Badminton is an exciting and popular racquet sport that can be played as singles or doubles. The game is played with a shuttlecock, which is a cone-shaped projectile made from either goose feathers or plastic that is hit back and forth over a net. Badminton singles is a fast-paced, individual version of the game that requires players to have sharp reflexes and excellent court awareness. To ensure fair and safe play, there are a number of rules that must be followed.
Scoring System
The scoring system in badminton singles is the same as in doubles. The first player to score 21 points wins the game, although the winner must be two points ahead of their opponent. The player who serves first always starts the game with zero points and the receiving player starts with one point. When a point is scored, the players switch sides and the player who served the previous point serves for the next point.
Serving
The server must stand behind the service line and toss the shuttlecock into the air at least 6 inches above their head. They must then hit the shuttlecock over the net in one stroke and within the boundaries of the court. If the serve goes into the net or outside the court boundaries, the other player earns a point. The server must also alternate between serving from the right and left sides of the court with each new game.
Let
A let is a common situation in badminton singles where the service is disrupted by a distraction such as a shuttlecock hitting the net or a player moving into the court during the serve. In this situation, the point is replayed and no one earns a point. If a let occurs during a rally, the point is also replayed.
Net Play
Players are allowed to hit the shuttlecock over the net with any part of their body, but they must not touch the net with their racquet or any other part of their body during the rally. If a player touches the net, their opponent earns a point.
Doubles Faults
Doubles faults are a common occurrence in badminton singles. A double fault occurs when the shuttlecock fails to cross the net twice in succession. In this situation, the other player earns a point.
Hitting the Shuttlecock Out of Court
The shuttlecock must be hit within the boundaries of the court. If the shuttlecock is hit out of court, the other player earns a point.
Interference
Players are not allowed to interfere with the other player’s shot. If a player does interfere, their opponent earns a point.
Conclusion
Badminton singles is a fast-paced and exciting game that requires players to have good reflexes and court awareness. To ensure fair and safe play, there are a number of rules that must be followed. These rules include serving, net play, doubles faults, hitting the shuttlecock out of court and interference. Following these rules will ensure that the game is played fairly and safely.