BADMINTON

KNOWLEDGE OF THE GAME

Brief History

The game of badminton originated in India and was played at Poona hundred years ago. In India, it
was known as "Poona Game". It is believed that British army officers had devised it as a recreational
game in India. Later on, an English

army officer introduced the game to his friend in England. It was first played in the 19th Century at
badminton, an estate in Gloucestershire, which is the home of the Duke of Beaufort. Coincidently
Gloucestershire is now the base for the International Badminton Federation. It was played frequently
there without any name except an occasional reference to the Poona Game. In 1860 it gained
popularity as 'the game at badminton'. The badminton association of England was formed in 1893.
The international badminton federation was formed in 1934 with its nine members (Canada,
Denmark, England, France, Ireland, Netherland, New-Zealand, Scotland and Wales). Now the game is
played in all the five continents of the world.

In India greater interest in this game was shown only after the Second World War. India had
participated in All England Championship and also in Thomas Cup Competitions and had earned a
name in world Badminton. The badminton association of India (BAI) was formed in 1935 and
National championships have been conducted from the same year. Women also have been taken to
this game and the '? beer Cup' was instituted for the Women's World Championship. Indian women
also have participated in this championship.

Badminton was played as a demonstration sport in the 1972 and 1988 Olympics of Munich and Seoul
respectively. It became a medal sport in 1992 Olympic Games of Barcelona.

Rules of the Games

Badminton Court

Singles Doubles
 Length of court 44 feet (13.41 mts) 44 feet (13.41 mts)
Width of court 17 feet (5.10 mts) 20 feet (6.10 mts)
Width of back gallery 2 feet 6 inches (0.7 mts) 2 feet 6 inches (0.7 mts)
Width of side gallery 1 feet 6 inches (0.46 mts) 1 feet 6 inches (0.46 mts)
Short service line from the centre 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 mts) 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 mts)
Width of all the lines 1.5 feet 1.5 feet
Colour of lines White or yellow White or yellow

Court Equipment

Posts and net

• Height of the posts 5 feet 1 inches (1.55 mts)

• Height of the net 5 feet (1.524mts)
• Breadth of the net 2 feet 6 inches. (0.76mts)

Shuttle Dimension and specification:

The shuttle may be made from natural and/ or synthetic materials 16 feathers fixed in the base. The
feathers shall be measured from the top to the tips of the base and each shuttle shall be of the same

• Length 62mm and 70mm.

• Weight of the shuttle is 4.74 to 5.50 grams.
Non-Feather Shuttle: The skirt or simulation of feathers in synthetic materials.

Testing a Shuttle for Speed: The player hits the shuttle in upward direction parallel to side lines.

Racket

The main parts of the racket

• handle,
• stringed area,
• head, shaft,
• throat, frame.
• The handle is the part of the racket intended to be gripped by the player.
• Frame of the racket 680 mm in overall length and 230 mm in overall width.
• Weight of Racket is 2.46 -3.35 ounces. (80- 140 gm).
Toss

The referee performs the toss before the play commences. The side winning the toss shall exercise
the choice to service or choose the side of court. If the winning team opts to serve first, then the
loosing team can choose any side of court to start with and if the winning team chooses the side of
court, then the right to serve first goes to the loosing team.

Scoring System

• The Match consists of best of three games unless otherwise arranged

• Each game would be won by the player by scoring 21 points first in all badminton matches.
• In case of 20-all the side which gains a two-point lead first shall be the winner of game.
• If the score equals at 29 the side that wins the 30th point shall be the winner of game.
 • The side that wins the rally gets one point.
• The side that wins the game shall serve first in the next game.
Change of Ends

The ends are changed at the end of the first game and second game. If the third (deciding) game is to
be played then when a side first score 11 points the ends are changed.

Service: Singles (Serving and receiving courts).

• The player shall serve from, and receive in their respective right service courts when the
server has not scored or has scored an even number of points in that game.
• The players shall serve from, and receive in their respective left service courts, when the
server has scored an odd number of points in that game.
• The shuttle is hit alternately by the server and the receiver until a "fault" is made or the
shuttle ceases to be in play.

