Scoring system
Badminton scoring
Badminton uses rally scoring to 21 points per game, with matches decided over the best of three games.
Scoring system
Overview
Badminton is scored on every rally: whichever side wins the rally scores a point and serves next, regardless of who served before. A point is won when the shuttle lands inside the opponent's court or the opponent hits it out or into the net.
Games are played to a target score with a two-point margin, and a match is decided over multiple games. The side that reaches the target first, with enough of a lead, takes the game, and the first to win the required number of games wins the match.
How it works
- The side winning a rally scores a point and takes the next serve.
- A game is won by the first side to 21 points with a lead of at least two.
- If the score reaches 20-all, play continues until one side leads by two, up to a maximum winning score of 30.
- A point is won when the shuttle lands in bounds on the opponent's side or the opponent faults.
- A match is won by taking two games out of three.
Where it’s used
Sports that use badminton scoring:
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Officiating
- UmpireA match official who rules on lines, serves and dismissals in racket, bat-and-ball and net sports such as tennis, cricket and baseball — and, in racket sports, also keeps the running score.
- Out-of-Bounds CallAn official's ruling that the ball or a player in possession has left the legal playing area, stopping play and handing a restart or possession to the opponent.
- Video ReviewVideo review lets officials re-examine footage of a contested moment to confirm or overturn a close call — a goal, a line, a foul — an aid used across many sports.
Rules
- LetA call that stops a point and has it replayed without penalty, used across several racket sports.
- Badminton serve rulesThe rules for how a badminton serve must be delivered and where it must land.
- Three-hit ruleThe volleyball rule that a team may contact the ball at most three times before it must cross the net.
- Touching the netA net-play rule that penalises a player for contacting the net during a rally in net-divided sports.
- Out of boundsThe rule that a ball or player leaving the marked playing area is out of play and possession is decided at the boundary.
Skills
- RallyingThe skill of exchanging shots back and forth to build and win a point.
- ServingThe skill of putting the ball or shuttle into play to start a point or rally.
- Net playThe skill of controlling points close to the net with volleys and touch shots.
- Returning serveThe skill of reading and playing back an opponent’s serve to stay in the rally.
- SprintingThe skill of running or riding at maximum controlled speed over a short distance.
Techniques
- Badminton SmashA powerful, steeply downward overhead stroke that drives the shuttlecock sharply into the opponent's court to win the rally.
- Badminton ClearAn overhead stroke that sends the shuttlecock high and deep to the opponent's back court, resetting the rally or buying time.
- Inside-of-the-Foot PassThe most reliable short pass in football, played with the inside surface of the foot for accuracy over a short to medium distance.
- Padel BandejaA controlled overhead shot in padel, hit with slice and moderate pace to keep the player at the net without over-committing.
- Tennis ServeThe overhead stroke that starts every point, hit from behind the baseline into the diagonally opposite service box.
Goals
- Sports for teenagersSports and activities that suit teenagers, from team games to individual pursuits.
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- Build muscleChallenge your muscles with regular resistance training and steady recovery to build strength over time.
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- Lose weightCombine regular, enjoyable movement with balanced habits to work toward a healthier weight in a way that lasts.