Badminton doubles is a fast-paced, strategic sport that requires teamwork, coordination, and quick reflexes. Played by two teams of two players each, the rules of badminton doubles differ slightly from singles matches, focusing on aspects like court dimensions, rotation, and strategies to ensure effective teamwork. Whether you are new to the game or an experienced player, understanding the rules of badminton doubles is essential to mastering the sport and improving your competitive edge.
This article will cover the basic and advanced rules of badminton doubles, from court layout and scoring systems to serving regulations and rotation strategies. By the end, you will have a clear understanding of how to play badminton doubles in accordance with official guidelines and how to enhance your performance on the court.
See Also: What is the Best Badminton Racket for Beginners?
1. Understanding the Court Layout
Dimensions of a Doubles Court
The badminton doubles court is larger than the singles court, with the following measurements:
Width: 6.1 meters (20 feet)
Length: 13.4 meters (44 feet)
The key difference between singles and doubles courts lies in the width. In doubles, the court is wider to accommodate the additional players. The full width is used for both serving and playing, which provides more space for teams to cover.
The service area in badminton doubles is also slightly different from singles. The court is divided into two halves by the net, with service boxes marked for each player. Unlike singles, the back boundary line for serves is shorter in doubles, and players must serve within this area.
Service Courts
Each side of the net has two service courts: the right and left service courts. These are essential for determining where the server must serve and where the receiver stands. Players need to be aware of their positioning to avoid serving faults.
Right Service Court: The server must stand in the right service court when their score is even (0, 2, 4, etc.).
Left Service Court: The server must stand in the left service court when their score is odd (1, 3, 5, etc.).
It is crucial for doubles players to understand the rules of positioning, as incorrect positioning can lead to faults and loss of points.
2. Scoring System in Badminton Doubles
The Rally Point Scoring System
Badminton doubles uses the rally point scoring system, meaning that a point is awarded on every rally, regardless of who serves. This system ensures continuous scoring and keeps the game fast-paced. The following is a breakdown of the scoring system:
Game to 21 Points: A standard game in badminton doubles is played to 21 points. A team must win by at least two points. If both teams reach 20 points, the game continues until one team achieves a two-point lead, up to a maximum of 30 points.
Best of Three Games: A badminton doubles match is typically played as a best of three games. The first team to win two games is declared the winner of the match.
Winning the Rally: A rally is won when a team successfully hits the shuttlecock over the net and it lands in their opponent’s court, or when the opposing team makes a fault.
Scoring After Each Rally
Each time a team wins a rally, they score a point, regardless of whether they were serving or receiving. The team that wins the rally also earns the right to serve in the next point. The serving player must switch service courts after each point, depending on whether their team’s score is even or odd.
Changing Ends
Teams change ends of the court after each game. If a match reaches a third game, players switch ends once one team reaches 11 points. Changing ends ensures that both teams play on both sides of the court under similar conditions, such as wind or lighting differences.
3. Serving in Badminton Doubles
The Importance of the Serve
The serve is one of the most critical elements of badminton doubles, as it dictates the flow of play and sets up offensive and defensive strategies. In doubles, the serve is typically more aggressive than in singles, as teams aim to put pressure on their opponents from the outset.
Rules for Serving
To serve legally in badminton doubles, players must follow specific rules regarding their stance, shuttlecock contact, and the trajectory of the serve. Failure to adhere to these rules results in a service fault, giving the point to the opposing team. Here are the key rules for serving in badminton doubles:
Underhand Serve: The server must hit the shuttlecock with an underhand stroke. The racquet must make contact with the shuttle below the server’s waist. Any serve where the shuttle is struck above the waistline is considered a fault.
Diagonal Service: The shuttlecock must be served diagonally to the opponent’s service court. If the shuttle lands outside the service box or does not cross the net, it results in a fault.
Feet Position: Both of the server’s feet must remain stationary and in contact with the ground during the serve. The same rule applies to the receiver.
Serving Rotation: The serving team must alternate between the two service courts after each point. If the server wins the rally, they continue serving but must switch sides. If the server loses the rally, the serve passes to the opposing team, and the next player in the serving rotation takes over.
Double Service Faults
A double service fault occurs when a team makes two consecutive faults while serving. If the first server commits a fault, the second player on the same team serves. If the second server also commits a fault, the serve passes to the opposing team, and they score a point. It is essential for both players to have a solid serving technique to avoid these costly mistakes.
4. Rotational Play in Badminton Doubles
Rotation and Player Positioning
In badminton doubles, rotation refers to the switching of player positions between offense and defense. Rotation is a crucial aspect of doubles strategy, as it ensures both players are in the best position to cover the court and play to their strengths.