Doubles: Serving and receiving courts:

• The player who serves at the start of any game shall serve from, or receive in, the right
service court when that player's side has not scored or has scored an even number of points
in that game, and the left service court when that player's side has scored an odd number of
points in that game.
• The player who receives at the start of any game shall receive in, or serve from the right
service court when that player's side has not scored an even number of points in that game,
and the left service court when that player's side has scored an odd number of points in that
game.
• Service in any turn of serving shall be delivered from alternate service courts.
• In any game, the right to serve passes consecutively from the initial server to the initial
receiver, to that initial receiver's partner, then the opponent who is due to serve from the
right service court, then to that player's partner and so on.
• No player shall serve out of turn, receive out of turn, or receive two consecutive services in
the same game.
• Either player of the winning side may serve first in the next game, and either player of the
losing side may receive.

Order of Play and Position on Court

• After the service is returned the shuttle may be hit by either player of the serving side and
then by either player of the receiving side, and so on, until the shuttle ceases to be in play.
• After the service is returned, a player may hit the shuttle from any position on that player's
side of the net.

Scoring and Serving

• If the receiving side makes a 'fault' or the shuttle ceases to be in play because it touches the
surface of the court inside the receiving side's court, the serving side scores a point and the
server serves again.
 • If the serving side makes a 'fault' or the shuttle ceases to be in play because it touches the
surface of the court inside the serving side court, the server loses the right to continue
serving, with no point scored by either side.

Sequence of Serving

• Following is the sequence of serving in all the games of badminton matches:

• Service starts from the first server on right service court, of the team that chose to serve
first.
• Next server will be partner of first receiver (left service court).
• The next player to serve will be partner of 1st server (left service court).
• Next turn will be of 1st receiver on right service court.
• Then again, the first server and the cycle go on.
• No player is permitted to serve or receive out of turn and shall not serve or receive twice
consecutively.
• Any player of winning team can serve first in the next game and same way any player of
losing team can receive first.

Service Court Errors

• When a player has served out of turn.

• When a player has served from the wrong service court or standing in the wrong service
court, and was prepared to receive the service and it has been delivered.
• If a service court error is discovered after the service has been delivered. the error shall not
be corrected.
• If a service court error is discovered after the next service has been delivered, the error shall
not be corrected.
• If a service court error is discovered after the next service is delivered. If both sides
committed an error, it shall be a let'. If one side committed the error and won the rally, it
shall be let'. If one side committed the error and lost the rally, the error shall not be
corrected.
• If there is a let' because of a service court error, the rally is replayed with the error corrected.
• If a service court error is not to be corrected, play in that game shall proceed without
changing the players new service court.

Lets

• 'Let' is called by the umpire, or by a player (if there is no umpire) to halt play.
• A let' may be given for any unforeseen or accidental occurrence.
• If a shuttle is caught on the net and remains suspended on top or after passing over the net
is caught in the net, it shall be a let' except on service.
• If, during service, the receiver and server are both faulted at the same time, it shall be a 'let'.
 
If the server serves before the receiver is ready, it shall be a let'.
• If, during play, the shuttle disintegrates and the base completely separates from the rest of
the shuttle, it shall be a let'.
• If a line judge is unsighted and the umpire is unable to make a decision, it shall be a 'let'.
• A let' may occur following a service court error.
• When a let' occurs, the play since the last service shall not count and the player who served
shall serve again.

Shuttle not in Play

• A shuttle is not in play when:

• It strikes the net and remains attached there or suspended on top.
• It strikes the net or post and starts to fall towards the surface of the court on the striker's
side of the net.
• It hits the surface of the court. A fault' or 'let' has occurred.
Continuous Play, Misconduct, Penalties

Play shall be continuous from the first service until the match is concluded.

Intervals not exceeding 60 seconds during each game when the leading score reaches 11 points.
Intervals shall not exceed 90 seconds between the first and second games, and between the second
and third games, are allowed in all matches in all of the following situations.

• International competitive events.

• IBF sanctioned events, and
• All other matches unless the member association has previously published a decision not to
allow such intervals. (In televised matches the Referee may decide before the match that
intervals are mandatory and of fixed duration).

Suspension of Play

When necessitated by circumstances not within the control of the players, the umpire may suspend
play for such a period as umpire may consider necessary.

Under special circumstances the referee may instruct the umpire to suspend play.

If play is suspended, the existing score shall stand and play shall be resumed from the point.

Under no circumstances shall play be delayed to enable to receive advice during match.

Advice and Leaving the Court.

• Except in the intervals provided, no player shall be permitted to receive advice during a
match.
• No player shall leave the court during a match without the umpire's permission except
during the intervals.

The umpire shall be the sole judge of any delay in play.

