Know the game: what smart fans need to know about Badminton

Around since the 16th century, Badminton is very popular in Asian countries, especially China and India, where the world’s best players hail from. England played a crucial role in the development and codification of modern badminton, establishing early rules and organizing some of the first competitions.

The pinnacle event on the Badminton calendar is the Summer Olympic games, held every four years. Badminton features a wide range of international competitions, governed by the International Badminton Federation (now known as the Badminton World Federation), which oversees the sport’s rules and global tournaments.

Badminton is one of the world’s most popular sports in Asia and is gaining recognition internationally. The sport’s global scope is reflected in its international competitions and its growing status among popular sports worldwide. The world’s top tournaments, such as the BWF World Championships and the Olympic Games, showcase the elite status of the world’s best badminton players.

Introduction to the fastest racquet sport

Badminton holds the title of the fastest racquet sport in the world, with shuttlecocks clocking record speeds that leave even seasoned athletes in awe.

The game’s lightning-fast rallies and rapid changes of direction demand exceptional agility, quick reflexes, and precise technique from players. Regulated by the Badminton World Federation, the sport has evolved from its origins in British India to become a global phenomenon, particularly popular in Asia and Europe.

International competitions attract top players from around the world, showcasing the sport’s dynamic nature and the high level of skill required to compete at the highest level. Whether played recreationally or professionally, badminton’s blend of speed and strategy makes it a thrilling sport for both participants and spectators.

The aim of badminton

The objective of badminton is to win enough rallies to gain points, thus winning the match. To do that, players strike the shuttle with their racket so it passes over the net and lands within the opponent’s court.

The opposing player or team are also looking to do the same by returning the shuttle into the opposite of their court. Players employ strategic stroke techniques to deceive or counter their opponents, anticipating their positioning and responding quickly to gain a competitive advantage. In badminton, players and teams can win points off opponents’ mistakes; for example, if the shuttle is hit under the net, out of the court, struck into the net, or when opponents fail to return the shuttle properly.

You’ll notice players “leaving” the shuttle if they believe it will fall outside of the court. If the shuttle looks like it is going out of the court, but the opposition still returns the shuttle – the rally continues.

Unlike tennis, where the ball can bounce once on the ground, badminton does not. As soon as the shuttlecock touches the ground, the rally ends, and a point is won.

The shuttlecock is designed to fly cork first, which gives it stability and affects its speed and flight path.

You must hit the shuttle once only before it goes over the net (even in doubles). Thus, badminton is not like volleyball, where several players can touch the ball three times before returning it back over the net.

Types of games and competitions

Badminton features a variety of games and competitions, catering to different playing styles and team dynamics. The sport is played in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles formats, each offering unique challenges and strategies.

Major international tournaments, such as the Olympic Games and the BWF World Championships, highlight the best talent in the sport and draw global audiences. Other prestigious events include the Thomas Cup, Sudirman Cup, and Uber Cup, where teams and individual players compete for world titles. Mixed doubles, in particular, adds an exciting dimension by pairing male and female athletes on the same team.

Badminton’s inclusion in the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games further cements its status as a truly international sport, with tournaments held throughout the year and across continents. The fastest racquet sport continues to grow in popularity, with players and fans alike drawn to its fast-paced action and competitive spirit.

Badminton players and their roles

Success in badminton requires more than just physical fitness; players must master technique, strategy, and mental toughness. Badminton players often specialise in either singles or doubles, with each discipline demanding different skills.

Singles players rely on speed, endurance, and tactical awareness to cover the entire court, while doubles players focus on teamwork, communication, and quick reflexes to outmanoeuvre their opponents. In doubles, long-term partnerships are common, allowing players to develop a deep understanding of each other’s strengths and playing styles.

The Badminton World Federation supports player development through coaching programs and training resources, helping athletes from countries like China, Indonesia, and Malaysia reach the top of the sport.

Mastery of basic badminton rules and consistent practice are essential for any player aiming to compete at the world level, and the sport’s emphasis on fair play and respect for opponents is central to its global appeal.

Scoring in badminton

Badminton is governed by basic badminton rules that outline gameplay, scoring, court dimensions, and match structure. The scoring system in badminton awards points when the shuttle is struck over the net and lands in the opposition’s court before they can return it. Points can also be scored on the opponent’s mistakes, such as if the shuttle lands outside of the court or is struck into the net.

Games are won when one player or team reaches 21 points—this is how a player or team wins a game. A match is won by winning two games out of three. Players or teams must win two out of three games to claim overall victory. There are specific badminton rules for when players change ends: players change ends at the end of the first game, at the start of the second game, and in the third game when one side reaches 11 points. These change ends rules ensure fair play and consistency throughout the match.

If the score is tied at 20-20, play continues until one side is two points ahead. If the score reaches 29-29, the next point wins the game. Players earn ranking points based on their performance in matches and tournaments, which influence their international ranking and qualification for major events.

When serving, players must stand within the correct service courts, which are marked areas on the court that determine legal serving positions and are essential for proper gameplay according to badminton rules.

Badminton matches and equipment

Badminton is both a singles and doubles game. In singles, you have one player versus another, known as a men’s singles or women’s singles match.

In doubles, each team consists of two players, and these matches are referred to as men’s doubles, women’s doubles, or mixed doubles. The two players on each team must coordinate their positioning and tactics to maximise their effectiveness on the court.

