Badminton Service Rules Explained: Singles, Doubles, and Common Faults

Badminton service rules can feel complicated at first because the correct service court changes with the score, singles and doubles use different service boundaries, and several technical rules apply during the serving motion.

The good news is that the system becomes much easier once you separate it into three questions:

1. Which side do I serve from?
2. Where must the shuttle land?
3. Was the serving action legal?

This guide explains the current badminton service rules for beginners using the Badminton World Federation (BWF) Laws of Badminton. You will learn the right and left service courts, singles and doubles differences, common service faults, service-court errors, and the most important rules to remember before starting a rally.

If you are following the Sports Made Clear learning path in order, the previous lesson is How to Serve in Badminton: A Step-by-Step Beginner Guide. This guide focuses on the rules; that earlier lesson focuses on the technique.

Quick answer: Serve from the right service court when the serving side’s score is even and from the left service court when it is odd. The shuttle must travel diagonally into the receiver’s correct service court. The server and receiver must stand within the correct service courts without touching the boundary lines, keep the required foot contact, and follow the BWF service laws. Those laws also require releasing the shuttle without adding spin, initially striking its base, and contacting the whole shuttle below 1.15 metres in standard play.

Badminton Service Rules at a Glance

For a legal serve under the current BWF Laws:

• the server and receiver stand in diagonally opposite service courts
• neither the server nor receiver may touch the boundary lines of those service courts while taking up the serving/receiving position
• part of both feet must remain in contact with the court and stationary from the start of the serve until it is delivered
• the server must release the shuttle without adding spin, and the racket must initially hit the base of the shuttle
• the whole shuttle must be below 1.15 metres from the court surface at the instant of contact
• once the service starts, the racket movement must continue forwards
• the shuttle must travel upwards over the net toward the receiver’s service court
• the server must not completely miss the shuttle when attempting to serve
• the server must not serve before the receiver is ready

For most beginners, these rules matter more than advanced serving tactics.

Which Service Court Do You Use?

The basic rule is simple:

Even score = serve from the right.

Odd score = serve from the left.

This applies to both singles and doubles.

Examples:

• 0 points → right service court
• 1 point → left service court
• 2 points → right service court
• 3 points → left service court
• 8 points → right service court
• 11 points → left service court

You look at the serving side’s score, not the receiver’s score. For more scoring examples, see Badminton Scoring Explained.

The Serve Must Go Diagonally

A badminton serve does not travel straight ahead into the service box directly opposite you.

It must go diagonally.

If you serve from your right service court, the shuttle must travel into the receiver’s right service court from that player’s perspective—the court diagonally across the net from you.

If you serve from your left service court, it must travel into the diagonally opposite left service court.

The receiver is the player standing in that diagonally opposite service court.

Singles Service Rules

Singles uses the inner sidelines and the back boundary line for the service court.

That makes the singles service area:

long and narrow

Singles: Even Score

When the server has an even score, including 0, the server serves from the right service court.

The receiver stands diagonally opposite.

Singles: Odd Score

When the server has an odd score, the server serves from the left service court.

Again, the receiver stands diagonally opposite.

What Happens After the Rally?

If the server wins the rally:

• the server scores a point
• the same player serves again
• the server changes to the alternate service court

If the receiver wins the rally:

• the receiver scores a point
• the receiver becomes the new server
• that player serves from the service court that matches the new score

Under rally scoring, the side that wins a completed rally earns a point. If a let is called, no point is awarded and the rally is replayed.

Doubles Service Rules

Doubles also uses the serving side’s score to determine whether the serve comes from the right or left.

The key difference is the service-court shape.

Doubles uses:

• the outer doubles sideline
• the short service line
• the centre line
• the doubles long service line

So the doubles service area is:

short and wide

The rear strip between the doubles long service line and the back boundary is out during the serve, even though it becomes part of the court during the rally. For a diagram of these lines in singles and doubles, see Badminton Court Dimensions and Lines.

