Do You Know All These Faults in Badminton?

Have you ever regretted losing a badminton game because of one silly fault you committed that you probably weren’t even aware of? In a game as competitive as Badminton, you do not want to lose a point by making mistakes. You only understand the game precisely when you know all types of fouls and faults in Badminton. 

Not sticking to the game’s rules can cost you a point at a crucial stage.

And as I said above, sometimes, we make these faults without even knowing we are making them. Worry not! This article is your go-to guide to understanding all the types of fouls and faults that might impact your gameplay. Understanding these will make it easy for you to play mindfully to avoid any mistakes during your play.

SERVICE FAULTS

#1. Serving Faults in Badminton:

While serving, there are a few important things to keep in mind. A service fault is a very common fault, and many players tend to make it. There are many factors that contribute to a service being a fault.

A serve is considered a fault if

• Your racket misses contacting the shuttle while attempting to serve, and the shuttle falls on your court.
• The shuttle must is struck from above the waistline.
• The head of the racket is pointing in an upward direction.
• The shuttle is hit anywhere above 1.5 meters from the ground’s surface.
• The shuttle gets stuck in the net before reaching the opponent’s court.
• The shuttle does not land diagonally on the opponent’s court and falls on the same side as the server.
• Your foot touches the court line while attempting for a serve.
• Your feet are not completely grounded on the court’s surface.
• You drag your feet either in the backward or forward direction.

• You hit the shuttle more than with the racket once while attempting for a serve.
• There is an unnecessary delay in service once you (the server) and the receiver are ready for the rally.

#2. Receiving faults in Badminton:

While returning or receiving a service, a player must keep a few things in mind to comply with the receiving rules.

They are:

• The receiver must not move before the service has been made. You may not move your feet away from where you’re standing. Many players tend to move before the server has begun his/her service. This will definitely lead to the referee calling a fault.
• The receiver must also not make any gestures or sudden movements to distract the server. This might cost the receiver a point.

FAULTS IN A RALLY

#1. Contact Faults in Badminton

During the play, you must avoid contact with the Net and the shuttle in the ways explained below:

• NET – Make sure in the middle of a rally, neither you nor your racket should touch the net at the center of the court.
• SHUTTLECOCK – You must hit your shuttlecock only with the racket. If any of your body parts, or even your clothes, touch the shuttlecock, it is considered as a fault.

#2. Double Hit Faults in Badminton

In the middle of a rally, hitting the shuttle more than once on the same side of the court is a foul. For instance, in a game of doubles, if the shuttle slightly hits/touches one player’s racket or even body, for that matter, it cannot be hit by his/her partner to continue the rally. The point ends right after the shuttle touches the player’s body. In case of a shot hit by the racket of one player, the point ends as soon as the racket of the second player touches the shuttlecock.

This can also be referred to as a Scooping fault when you catch the shuttle on your racquet and then sling it off. 

#3. Over The Net Fault in Badminton

It is a fault if you hit the shuttle, presuming it will pass over the net but fails. This implies while serving the shuttlecock as well as in-between a rally. There are two things that can happen here, 

1. The shuttlecock touches the top of the net before landing in the receiver’s court.
2. The shuttlecock gets stuck in the middle of the net on the side of the court from where it is shot during the play.

On the receiver’s end, if the receiver hits the shuttle before it has passed the net to reach their side of the court, the shot is considered a foul and makes the receiver lose a point.

#4. Obstructing the opponent’s shot

Obstructing the opponent’s shot is a fault in badminton. This happens when you try to hit a forceful shot at the net, and the opponent raises their racket to block it.

BEHAVIOURAL FAULTS

#1. Gross Misconduct

Gross misconduct arises from either repeated offenses or single instances of completely unacceptable behaviour. If the conduct goes beyond tolerable limits, umpires have the authority to disqualify players and declare their opponents as the winners of the match.

If you repeatedly cause delays while serving or receiving, the umpire will first issue a warning with a yellow card. Continued delays may lead to a red card, resulting in a fault and a point awarded to your opponent.

Moreover, offensive and inappropriate behavior, such as swearing, threats, or being abusive toward other players or officials, is explicitly forbidden. The fundamental expectation is for everyone to display decency and treat others with respect.

#2. Equipment damage

At any point in the game, intentionally damaging the shuttle is highly discouraged, and even in lower-level play, players won’t hesitate to call out those who engage in such behavior. It’s not only wasteful but also considered a form of cheating.

Watch this video, as it will help you understand some basic faults:

These are the most basic and important faults and fouls one must remember while playing Badminton. If not, it would cost you points at very important moments in a match.

FOLLOW OUR INSTAGRAM FOR SPORTS INFO AND MEMES.