Badminton Night

What equipment does one need to start playing?

Clothing

Badminton requires a lot of movement and quick changes in direction. Therefore clothes that are loose fitting and lightweight are more suitable because you will have more freedom to move.

Footwear

A comfortable pair of socks and lightweight, non-marking badminton shoes with a good sole for gripping is important. Badminton players should choose shoes designed for badminton instead of trainers or running shoes because badminton shoes have thinner soles. They are more stable, and therefore help to avoid the possibilities of injuries.

Rackets

If you are just starting to play badminton, it is not necessary that you buy a very expensive racket. It is also not advisable to use very cheap rackets because they may not be durable and they could be too heavy for you. Buy a racket that is light, within your budget and one that appeals to you. When buying, look for a racket that “feels” good, flexible and strong enough to with stand the string tension that you prefer. It is best to visit a shop that has a good selection of rackets. Try as many rackets as possible to see if they feel right before you decide.

Shuttles (birdie)

You may use plastic or feather shuttles. However, if you are just starting, and if you are conscious of costs, then plastic shuttles are ideal, cheaper and durable. They come in three speeds – fast, medium and slow. It is recommended to use medium speed to start until you are better.

Shuttles will be provided by BCA

How does one score in badminton? Simplified Rally Point Scoring Guide

Scoring System

A match consists of the best of 3 games of 21 points.

Every time there is a serve – there is a point scored.

The side winning a rally adds a point to its score.

At 20 all, the side which gains a 2 point lead first, wins that game.

At 29 all, the side scoring the 30th point, wins that game.

The side winning a game serves first in the next game.

Interval and Change of Ends

When the leading score reaches 11 points, players have a 60 second interval.

A 2 minute interval between each game is allowed.

In the third game, players change ends when the leading score reaches 11 points.

Singles

At the beginning of the game (0-0) and when the server’s score is even, the server serves from the right service court. When the server’s score is odd, the server serves from the left service court.

If the server wins a rally, the server scores a point and then serves again from the alternate service court.

If the receiver wins a rally, the receiver scores a point and becomes the new server. They serve from the appropriate service court – left if their score is odd, and right if it is even.

Doubles

A side has only one ‘set’.

At the beginning of the game and when the score is even, the server serves from the right service court. When it is odd, the server serves from the left court.

If the serving side wins a rally, the serving side scores a point and the same server serves again from the alternate service court.

If the receiving side wins a rally, the receiving side scores a point. The receiving side becomes the new serving side.

The players do not change their respective service courts until they win a point when their side is serving.

Note that this means:

The order of server depends on the score odd or even same as in singles.

The service courts are changed by the servicing side only when a point is scored. In all other cases, the players continue to stay in their respective service court from where they played previous rally. This shall guarantee alternate server.