A player shall not:

 
• Deliberately cause delay in or suspension of play;

Deliberately modify or damage the shuttle in order to change its speed or its flight;
• Behave in an offensive manner, or
• Be guilty of misconduct not otherwise covered by the laws of badminton.
8. The umpire shall administer any breach of law.

• Issuing a warning to the offending side.

• Faulting the offending side, if previously warned; or
• In cases of flagrant offence or persistent offences, faulting the offending side and reporting
the offending side immediately to the Referee, who shall have power to disqualify the offending side
from the match.

Officials Duties and Appeals

The officials team consist of:

Referee: The referee is overall in charge of the tournament or event of which a match forms part.

Umpire

Is the "main judge" of the particular match. He/she has the full authority to overrule any decisions
made by the service judge or line judges.

An Umpire Shall:

Uphold and enforce the laws of badminton and especially, call a fault' or 'let' should either occur.

Give a decision on any appeal regarding a point of dispute, if made before the next service is
delivered.

Ensure players and spectators are kept informed of the progress of the match.

Appoint or remove line judges or a service judge in consultation with the referee.

Service Judge: The service judge is responsible for calling "service faults" if occurs. He also provides
the shuttles to the players.

Line Judges: It is the duty of line judge to determine whether the shuttle was outside or inside the
boundary lines of the court. Line judges sits beside the badminton court.

FUNDAMENTAL SKILLS
Grip: In badminton it is essentially the wrist which does the work. The grip is all important because
the various strokes depend on it.

Forehand grip: Hold the racket by the head and with the edge at right angles to the ground. Be sure
that the racket is firmly held at impact. Check that:

• The V between thumb and forehand points roughly down the top level in line with the frame
arm, hand and racket are one long lever.
 
• Index finder is spaced a little apart from the other three which are curling together round
the butt end of the handle.

Hold the racket lower down with only the butt end just protruding. That is for reach and
power. To hit with the face of the racket turn your wrist.

Back Hand Grip: Hold the racket in the Fore hand grip and then turn the racket soon 30? to the right.
Now place the flat of the thumb directly up the flat back level of the handle turn the wrist to the left
to o…

Low Serve: Low serve earn either be played forehand and backhand. It is the most commonly used
serve because it avoids the threat of a powerful smash.

Flick Serve: The flick serve is played with enough height that the opponent is not able to intercept it
in the mid court and the shuttle must land near the back lines of service court.

Strokes

The racket shuttle contact is called stroke.

Under Arm Fore Hand Stroke: The action of hitting the shuttle approaching to the side of active arm.
Forehand stroke can direct the shuttle to any point on the opponent's court. This control of direction
is obtained entirely by the wrist. Arm controls the direction of the shuttle flight which is always out
towards the left the natural swing of the arm across the body.

Under Arm Back Hand Stroke: The action of hitting a shuttle approaching to the side of inactive arm.
In this stroke it is essential that he right foot taken across, and slightly in front of the body. The new
position of the foot brings the right shoulder across, so that the body is now turned sideways There
are main four points in the back-hand stroke.

Use the backhand grip.

• Point the right foot and elbow into the shuttle. For the backhand lop: right foot forward,
elbow down. For the backhand drive: right foot across, elbow tape high. For the backhand
overheads: right foot to back corner, elbow up.
• For each stroke at the end of the back swing the right hand is near the left shoulder.
• Power again comes from snapping straight a bent arm and cocked wrist in a wide flinging
arc.

Overhead Forehand Stroke: The action of hitting a shuttle approaching to the head. In this skill,
swing the arm more fully back and bend it more and push the heel of the hand upwards at the
ceiling not flat at walls. Check the grip, left foot and shoulder forward so that one is sideways to the
net. Keep the body weight on to the back foot and at the same time bring the racket straight up and
drop it down over the shoulder. The arm is bent double; elbow up. The wrist is fully cocked back.

Overhead Back Hand Stroke: Playing overhead back hand stroke is not an easy take. Player must
hold the racket with loose backhand grip. A maximum wrist action is used to play this stroke, the
player then turns the body to face the rear court with slightly bend knees. Raises the elbow as high
as possible so that the shuttle can be contacted at a high point. While hitting the shuttle stamp the
right foot (in case of right-hand player) on the court. The body weight should be on right foot.
 
