Badminton singles rules define how a one-on-one badminton match is played, covering court boundaries, service areas, scoring, faults, and intervals. With only one player on each side of the net, every serve, line call, and point depends on a clear understanding of the rules. Many disputes in both casual and competitive matches arise not from lack of skill, but from confusion around singles court lines, service positions, and boundary rules. In singles badminton, the court is narrower than in doubles, serving positions change based on the player’s score, and the entire backcourt remains in play. While the scoring system is the same as doubles, the court layout and service rules differ, making it essential to understand singles rules separately.
Badminton Singles Court Size and Measurements
The badminton singles court follows standard measurements approved by the BWF. The length of the court remains the same as doubles, but the width is reduced by excluding the outer sidelines.
| Measurement | Singles Court |
| Court Length | 13.4 metres (44 feet) |
| Court Width | 5.18 metres (17 feet) |
| Net Height (Posts) | 1.55 metres |
| Net Height (Centre) | 1.524 metres |
These dimensions apply to all officially recognised singles matches and form the foundation of badminton singles court rules.
Singles Badminton Court Lines
Court lines play a crucial role in deciding whether a shuttle is in or out during a singles badminton match. Unlike doubles, only specific lines are active in singles, and confusing them with doubles court markings is one of the most common mistakes players make. Understanding how each court line functions helps players make accurate calls and avoid unnecessary disputes.
Singles Sidelines (Inner Tramlines)
In singles badminton, the inner sidelines define the width of the court. Any shuttle that lands outside these inner tramlines is considered out, even if it would have been in during a doubles match. These sidelines apply during both rallies and service, making them one of the most important boundaries in singles play.
Baseline (Back Boundary Line)
The baseline, also known as the back boundary line, marks the end of the court lengthwise. In singles badminton, the baseline is always in play, both during rallies and while serving. This is a key difference from doubles, where the long service line restricts the service area. In singles, if the shuttle touches the baseline, it is ruled in.
Centre Line
The centre line divides the court into left and right service courts. It is relevant only during service and determines the correct serving and receiving positions. During rallies, the centre line has no role in judging whether a shuttle is in or out.
Short Service Line
The short service line runs parallel to the net and sets the minimum distance a serve must travel. During a singles serve, the shuttle must cross this line before landing in the opponent’s service court. If the shuttle lands on or before the short service line, the service is considered a fault.
An important rule to remember is that all court lines are considered IN. If the shuttle touches any boundary line during play, the shot is valid.
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Badminton Singles Service Rules
Service rules in singles badminton are precise and strictly enforced, especially in competitive matches.
Diagonal Service Rule
In badminton singles, every serve must be delivered diagonally across the net into the opponent’s service court. The shuttle must travel from the server’s service court to the diagonally opposite service court of the receiver. A serve played straight ahead or into the wrong service court is considered a fault, and the opponent is awarded a point. This rule ensures fairness and prevents players from gaining an unfair advantage during service.
Server and Receiver Position
During service in singles badminton, both the server and the receiver must stand within their respective service courts. The server must have both feet in contact with the court surface and remain stationary until the shuttle is struck. The receiver must also keep both feet in contact with the court, but does not need to remain completely stationary. Neither player may step on or touch the boundary lines of the service court while serving or receiving. Any violation of these positioning rules results in a service fault.
Serving Position Based on Score
In badminton singles, the position from which a player serves is determined by the server’s current score. When the server’s score is even (0, 2, 4, and so on), the serve must be played from the right service court. When the score is odd (1, 3, 5, etc.), the serve must be delivered from the left service court.
If a player serves from the wrong service court in singles badminton, it is considered a fault. This remains a fault even if the receiver successfully returns the shuttle. Once the mistake is noticed, the server loses the rally, and the point is awarded to the receiver.
The 1.15 Metre Service Height Rule
One of the most important badminton singles service rules is the fixed service height regulation. At the moment of contact, the shuttle must be struck below 1.15 metres from the court surface, and the shaft of the racket must be pointing in a downward direction, ensuring that the serve is hit with an underarm action. Overhand or waist-high serves are strictly prohibited.
This rule standardises service delivery and prevents players from gaining an unfair attacking advantage during serves.
