Badminton Service Rules Explained: Complete Guide for Beginners

Every additional player should be aware of the service regulations of badminton. Whatever the reason is, whether you are doing it as a leisure activity or you are in a badminton academy Delhi, you will have the exact protocol of how to serve to play a correct game. Badminton services rules are not full of basics. They identify the way in which the game is started, how the points would be given and the motions that would be made when serving. This skill to follow the right rules of badminton service would also eliminate errors and penalties. In badminton, every rally will be launched in a service. The server ought to comply with correct rules of stance position and direction and serving height. The Badminton World Federation (BWF) controls the laws and they apply everywhere in the field such as school tournaments to the Olympics.

What Does Badminton Service Mean?

Service is the first shot to initiate a rally. The opponent is expected to hit the shuttle under specific rules and regulations in such a way that the shuttle goes into the opponent service box. Any incorrect serve will be termed as a fault and the opponent will have a point. The art of serving correctly is the main competence skills taught in any badminton school since it will build a rhythm, control and consistency.

Basic Badminton Service Regulations (BWF Guidelines)

Besides, every service in badminton must be covered by some rules. Unless otherwise, they are applicable to singles game and doubles game.

Rules that should be remembered by all Players

• The Point of contact must be below the waist

The blow has to occur under the waist of the server (which here is the lowest level of ribs achieved by BWF). This makes it fair because nobody receives an upper hand and goes out of the way to reach overhead serves.

• The Racket Head Should Be Falling Down

As you hit the shuttle, your racket hand is not supposed to be more than your hand holding the racket, but it should be downward.

• Both Feet should not get off the court

The feet of the server and receiver should remain in touch with the floor. Any jumping or lifting of feet is not allowed before the serve is struck.

• No Delay or Fake Movements

You need to serve in a gradual and constant movement. Interrupting in between, pretending, and attempting to get the opponent disoriented are all considered as a fault.

• Shuttle Should Land in right Service Box

In case it falls out of the specified box of the opponent, the serve is termed a fault.

Court Positioning and Service Areas

• Singles Service Rules

Service Court Layout In singles:

• The application of right service court is associated with the case where the server is equally rated (0, 2, 4, etc.).
• Left court is relevant to the case in case the server with odd point (1, 3, 5, etc).

Singles Court Dimensions

Parameter	Measurement
Court Width	Single and off side narrow (singles) lines.
Service Area	Deep and short

Important Points

• The shuttle is supposed to cross the net and fall down on any section of the singles services of the opponent.
• The players serve till they win the point.

• Badminton Service Rules for Doubles

The novice will find it difficult to understand the doubles service regulations because they are confusing, but it is not hard to understand when explained. How Serving Works in Doubles

• There are two sets of a server and receiver.
• The side which is serving serves till it loses the point.
• The serve switches courts between rallies.

Right and Left Court Rules Just like singles:

• Even score - Serving right service court.
• Odd score - Left service court.

The sizes of the Doubles Service Court

Parameter	Measurement
Court Width	Wide (full width)
Service Area	Smaller and expanded

The service will not also lie on the back line of the boundary, but rather on the short and wide doubles box.

Common Service Faults (You Must Avoid)

Beginners usually commit many service mistakes without realizing it. The most common mistakes and their definition are the following:

• Shuttle Hit Above the Waist

It is an automatic discrepancy when hitting over the waist height of the shuttle.

• Racket Angle Is Incorrect

The serve is not allowed in case the hitting side is higher than the hand.

1. Stepping/Jumping forward Before contact 

Raising your legs in front of the shuttle is considered as a fault.

1. Incorrect Service Court 

Loss of rally is done on the wrong side of the court

• Shuttle Does Not Go Far Enough

If the serve lands:

• Too short
• Outside the boundary
• In the wrong lane 

it is a fault.

Comparison Table: Single and Double Badminton Service Rules

Rule Factor	Singles	Doubles
Court Width	Narrow	Wide
Service Area	Long and narrow	Short and wide
Position of serving	Conditional on even/odd score	As with singles
Change Rally	Continuous until point lost	change playing

Tips to Improve Your Service

Want to know how to serve fast, these are few easy tricks that can be learned and these are practiced at top badminton academy coaching centers:

• Practice Low Serves

The only way to keep a low serve is by having a shuttle close to the net and it is hard to be hit by your opponent.

• Focus on a Smooth Motion

Avoid jerky movements. The serve should be free-flowing.

• Aim for Accuracy First

Power comes later. In learning, striving towards consistency and striking the shuttle in the right box.

• Adjust Grip and Stance

The grip has to be loose at the same time your body has to be in an angle whereby you form more control.  

Advanced Service Options

After knowing the basics, try these forms of tactical and strategic serves:

• Low Backhand Serve

Ideal for doubles, oppositions are hard to pulverize.

• Flick Serve

Looks like a low serve but catches the shuttle up and over--sneaks into the wrong position.

• Drive Serve

Use wisely- it is quick, flat and attacking.

• High Serve

Popular singles; allow your opponent to make a push back to the backcourt in order to allow a next shot.

Conclusion

Any player has a beginning with excellence in rules of service in badminton. One can play in singles, or play in doubles, proper position, height and position would ensure fair play with limited faults. You will need a lot of practice, patience and training, which in this case will mean attending one of the badminton academies of professionals available in Delhi but you can learn how to serve strong and correct serves which will give you an upper hand.

Frequently asked questions

Q1. What are the regulations of the basic service of the badminton?

Ans. Ensure to hit the shuttle below the waist and maintain both the feet on the ground and send it inside the relevant service box. Any violation brings about certain fault.

Q2. What are the variations with the rules of the badminton services in doubles?

Ans. A doubles game is played in the short and wide service area and the serve is switched between the players according to who is winning the point and the point/score (even/ right, odd/ left).

Q3. Can you jump while serving in badminton?

Ans. No. The legs should be kept on the ground until the shuttle is hit.

Q4. What will be the count of a service fault?

Ans. Examples of some of the most frequent failures include striking over the waist, striking the wrong court, or hitting with too high a racket angle or kicking off before striking.

Q5. What is the badminton sequence of precedence?

Ans. When a game is starting the first service is decided by a toss as to which side or team should start.