There are five disciplines in badminton, each representing a different type of match:

• Men’s singles
• Women’s singles
• Men’s doubles
• Women’s doubles
• Mixed doubles (each team has a man and a woman)

Badminton players use a stringed racquet, similar to that of tennis racquets but with a smaller head and much lighter weight. The racquet plays a crucial role in shot control, allowing players to execute precise strokes and deception. The shuttle, also known as a shuttlecock or birdie, has a hard half-round ball at the bottom with feathers or a skirt made from synthetic material attached to it along a plastic wire frame.

To obtain maximum impact when striking the shuttle, players aim to hit the hard ball part of the shuttle, as this provides a faster shot that is harder to return by the opposition. Hitting the feathers or synthetic skirt produces a softer shot that can be quickly returned.

Badminton courts are 13.4m x 6.1m with a net across the middle of the court. Along the edges of the court are two sets of lines (they look like tram lines) – the inner lines are used as the boundary for a singles match, the outer lines, for doubles matches. The court also features a service court on each side, divided by the short service line, which is 1.98 metres from the net. Players serve from either the right service court or left service court depending on their score, and the short service line marks the minimum distance a serve must travel to be valid.

Basic rules of badminton

Badminton is a fast-paced game, so you’ll need to master the below basics if you are to follow the game:

At the start of a match, a coin toss determines which player or team has the first choice, and the other side has the remaining choice—either to serve, receive, or select a court end.

When serving, players must serve diagonally across the net to the opposing player or team player. The server’s score determines the serving side: in singles, if the server’s score is even, they serve from the right side; if odd, from the left. 

In doubles, similar rules apply, with the serving side changing based on the score and previous rally. The server strikes the shuttle below the waist with an underarm motion, and must stand within the correct service court. Unlike tennis, in badminton there is no second serve so if a player makes a mistake, either hitting the shuttle out or into the net, the opposition obtains a point.

When serving, players are not permitted to serve overarm, only underarm.

Once a successful serve has been made, and a rally initiated – players, both singles and doubles are allowed to move around the court as they wish, like tennis, including hitting the shuttle from out of the court boundaries.

Points are scored when the shuttle is struck and lands within the boundaries of the opposing team’s court.

Additional points are scored if the opposition hits the shuttle into the net or lands outside of the court.

Players are not allowed to touch any part of the net with any part of their body. If they do, the opposition receives a point.

Further faults include if the shuttle is hit twice or caught in the racket when striking.

Matches are umpired by a referee and line judges who monitor if the shuttle lands over the lines or not. The match referee has the overriding authority on infringements and faults.

For players who persistently foul within the match, the referee also has the power to dock that player (or team if a doubles match) of further points for infringements.

In major tournaments, the level of competition and the amount of prize money at stake can significantly influence player motivation and the intensity of matches.

Biomechanics and technique in badminton

The science of movement is at the heart of badminton, where biomechanics and technique play a crucial role in every game. Players must develop efficient racquet skills, mastering a range of strokes from powerful smashes to delicate net shots.

The design and technology of badminton rackets have evolved, with lightweight materials and advanced stringing techniques allowing for greater power and control. Understanding shuttlecock flight dynamics is also essential, as players adjust their shots based on speed, spin, and trajectory.

Effective footwork and court positioning enable players to reach the shuttle quickly and maintain balance during intense rallies. Coaches use video analysis and targeted training to help players refine their technique, ensuring they can perform at their best during competition.

Whether on the practice court or in a high-stakes match, the combination of skill, athleticism, and equipment makes badminton a uniquely demanding and rewarding sport.

How to bet on badminton: know the game

With this guide to badminton, you should have enough to get started watching and betting on your first badminton match. Master these basics, and you’ll find yourself begging to know more about this fast-paced game that is played throughout the calendar year, culminating in the ultimate tournament – badminton at the Olympic games. Badminton is recognized as the fastest racquet sport, with shuttlecock speeds unmatched by other racquet games. Like other sports such as tennis and volleyball, badminton shares similarities in scoring systems and betting strategies, making knowledge of these other sports useful for bettors looking to apply familiar tactics.

Badminton features five main event categories: Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles. These categories are featured in major tournaments and world championships, including prestigious competitions like the Thomas Cup, Uber Cup, Sudirman Cup, and the BWF World Championships. Matches are played to 21 points in the best-of-three format, with fast-paced rallies, strategic net play, and sharp smashes defining the action. The performance of athletes in these international competitions is a key factor in determining outcomes and betting strategies.

What to consider when betting:

• Head-to-head history: Some players have clear mental or stylistic edges over others.
• Court surface and venue: Conditions can vary slightly, especially between fast and slow courts.
• Recent form: Look at recent tournament performance, particularly in Asia and Europe where badminton is strongest.
• Fatigue and scheduling: Players in multiple events (e.g. doubles and singles) may be less consistent.
• Opponents and team dynamics: Analyze how one team or player matches up against their opponents, considering strengths, weaknesses, and tactical approaches.

Common bet types include match winner, correct score, handicap betting, and total points over/under.

If you’re new to badminton betting, explore insights from specialist betting tipsters. For deeper odds analysis and line shopping, consider arbitrage betting software to identify market inefficiencies.

While badminton is not among the most popular sports globally, especially in regions like America, it is highly competitive at the Olympics and in international tournaments. Badminton rewards timing, agility, and discipline—and for the smart bettor, it’s a sport full of valuable betting opportunities.