Shots

The result of a stroke is called shot. The shot may be good or bad depending upon the execution of
strok
Clearing/Lobbing: The shot is played from back of the court. The player hits an overhead shot. The
player hits the shuttle so hard that it goes to the back or corner of the opponent court. It helps the
player to regain the normal position.

Drop Shot: A net shot falling sharply close to the net moving only a few inches above the top of the
net. To execute the drop shot player moves to the back court and lift the arm to hit with overhand
shot. The shot is not hit forcefully. The shuttle cock needs to drop short.

Smash: Smash is the most powerful shot usually used to win the point. It is executed from middle of
the court. The racket is brought over the head, the shuttle is contacted slightly above the body at the
top height and with a down ward motion the racket moves down wards with full force. The aim of
this shot is to make the shuttle hit on the other side of the net.

TERMINOLOGY
Short Serve: When the shuttle falls before the short serve line and does not cross it.

Long Serve: It is a high lofted shot that lands close to the back line.

Wide Serve: The serve in which the shuttle lands outside the side lines. Service Order: (already
Discussed)

When the game starts the score is zero each or all. Love is to indicate no score.

Deuce: When the score is 20 all, it is called deuce.

Fore Court: The area between short serve line and the net is called for court.

Mid Court: The middle Third of the court, where the player is positioned for maximum period.

Rear Court: This is the area of boundary lines or the back third of the court.

Rally: A sequence of one or more strokes starting with the service, until the shuttle ceases to be in
play.

Set: A call by a player to set the game by extending play for extra points.

Rubber: The third and deciding game in Badminton is called Rubber.

Lunge: The outward extension of the racket side foot, pointing toe towards the direction of extension
or lunge to avoid injury.

Clear Lob: A stroke which is played from the back court or boundary lines to the boundary lines of
opponent's court.

Half Smash: When a player is not in a situation to kill, he plays the shot with half of the power to
clear the shuttle.

Full Smash: Attacking with full power that the opponent is not able to pick.

Carry: It is an illegal stroke where the player does not hit the shuttle properly but it was caught and
held on the racket before the execution of shot.

Baseline Smash: A smash at the last two base line situated parallel to the net and at the very back
boundary.

Drive: A flat stroke in which the shuttle travels almost parallel to the floor just crossing over the net.
Push Shot: A push shot is played by gently pushing the shuttle with little extra motion of wrist.

Tumbling Net Shot: A normal drop shot that causes the shuttle to flip.

Net Kill: Fast, downward shot at the net which cannot be returned.

Net Lift: A defensive technique to clear shots near the net area.

Hairpin Net Shot: A shot where the shuttle rises sharply near to the net and then drops abruptly
downwards into the opponents’ court.

Alley: The area between the side lines is called Alley.

Back Alley: The area between the back lines (the singles and double service lines).

Follow Through: A path followed by racket after hitting the shuttle. Court: Area of play.

Wood Shot: A shot where the shuttle is hit by the frame of racket rather than the strings.

Flick: A quick wrist and Forearm rotation by which a soft shot is changed into a fast push. Flick is
commonly used while serving on the net.

Bird: Another name for shuttle cock.

Singles Footwork Base: Basic fundamental which makes the footwork movements efficient and
smooth around the court.

NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL GOVERNING BODIES OF BADMINTON

BAI: Badminton Association of India BAI was formed in 1934. Its head quarter is in Lucknow. It has 28
state members. BAI organises all National tournaments in Badminton.

BWF: Badminton world federation. It is the world governing body for Badminton recognized by IOC
(International Olympic Committee) BWF was formed in 1934 with 9 (nine) members nation, and now
there are 176-member Nations affiliated to it. The head quarter of BWF is in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
It organises 7 major tournaments.

Olympic games

World Championships

World Junior championship

Pena Badminton world championships

Uber cup

Sudirman Cup

Thomas Cup
NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTS
National Tournaments

Indian Open Badminton Championship: The tournament was started in 2008 and is held annually
since then. It is organised in Siri Fort Indoor Stadium, New Delhi.

Senior National Badminton Championship: The tournament is organized by BFI every year to crown
the best badminton player of India. It was started in 1934.

International Tournaments
World Championship: World Badminton championship was started in 1977 and Badminton world
federation organises it for the BWF member nations. The tournament is organized annually however
the tournament will not be held once every four years when the summer Olympic are to be held. It is
the most prestigious tournament in Badminton.

Thomas Cup: The championship was started in 1949 and since then it has been organized every two
years. The member Nations of BWF participates in this championship.