Starting Position
At the start of the game, each team’s serving player stands in the right service court if their score is even and the left service court if their score is odd. The receiving team must also position themselves accordingly, with one player in the left service court and the other behind the receiving player, ready to return any high serves.
Rotating After the Serve
After the serve, the players can move freely around the court. Successful doubles teams use a rotation system to maintain court coverage. When one player moves forward to the net, the other moves back to cover the baseline, and vice versa. This constant switching allows both players to remain balanced and ready to respond to the shuttlecock from any position.
Rotation Based on Strengths
Some teams rotate based on the strengths of individual players. For example, one player may specialize in net play, while the other is more comfortable covering the back of the court. In such cases, the net player will remain near the front, ready to intercept shots, while the back player focuses on defending and returning deep shots.
Cross-Court Rotation
Cross-court rotation occurs when both players switch sides of the court mid-rally. This strategy is often used when the opponents place a shot that forces the defending team to move diagonally. To avoid leaving one side of the court open, the players rotate positions and maintain coverage. Proper communication is key to executing cross-court rotation effectively.
5. Faults in Badminton Doubles
Service Faults
In badminton doubles, service faults are common, especially for beginners. A service fault occurs when the server does not follow the correct serving rules, such as:
Serving the shuttlecock above the waist
Serving outside the service box
Hitting the shuttlecock into the net
Moving feet during the serve
Each of these faults results in a point for the opposing team.
Other Common Faults
Besides service faults, players can also commit other faults during a rally. These include:
Hitting the Net: If a player’s racquet or body touches the net during play, it results in a fault.
Out of Bounds: If the shuttlecock lands outside the boundary lines of the court, the team that hit the shuttle loses the point.
Double Hit: If a player or team hits the shuttlecock more than once before it crosses the net, it is considered a double hit and results in a fault.
Shuttlecock Not Crossing the Net: If a player hits the shuttlecock and it fails to cross the net, the opposing team wins the point.
Foot Faults
A foot fault occurs when a player steps out of their service box or the boundaries of the court during the serve. It also occurs if a player moves their feet during the service motion, which is not allowed. Foot faults are less common but can still result in lost points if not careful.
6. Strategies for Badminton Doubles
Offensive Strategies
In badminton doubles, offense involves controlling the pace of the game and putting pressure on your opponents. Offensive strategies often focus on aggressive net play, quick serves, and consistent smashing. Here are some effective offensive tactics:
Attacking the Net: A strong offensive team will take control of the net, using fast, low shots to force their opponents into defensive positions.
Smashing: The smash is the most powerful shot in badminton, and it is a key component of offensive play. By delivering smashes deep into the opponent’s court, teams can force weak returns or finish the rally outright.
Targeting the Weak Player: In doubles, it is common to target the weaker player on the opposing team. By hitting shots consistently toward the less skilled player, the stronger player is effectively neutralized, and errors are more likely.
Defensive Strategies
Defense in badminton doubles requires quick reflexes, strong positioning, and excellent communication between teammates. Defensive strategies focus on returning powerful shots and waiting for opportunities to counter-attack. Here are some defensive tactics:
Clear and Lift Shots: When under pressure, teams often use clear and lift shots to push their opponents to the back of the court. This buys time to reposition and recover, allowing for a more balanced defense.
Rotational Defense: Proper rotation between teammates is essential for covering the entire court. When one player moves forward to attack, the other moves back to cover lobs and high shots.
Patience: Successful defensive teams know how to stay calm under pressure. By waiting for the opponent to make a mistake or hit an out-of-bounds shot, they can turn defense into offense.
7. Communication in Badminton Doubles
Importance of Communication
Communication between partners is one of the most critical elements in badminton doubles. Since both players share the court, they must constantly communicate to avoid confusion, especially when deciding who will take specific shots or cover certain areas.
Types of Communication
There are two main types of communication in badminton doubles:
Verbal Communication: Partners often use short, simple commands during play, such as “mine,” “yours,” or “switch.” These cues help avoid collisions and ensure smooth rotation.
Non-Verbal Communication: Some teams rely on non-verbal signals, such as pointing or nodding, to indicate strategy or positioning. These signals are especially useful in high-pressure situations where quick decisions are needed.
Effective Communication Tips
To ensure effective communication, partners should practice regularly and develop a strong sense of trust. Additionally, establishing clear roles for each player, such as who will take net shots and who will cover the baseline, can help minimize confusion during matches.
Conclusion
Badminton doubles is a fast-paced, dynamic sport that requires strong teamwork, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of the rules. From mastering the serve and understanding court rotations to perfecting offensive and defensive strategies, doubles play adds layers of complexity compared to singles matches. By adhering to the official rules and refining your skills, you can improve your badminton doubles game and enjoy greater success on the court.
Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned player, focusing on communication, positioning, and strategic play is essential to mastering the art of badminton doubles.