Doubles: Even Score

When the serving side has an even score, the player whose turn it is to serve must serve from the right service court.

The receiver is the opponent standing diagonally opposite.

Doubles: Odd Score

When the serving side has an odd score, the server serves from the left service court.

Again, only the opponent standing diagonally opposite is the receiver.

When Do Doubles Players Change Service Courts?

This is where many beginners become confused.

Under the BWF Laws, doubles players do not change their respective service courts until they win a point while their side is serving.

That means players do not simply swap sides after every rally.

If the serving side wins the rally:

• the serving side scores a point
• the same server serves again
• that server moves to the alternate service court

If the receiving side wins the rally:

• the receiving side scores a point
• that side becomes the new serving side
• the players do not automatically switch their left/right positions merely because they gained service

The next server is determined by the serving sequence and the side’s score.

Doubles Serving Sequence

In a doubles game, the right to serve passes through the four players in a set sequence.

The BWF Laws describe the sequence as:

1. the initial server
2. the partner of the initial receiver
3. the partner of the initial server
4. the initial receiver
5. back to the initial server, and so on

You do not need to memorize that sequence on your first day.

A simpler beginner method is to track:

• which side is serving
• the serving side’s score
• which player served last
• where each partner was standing

Once you play several doubles games, the rotation becomes much easier to recognize. Follow the full four-player example in Badminton Doubles Rules for Beginners: Serving, Rotation, and Court Positions.

Can Either Doubles Player Receive the Serve?

No.

The receiver is the player standing in the diagonally opposite service court from the server.

The receiver’s partner must not intercept the serve.

If the receiver’s partner hits the served shuttle, it is a fault.

After the serve is returned, either partner on each side may hit the shuttle during the rally in the normal alternating sequence between sides.

Where Can the Partners Stand During a Doubles Serve?

The server and receiver must occupy their correct diagonal service courts.

Their partners have more freedom.

Under BWF Law 9.5, during service the partners may take up positions within their respective courts as long as they do not unsight the opposing server or receiver.

In simple terms:

Do not stand somewhere that blocks the opponent’s view of the server, receiver, or serving action.

The 1.15-Metre Service Height Rule

One of the most important current service rules is the fixed service height.

At the instant the server’s racket hits the shuttle:

the whole shuttle must be below 1.15 metres from the court surface.

If any part of the shuttle is at or above that height at contact, the serve is not legal under the standard BWF rule.

This is different from older badminton wording you may still see online that describes serving below the waist.

For standard BWF play, the law uses the fixed 1.15-metre height. The BWF rules include specific provisions for some Para badminton classes and authorized alternative service laws, so this guide describes the standard service requirement rather than every variation.

Recreational clubs or local competitions may sometimes use simplified procedures, so confirm the organizer’s rules if they differ.

Your Feet During the Serve

From the start of the service until it is delivered:

• some part of both feet must remain in contact with the court
• both feet must remain stationary

You cannot step, drag a foot into a new position, or lift a foot completely off the surface during the serving action.

You and the receiver must also stand within the correct service courts without touching the boundary lines of those service courts.

What Counts as the Start of the Service?

Under the BWF Laws, once the players are ready, the service starts with the first forward movement of the server’s racket head.

After that forward movement begins, the server’s racket movement must continue forwards until the service is delivered.

This is why an obvious stop-start serving motion can be illegal.

You can prepare before starting the serve.

But once the service itself begins, the movement must continue.

Which Part of the Shuttle Must Be Hit First?

The racket must initially hit the base of the shuttle.

That means the cork or base—not the feathers—must be the first part contacted by the racket.

This is especially relevant for backhand serves, where the shuttle is held close to the racket face.

Can You Add Spin When Releasing the Shuttle?

Under the current standard BWF Laws, the server must release the shuttle without adding spin. You cannot deliberately twist or spin it with the fingers as you let go for the serve.