Service Boundaries in Singles Badminton
For a serve to be legal in singles badminton, it must land within a clearly defined area of the court. The shuttle must cross the net, pass beyond the short service line, stay within the inner sidelines, and land on or before the baseline. In singles, the baseline is in play for serves, unlike doubles, where a different long service line applies.
It is also important to remember that court lines are considered part of the court, so a serve that lands on the line is counted as in. Any serve that falls short, goes wide, or lands beyond the baseline is considered a fault, and the opponent is awarded a point.
Continuous Play Rules in Singles
Badminton singles follows the principle of continuous play, meaning rallies should flow without unnecessary interruptions. Players must strike the shuttle cleanly; carrying, throwing, scooping, or hitting the shuttle twice in succession is not allowed unless it occurs as part of a single, continuous stroke. Each stroke must be a single, distinct hit.
Once both players are ready, play should resume without deliberate delay. Actions such as excessive towel breaks, stalling before serving, or intentionally slowing down the pace of the match may be considered misconduct under the laws of badminton.
Scoring Rules in Badminton Singles
Badminton singles uses the rally-point scoring system, where a point is awarded on every rally, regardless of who served. Matches are played as the best of three games, with each game played to 21 points.
If the score reaches 20–20, the game continues until one player gains a two-point lead. If the score reaches 29–29, the player who scores the 30th point wins the game. The player who wins a rally also earns the right to serve the next point.
Intervals and Change of Ends
Each game includes a 60-second interval when a player reaches 11 points. Between games, players are allowed a two-minute break. In the third and deciding game, players must change ends when one player reaches 11 points.
If players forget to change ends at the correct time, the error is corrected as soon as it is noticed, without cancelling any points already played.
Faults in Badminton Singles
A fault occurs whenever a player violates the basic badminton rules. Common faults in singles badminton include:
- The shuttle landing outside the singles court boundaries
- A serve failing to cross the short service line
- Touching the net with the racket or body while the shuttle is in play
- Hitting the shuttle twice
- Carrying or throwing the shuttle
- Crossing the net with the racket before the shuttle enters the striker’s side
Each fault results in a point being awarded to the opponent.
What’s the Difference between Let vs Fault?
A fault ends the rally and awards a point to the opponent, usually due to a clear rule violation such as a double hit, illegal serve, or shuttle landing out of bounds. A let, on the other hand, stops play without awarding a point, and the rally is replayed.
A let may be called due to external distractions, shuttle damage during a rally, or other unforeseen interruptions that prevent fair play, such as a shuttle from another court entering the playing area.
Common Singles Badminton Rules Players Get Wrong
Many players mistakenly believe the baseline is out during singles serves, or assume the doubles long service line applies in singles, both of which are incorrect. Another common misconception is that the receiver must remain completely stationary during service, when in reality, only the server is required to stay stationary.
Others forget that serves must always be played diagonally or misunderstand which boundary lines are in play during rallies. Understanding these commonly misunderstood singles rules helps prevent disputes and ensures smoother match flow.
Conclusion
Badminton singles rules are designed to ensure fairness, consistency, and clarity in one-on-one play, from understanding singles court lines and boundaries to mastering service rules, scoring systems, and faults; every detail matters. By following the official rules set by the Badminton World Federation, players can enjoy cleaner matches, make confident line calls, and focus on improving their game within the rules.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Badminton singles matches are played as the best of three games. Each game is played to 21 points using the rally-point scoring system.
Yes. In badminton singles, the outer sidelines (side boxes) are out of play. Only the inner sidelines are used during both rallies and service in singles matches.
Common fouls in badminton singles include:
1. The shuttle landing outside the singles court boundaries
2. An illegal serve (wrong court, height, or direction)
3. Touching the net with the racket or body during a rally
4. Hitting the shuttle twice or carrying it
5. Crossing the net with the racket before the shuttle enters your side
In singles badminton, the court is narrower but uses the full length of the court, including the baseline, during serves. In doubles, the court is wider, but the long service line shortens the service area. The scoring system is the same in both formats.
During service in singles badminton, both players must stand inside their respective service courts. The server’s position depends on their score- right service court for even scores and left for odd scores. During rallies, players may move freely anywhere within the singles court boundaries.
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