd-numbered point (1st point, 3rd point), you will serve from the right side of your court. If you win an even-numbered point (2nd point, 4th point), you will serve from the left side of your court. This rule ensures that each team serves from both sides of their court throughout a match.
Subsequent Points
After determining which side of their court they will be serving from based on odd or even numbered points won by them during previous rallies; subsequent points will be served alternately by each team until one team wins the match.
Serving Team Wins: Score and badminton Rules in Doubles Matches
Doubles service rules dictate that the serving team must serve from the right side of the court when their score is even and from the left side when it is odd. This rule ensures that both teams have an equal opportunity to serve from either side of the court. The server must stand within the confines of their service area, which is a rectangular box marked on the court.
If the serving team wins a rally, they get to serve again, but from the alternate side of the court. This means that if Team A serves from the right-hand side and wins a point, they will then serve from the left-hand side. If they win another point, they will then serve again from the right side. This continues until they lose a rally or make a fault.
In doubles matches, the sides that each team serves from are determined by their score and not by their position on the court. For example, if Team AB has a score of 4 points and Team CD has a score of 3 points, then Team AB will serve from the left-hand side of their court. However, if Team AB has a score of 5 points and Team CD has a score of 3 points, then Team AB will serve from the right-hand side.
It’s important to note that in doubles matches, each player takes turns serving for their team. If Team AB serves first in the first game, then Team CD will serve first in the next game, and so on. The order of serving will continue to alternate until the end of the match.
Examples of Common Service Faults in Doubles Matches
Racket Head Not Pointing Downwards
One of the most common service faults in doubles is when the server’s racket head is not pointing downward during the serve. According to badminton rules, the racket must be held below the server’s waist, and its head should point downwards at all times during the serve. If the racket head is not pointing downwards or if it moves upwards before hitting the shuttlecock, it is considered a fault. This type of service fault can occur due to improper grip or a lack of practice.
Feet Not Positioned Within Service Court
Another common service fault in doubles is when the server’s feet are not positioned within the service court during the serve. The server must stand inside their respective service court and have both feet on the ground while serving. If any part of their foot touches outside of this area, it will result in a fault. This type of service fault can often occur due to nervousness or lack of concentration.
Moving Feet During Serve
If a player moves their feet during a serve, it is also considered as a fault. According to badminton rules, once a player has taken their stance for serving, they cannot move their feet until after they have hit the shuttlecock. Moving feet before hitting results in an immediate loss of point for that player’s team.
Receiver Moving Before Serve Is Made
It is important to note that faults are not only committed by servers but also by receivers. If a receiver moves before the serve is made, then it will result in a fault as well. The receiver must wait until after the shuttlecock has been struck by the server before moving from their initial position.
Strategies for Winning Doubles Matches: Communication and Coordination with Your Partner
Communication and Coordination with Your Partner: Strategies for Winning Doubles Matches
Communication is key in doubles badminton matches. Players need to coordinate with their partners to cover the court efficiently. Eye contact and verbal cues are important means of communication during rallies. Timing is crucial when making contact with the shuttlecock. Starting strong can give players a better chance of winning the match. Women and men can play together as doubles partners, as can friends or family members.
Partner Communication
Effective communication between partners is essential in doubles badminton matches. It allows players to anticipate each other’s movements, react quickly, and avoid collisions. Eye contact is an excellent way to communicate during rallies, especially when one player is at the back of the court and cannot see their partner clearly. Verbal cues such as “mine” or “yours” can also help clarify who should hit the shuttlecock.
Coordination on Court
Players need to coordinate their movements on court efficiently to cover all areas effectively. One effective strategy is for one player to focus on the front of the court while their partner covers the backcourt area. This approach ensures that both players are not running around aimlessly but covering specific areas of the court.
Timing Matters
Timing is critical in doubles badminton matches, especially when making contact with the shuttlecock. Players must time their shots correctly to ensure that they make solid contact with the shuttlecock and send it over or across the net accurately.
Starting Strong
Starting strong can give players a better chance of winning a match since it puts pressure on opponents early in games or sets. A good start builds confidence and momentum, which can be challenging for opponents to overcome later in a match.
Women and Men Playing Together
Women and men can play together as doubles partners in badminton without any restrictions based solely on gender identity or expression. The only requirement is that both players meet the age eligibility criteria set by the governing body of badminton in their country. Friends or family members can also form doubles partnerships and enjoy playing together.
Mastering the Rules of Badminton Doubles
Mastering the badminton rules in doubles requires a combination of skill, strategy, and knowledge. As we have discussed in this post, it is essential to understand the court set-up, service rules, faults and let services, scoring system, and winning conditions in doubles matches.
In addition to these technical aspects, communication and coordination with your partner are also crucial for success on the court. By working together effectively and utilizing different strategies based on your opponents’ strengths and weaknesses, you can gain an advantage in doubles matches. racket
As with any sport or activity, practice is key to improving your skills and mastering the rules of badminton doubles. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, taking the time to learn and refine your techniques will ultimately lead to better performances on the court.
So go out there with confidence, communicate well with your partner, use effective strategies based on your opponent’s style of play while adhering to all the rules mentioned above. With dedication and hard work towards mastering these rules of badminton doubles outlined here today; you’re sure to become a skilled player who can excel at this exciting game!