For a beginner, the simple approach is to hold the shuttle gently, release it naturally, and make clean initial contact with the base.

What Flight Must the Serve Have?

The shuttle must travel upwards from the server’s racket and pass over the net toward the receiver’s service court.

If it is not intercepted, it must be capable of landing on or within the boundaries of that service court.

Remember:

A shuttle landing on the correct boundary line is in.

Can the Server Miss the Shuttle?

No.

Once the service has started, if the server attempts to serve and completely misses the shuttle, the service is considered delivered.

Under the Laws, attempting to serve and missing the shuttle is not a free restart.

For a beginner, the practical lesson is simple:

Do not begin the forward serving motion until you are ready to make clean contact.

Must the Receiver Be Ready?

Yes.

The server must not serve before the receiver is ready.

However, if the receiver attempts to return the serve, the receiver is considered to have been ready.

Good recreational etiquette is simple:

Settle into position, check that your opponent is ready, and then serve.

Common Badminton Service Faults

A service is a fault when it is not correct under the BWF service law.

Here are the faults beginners are most likely to encounter.

1. Standing on a Service-Court Boundary Line

The server and receiver must stand inside their correct service courts without touching those boundary lines.

Fix: Set your feet clearly inside the service court before beginning.

2. Moving or Lifting a Foot

Part of both feet must remain stationary and in contact with the court until the serve is delivered.

Fix: Establish a balanced stance before starting the racket movement.

3. Hitting the Shuttle Too High

The whole shuttle must be below 1.15 metres when struck.

Fix: Practise a consistent contact point and avoid raising the shuttle immediately before contact.

4. Hitting the Feathers First

The racket must initially contact the shuttle base.

Fix: Point the cork toward the racket face during your serving setup.

5. Stopping the Racket After the Serve Starts

Once the first forward movement starts, the racket movement must continue forwards.

Fix: Use one smooth serving motion instead of a stop-start action.

6. Serving Into the Wrong Court

The serve must travel to the diagonally opposite correct service court.

Fix: Check your score, serving side, and target before serving.

7. Serving Outside the Service Boundaries

A serve that lands outside the correct service court is out.

In singles, remember the service court is long and narrow.

In doubles, remember it is short and wide.

8. Missing the Shuttle

If you start the service and miss the shuttle completely, you do not simply try again.

Fix: Keep the serving action compact and controlled.

9. Receiver’s Partner Hits the Serve

In doubles, only the correct receiver may return the serve.

If the receiver’s partner hits it, that is a fault.

Is Serving From the Wrong Court a Fault?

This deserves a separate explanation.

The BWF Laws classify serving or receiving from the wrong service court, or serving/receiving out of turn, as a service court error.

If the error is discovered:

• correct it when the shuttle is not in play
• keep the existing score

This is different from simply saying that every wrong-court situation automatically rewinds the rally or score.

For casual beginners, wait until the shuttle is not in play, put the players into the correct serving and receiving arrangement, keep the current score, and continue.

What Happens if the Serve Hits the Net?

A serve is not automatically a fault simply because it touches the net.

If the shuttle clips the net and crosses legally into the correct service court—or the correct receiver returns it legally—play continues.

However, the BWF Laws specifically identify service faults if the served shuttle:

• is caught on the net and remains suspended on top
• passes over the net and becomes caught in the net

So the key question is not simply whether the shuttle touched the net.

The question is whether it still crossed and landed legally.

Is There a Second Serve in Badminton?

No.

Badminton does not give you a first serve and second serve like tennis.

If your serve is a fault, you lose the rally and the opponent scores a point.

That makes serving consistency especially important. If you want a safe way to build consistency, the beginner serving lesson includes a target-serve drill. You can also develop repeatable practice habits with Badminton Drills for Beginners or How to Practice Badminton Alone.

