Badminton is a popular sport that is enjoyed by millions of people around the world. One of the most important skills in badminton is the ability to serve the shuttlecock correctly. There are two main types of serves: long serve and short serve. The rules of badminton state that both types of serves are allowed, but there are some differences between them. In this article, we will discuss whether short serve is allowed in badminton and what the rules say about it.
What is a Short Serve?
A short serve is a serve that lands on the opponent’s side of the court shorter than the halfway mark. This type of serve is usually used to surprise the opponent or to make them move around the court more.
Is Short Serve Allowed in Badminton?
Yes, short serve is allowed in badminton according to the official rules. The International Badminton Federation (IBF) states that a serve must land within the opposite court and must be below the height of the net. There is no specific rule that states how far the serve must travel, so it is up to the discretion of the referee to decide if a serve is long or short.
Benefits of Short Serve
Short serves can be beneficial for a player’s game because they can force the opponent to move around the court more. This can make it more difficult for the opponent to reach the shuttlecock and can give the server an advantage. Short serves are also useful for players who want to mix up their serves and keep their opponents guessing.
Drawbacks of Short Serve
One of the drawbacks of short serve is that it can be difficult to judge the correct distance. If the serve does not travel far enough, it could be called a fault. This can be especially challenging for inexperienced players who are still learning how to serve correctly. Additionally, experienced opponents may be more likely to anticipate and return a short serve, making it less effective.
Conclusion
In conclusion, short serve is allowed in badminton according to the official rules. Short serves can be beneficial for some players, as they can force the opponent to move around the court more and make it more difficult for them to reach the shuttlecock. However, short serves can also be difficult to judge correctly, and experienced opponents may be more likely to anticipate and return them.