Badminton Serving

Serving & Scoring

In Singles Play the game is always started by the player serving from the right. thereafter, whenever the score is even the service is directed from the right -hand court. Whenever the server's score is odd, the serve is made from the left-hand court. both players alternate service courts after each point is scored. If the server loses the serve, a point is scored by the opponent and then serves from the right or left court depending upon their score, even or odd.

In Doubles Play, the player in the right-hand court starts the game by serving to the opponent in the diagonally opposite court. If the serving side wins the point, the player continues serving from the left-hand court. His/Her partner moves to the right court. The opponents DO NOT CHANGE COURTS. The player continues to serve from alternate courts after each point until his/her side loses the rally. Remember if the score is even serve from the right, if the score is odd serve from the left. If the serving team loses the rally the opponents get a point and start serving. The person on the right starts the serve. As long as they win the point the server continues to serve alternating service courts after each point.

There are 5 types of matches in badminton play. Men's singles, men's doubles, women's singles, women's doubles, and Co-ed. In Men's singles the score goes to 15. In women's singles the score goes to 11. In doubles matches the score goes to 15. For all matches you must win by 2 points.

If the game is tied at 13-13 or 14 -14 in games that go to 15 points or 9-9 or 10 -10 in games that go to 11, players can choose to SET THE GAME. This allows the game to finish no matter what in the next 2 or 3 points. The first player to reach 9, 10, 13, or 14 has the calling option. For PE we will not be setting score.

Below is a diagram that shows the serving rotations for singles and doubles.

Serving Rotations

Serving

Basically there are four types of serve.

1. High Serve

The high serve is used primarily during singles play to move your opponent as far back in court as possible but can be used in doubles as well. Technique is similar to the underhand clear...

Forehand underarm action.

Stand two to three feet behind the short service line.

Relax your body and bent your knees slightly.

Lead with your non-racket leg and place your racket leg behind.

Hold the shuttle by the feathers and let it drop slightly in front of you.

Bring your racket back to almost your shoulder level then swing it forward following the rhythm of the stroke.

Hit it with the flat face of your racket and follow through until your racket reaches the non-racket side of your head.

Low Serve

Use this badminton serve when you want your opponent to lift the shuttle. It is commonly used during doubles, but you can use it during singles too if your opponent's attack is too strong. You can use either forehand or backhand to play this serve.

Forehand

- Stand two to three feet behind the short service line.

- Relax your body and bent your knees slightly.

- Lead with your non-racket leg and place your racket leg behind.

- Bring your racket back to your waist level then start your forward swing.

- Hold the shuttle by the feathers and bring it closer to meet the racket instead of dropping it in front.

- Contact the shuttle at a higher point but still below your waist line.

- Push the shuttle with the racket face and try to make the shuttle skim the tape of the net.

If you normally use high serve during singles, mix the low serve in occasionally. You might be able to catch your opponent off-guard if you can execute it well.

Backhand

- Stand in a comfortable and balanced position with your racket hand in front.

- Lead with your racket leg and place your non-racket leg behind with your feet pointing towards your opponent.

- Carry out a short back swing then bring the racket forward.

- Hold the shuttle on the tip of the feathers in front of your waist level.

- Push the shuttle with the racket face and try to make the shuttle skim the tape of the net.

- You can try to shorten the grip for a better control of the racket.

- Beware of breaking the Service Rules.

Flick Serve

Use this badminton serve when you are under pressure from a rushing opponent. It is a rather useful tool during doubles. However, you might be left exposed if your opponent anticipated it. So, use it sparingly and keep your opponent guessing.

You can use either your forehand or backhand to perform this serve. Give the impression that you are going to push the shuttle as in the low serve, but instead use your wrist to flick the shuttle over. Wrist action is the key to executing this serve well.

Drive Serve

Use this badminton serve to add some variation to your serving game. This is considered an attacking serve and can be used in singles and doubles. The shuttle will travel at a flatter angle pass the net with pace.

It may win you points outright or force a poor service return if your opponent is unprepared. However, make sure you contact the shuttle below your waist and not make a service fault.

- Played with forehand underarm action.

- Stand in a comfortable and balanced position, a bit further from the service line.

- Lead with your non-racket leg and place your racket leg behind.

- Place your racket a bit below the waist level and bring it back parallel to it.

- Swing the racket forward following through.

- Hold the shuttle by the feathers and let it drop slightly sideways to your body.

- Hit the shuttle and let it pass the net at a flatter angle.

All these Badminton Serve have its own purpose in different situations against different type of opponents. Try to master it and use it accordingly. Remember that Practice Makes Perfect...