11 June 2023
Serving Rules in Badminton: From Service Courts to Techniques
Badminton is a popular racket sport that is played by millions of people around the world. It is a fun and exciting game that requires skill, agility, and precision. One of the most important aspects of badminton is the serve. In this article, we will explore the serving rules in badminton, including the service courts, the different types of serves, and the techniques used to execute them.
Service Courts
The service courts are the areas on the badminton court where the serve must land in order to be considered legal. There are two service courts, one on each side of the court. The service court is divided into two parts, the short service line and the long service line. The short service line is located 6 feet from the net, while the long service line is located at the back of the court.
Types of Serves
There are four different types of serves in badminton – high serve, low serve, flick serve, and drive serve. Each serve has its own specific purpose and technique.
High Serve
The high serve is used to create distance between the two players. It is executed by hitting the shuttlecock high into the air, with the intention of landing it deep into the opponent’s court. The high serve is usually used when the player is under pressure and needs to create some space.
Low Serve
The low serve is used to keep the shuttlecock low to the ground, making it difficult for the opponent to return. It is executed by hitting the shuttlecock just over the net and landing it close to the net. The low serve is usually used when the player wants to maintain control of the game.
Flick Serve
The flick serve is used to surprise the opponent by hitting the shuttlecock with a sudden upward motion, causing it to travel faster than the opponent expects. It is executed by hitting the shuttlecock with a short, sharp motion, just over the net and landing it deep into the opponent’s court.
Drive Serve
The drive serve is used to put the opponent on the back foot, by hitting the shuttlecock with a lot of power and speed. It is executed by hitting the shuttlecock with a long, swinging motion, and landing it deep into the opponent’s court. The drive serve is usually used when the player wants to take control of the game.
Serving Techniques
To execute a good serve in badminton, it is important to use the correct technique. Here are some tips to help you improve your serving technique:
Grip
The grip is the most important aspect of serving in badminton. The most common grip used for serving is the backhand grip. To grip the racket, hold it with your non-dominant hand and place your thumb on the back of the handle. Then, wrap your fingers around the handle and grip it tightly.
Stance
The stance is also important for serving in badminton. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your non-dominant foot slightly forward. Keep your weight on your back foot and use your dominant foot to push off the ground when you hit the shuttlecock.
Swing
The swing is the final component of the serve in badminton. Start with the racket behind your head and swing it forward in a smooth, fluid motion, making contact with the shuttlecock just above your head. Follow through with your swing, landing on your dominant foot and keeping your weight on your back foot.
In conclusion, serving is an essential part of badminton and mastering it requires practice and patience. By understanding the service rules, the different types of serves, and the techniques used to execute them, you will be on your way to becoming an expert badminton player. So go ahead, grab your racket, and start practicing those serves!
