Badminton Basic 101 : part1
LIBC Badminton Class 101
Understanding the Court
Whether you're stepping onto the badminton court for the very first time or looking to refresh your knowledge, understanding the court lines is one of the most important fundamentals of the game. Knowing which lines are "in" and "out" will help you play with confidence and avoid unnecessary mistakes.
The Baseline
The baseline is the back boundary line of the court. During rallies, any shuttle that lands on or inside this line is considered in. If it lands beyond the line, it is out.
The Sidelines
The court has two sets of sidelines:
Inner Sidelines – Used for singles matches. Since only one player covers each side of the court, the playing area is narrower.
Outer Sidelines – Used for doubles matches. With two players on each side, the court becomes wider to allow for more strategic play.
The Service Lines
Serving rules are slightly different from regular rallies.
Singles Serve
When serving in singles, the shuttle must land:
Beyond the short service line
Before the back singles service line (the baseline)
Inside the inner singles sidelines
Doubles Serve
In doubles, the serve must land:
Beyond the short service line
Before the long doubles service line (the line just before the baseline)
Inside the outer doubles sidelines
This means the doubles service court is shorter but wider than the singles service court.
The Center Line
The center line divides each service court into left and right service boxes. Your serving position depends on your score:
Even score: Serve from the right service court.
Odd score: Serve from the left service court.
The Net
The net divides the court into two equal halves. During play, the shuttle must pass over the net and land within the proper boundaries. Touching the net with your body or racket during a rally results in a fault.
Quick Tips for Beginners
Singles: Narrow and long court.
Doubles: Wide court, but the service area is shorter.
A shuttle landing on the line is IN.
Remember: Right court for even scores, left court for odd scores.
Mastering the court lines is the first step toward becoming a smarter and more confident badminton player. The more familiar you are with the court, the easier it becomes to anticipate shots, make accurate line calls, and enjoy the game.
