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Badminton
Start with the basics, then explore the available rules, scoring, playing-area and equipment guides.
At a glance
- Format
- Singles and doubles
- Players
- One or two players per side
- Core equipment
- Rackets, shuttlecock and net
- Scoring
- Rally points
The reference collection
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About Badminton
Badminton is played on a rectangular court divided by a net. Players use a racket to hit a shuttlecock back and forth, aiming to score points when their opponent cannot return it.
The sport can be played in singles or doubles and is known for its speed and quick reflexes.
Why Badminton Is So Popular
Badminton is one of the most widely played sports in the world.
Easy to Learn
The basic rules are simple, making it easy for beginners to start.
Fast-Paced
Rallies are quick and require speed and precision.
Indoor and Outdoor
Can be played in gyms or casually outdoors.
Minimal Equipment
Only requires a racket and shuttlecock.
Played Worldwide
Popular across Asia, Europe and many other regions.
Badminton FAQ
What is badminton?
Badminton is a racket sport where players hit a shuttlecock over a net to score points.
How many points in badminton?
Games are played to 21 points, and players must win by 2.
Can you hit the shuttlecock twice?
No, each side is allowed only one hit.
What is a fault in badminton?
A fault occurs when a player breaks a rule, such as hitting out of bounds or into the net.
Is badminton played indoors or outdoors?
Both, but competitive badminton is played indoors.
Key terms
- Shuttlecock
- The feathered or synthetic projectile hit across the net.
- Rally
- The sequence of shots from a serve until play ends.
- Service court
- The marked area from which a serve is made or into which it must land.
Keep learning: Badminton guide · Scoring explained
These additions do not mark the existing overview or linked guides as fully fact-checked. Rules can differ by competition, age group and format.