Badminton is a popular racket sport played all over the world. It requires two or four players and is usually played indoors with a net separating the two sides of the court. The game is fast-paced and requires quick reflexes and good coordination. In order to play the game properly, it is important to understand the rules of badminton, including the rules for serving.
The Basics of Badminton
Badminton is a game that is played on a court with two or four players. The objective of the game is to hit a shuttlecock (a feathered projectile) over a net and have it land within the boundaries of the court. Points are scored when the opponent is unable to return the shuttlecock or if the shuttlecock lands outside of the court. A shuttlecock can be hit with either a racket or a hand.
Serving
Serving is the action of hitting the shuttlecock over the net in order to begin a rally. There are several rules that must be followed when serving.
Position of the Server
The server must be positioned within a designated area behind the back boundary line of the court. This area is known as the service court. The service court is divided into two sections, the right and left service courts. The server must remain behind the back boundary line when serving, but may move freely within their service court.
Process of Serving
When serving, the server must hit the shuttlecock so that it passes over the net and lands within the receiver’s service court. The shuttlecock must be hit with an underarm action and must be hit below the waist. The server may not use a backhand stroke to serve and must keep the racket below the waist at all times. The server must also ensure that the shuttlecock passes over the net without touching it.
Faults
If the server fails to comply with any of the rules for serving, it is considered a fault. If the server commits a fault, the receiver is awarded a point. Some common faults include touching the net, using a backhand stroke to serve, or hitting the shuttlecock outside the service court.
Fault Detection
When serving, it is the responsibility of the receiver to determine if a fault has been committed. The receiver should pay close attention to the trajectory of the shuttlecock and the service court to make sure it is in compliance with the rules. If a fault is detected, the receiver should raise their hand to signal the fault to the referee.
Double Faults
If both the server and the receiver commit a fault on the same serve, it is considered a double fault and the point is replayed.
Conclusion
Serving is an important element of badminton and is essential for starting a rally. It is important that all players understand the rules of serving in order to maintain the integrity of the game. Following the rules of serving will help ensure that the game is fair and enjoyable for all players.