Badminton is a sport enjoyed by millions of people around the world. It is a fast-paced, dynamic, and exciting game that can be played in a variety of settings and with a range of equipment. One thing that has remained constant in all badminton courts is the presence of two small, parallel lines running down the length of the court. These lines, commonly referred to as the “tramlines”, are an integral part of the game and have a specific purpose. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at why there are two small lines on a badminton court.
What Are the Tramlines and What Do They Do?
The two small lines running down the length of the badminton court are known as the “tramlines”. These lines are usually painted in a bright colour, usually white, and measure approximately 6mm in width. The tramlines are placed exactly 11.5 feet apart, forming a rectangular court.
The tramlines serve a few different purposes. Primarily, they are used to indicate the boundary of the court. If a shuttlecock or player touches the tramlines, they are considered out of bounds and the point is awarded to the opposing team. The tramlines also help to define the playing area and ensure that all players are playing within the correct area.
The tramlines are also used to mark the boundaries of the service court. The service court is the area within the tramlines in which the first serve of a rally must be made. If a player serves the shuttlecock outside of the service court, the point is awarded to the opposing team.
Why Are the Tramlines Not Removed After a Match?
The tramlines are painted on the badminton court and are not removed after a match. This is done for a few reasons. Firstly, it makes it easier for players to identify the boundaries of the court and the service court. Having the tramlines clearly marked on the court means that players can quickly and accurately identify their position on the court and the location of their opponent.
Secondly, the tramlines help to maintain the court surface. During a match, players will often move around the court and their movements can cause wear and tear to the surface. Having the tramlines clearly marked means that players can easily identify the areas of the court that they are allowed to move in and this helps to protect the court surface from unnecessary wear and tear.
Finally, having the tramlines clearly marked makes it easier for spectators to follow the action. Spectators will often be unable to tell which player is serving or which player is the winner of a rally. Having the tramlines clearly marked makes it easier for spectators to track the movement of the players and understand the action.
Conclusion
The two small, parallel lines running down the length of a badminton court are known as the “tramlines”. These lines serve a few different purposes, primarily indicating the boundary of the court and helping to mark the boundaries of the service court. The tramlines are not removed after a match for a few reasons, including making it easier for players to identify the boundaries of the court and helping to maintain the court surface. Finally, the tramlines make it easier for spectators to follow the action.