Singles vs Doubles Service Boundaries

A useful memory trick is:

Singles serve = long and narrow

Doubles serve = short and wide

Singles Serve

Use:

• short service line
• centre line
• inner singles sideline
• back boundary line

Doubles Serve

Use:

• short service line
• centre line
• outer doubles sideline
• doubles long service line

After the serve is returned in doubles, the full back area becomes part of the normal rally court.

Common Beginner Confusions

“Do I Serve From the Side Based on My Opponent’s Score?”

No.

Use the serving side’s score.

Even = right.

Odd = left.

“Do Doubles Players Swap Sides Every Time Someone Scores?”

No.

They change their respective service courts when they win a point while their side is serving.

“Is a Shuttle on the Service Line Out?”

No.

The relevant boundary line forms part of the service court.

A shuttle landing on the correct line is in.

“Is the Old Below-the-Waist Rule Still the BWF Standard?”

The current standard BWF Laws use the fixed 1.15-metre service height.

You may still find older explanations online, so always check the date and ruleset.

“Does the Racket Head Have to Point Downward?”

Older versions of the Laws included downward-racket wording.

The current standard BWF Law 9 instead includes the fixed 1.15-metre service height, a no-spin release, and continuous forward racket movement requirements.

Badminton Service Rules FAQ

Which side do I serve from in badminton?

Serve from the right service court when your score is even and the left service court when your score is odd.

Where does the serve have to land?

It must land in the receiver’s diagonally opposite service court, on or inside the correct boundary lines.

How high can I hit the shuttle when serving?

The whole shuttle must be below 1.15 metres from the court surface at the instant it is struck.

Can my foot move during a badminton serve?

No. Part of both feet must remain in contact with the court and stationary from the start of service until delivery.

Can I stand on the service line?

No. The server and receiver must stand within their service courts without touching the boundary lines of those service courts. This is different from a shuttle landing on the correct service boundary line, which is in.

Can I add spin to the shuttle when serving?

Not when releasing it. The standard BWF Laws require the server to release the shuttle without adding spin and initially strike its base.

Can a serve touch the net?

Yes, if it passes over and lands legally. Merely touching the net does not automatically make the serve a fault.

Do I get another serve after a fault?

No. Badminton uses one serve per rally.

Who receives the serve in doubles?

The player standing in the diagonally opposite service court from the server is the receiver.

What happens if players serve from the wrong court?

That is a service court error. Correct it when the shuttle is not in play and keep the existing score.

Final Takeaway

You do not need to memorize the entire BWF rulebook to serve correctly.

Start with these beginner rules:

Even score = right.

Odd score = left.

Serve diagonally.

Keep both feet stationary and in contact with the court.

Release the shuttle without adding spin and hit the base first.

Contact the whole shuttle below 1.15 metres.

Keep the serving motion moving forwards once it starts.

Make sure the shuttle travels upward toward the correct service court.

Then remember the court shape:

Singles = long and narrow.

Doubles = short and wide.

Once those rules become automatic, serving becomes much easier to understand and practise. If you are still making mistakes during matches, use Common Badminton Mistakes Beginners Make (and How to Fix Them) to correct the underlying habits.

Your Next Lesson

Now that you understand how to serve legally, learn how to reach the shuttle and recover for the next shot:

Badminton Footwork for Beginners: How to Move Around the Court

To review the previous lesson or explore specific rules in greater depth:

• How to Serve in Badminton: A Step-by-Step Beginner Guide — the previous lesson on serving technique
• Badminton Doubles Rules for Beginners: Serving, Rotation, and Court Positions — doubles serving order and positioning
• Badminton Rules for Beginners — broader playing rules and faults

Or return to the Badminton Learning Hub to follow the complete 14-article beginner learning path.

Rules Source

This guide follows the Badminton World Federation (BWF) Laws of Badminton, Section 4.1, including Law 9 on service (including releasing the shuttle without adding spin), Laws 10 and 11 on singles and doubles serving, Law 12 on service court errors, and Law 13 on faults.

Official BWF Laws of Badminton — Section 4.1

Last reviewed: October 6, 2026