Badminton is one of the most exciting and fast-paced racket sports in the world. Whether you’re playing casually with friends or competing in a formal match, understanding how the scoring system works is crucial. If you're playing at an indoor badminton court in Sharjah, learning the correct rules will not only make the game more enjoyable but also prepare you for more structured competitions.
This blog will walk you through the official scoring system in badminton, help you understand the rules and nuances, and explain how the game progresses from start to finish.
Modern badminton matches follow the 21-point rally scoring system, established by the Badminton World Federation (BWF). The basic rules are:
A match is played in best-of-three games.
A player or pair must score 21 points to win a game.
If the score is tied at 20-20, the game continues until a player or pair gains a 2-point lead (e.g., 22–20, 23–21).
If the game reaches 29-29, the player who scores the next point (i.e., 30) wins the game.
This system is used in both singles and doubles formats.
Unlike the older traditional system where only the serving side could score, the rally scoring system allows a point to be awarded on every rally, regardless of which side served. This makes the game more intense and fast-moving.
Winning a rally: The side that wins a rally scores a point and gets the next serve.
Losing a rally: The opponent gets the point and the serve switches sides.
This system ensures continuous scoring and keeps both players engaged on every point.
The service rules vary slightly between singles and doubles, especially in terms of player position and which side serves.
In Singles:
If the server’s score is even, they serve from the right service court.
If the server’s score is odd, they serve from the left service court.
In Doubles:
Each side has only one service turn, unlike the old rule which allowed each partner to serve.
When a team wins a point, the players switch sides and continue serving.
When a team loses a point, the serve goes to the opposing team.
Understanding these positions and transitions is especially important when playing at an indoor badminton court in Sharjah, where formal training often follows professional rules.
Certain situations in badminton result in a “let”, which means the rally is replayed, and no point is awarded. Examples of lets include:
The shuttle gets caught on the net during service and lands in the correct service box.
The receiver is not ready when the shuttle is served.
Both players fault at the same time.
Common faults that lead to a point for the opposing player include:
Serving above the waist
Shuttle not passing over the net
Hitting the shuttle twice consecutively
Touching the net with racket or body
Stepping outside the court lines while playing
Training at a professional indoor badminton court in Sharjah helps players recognize and avoid these faults through repeated drills and guidance from expert coaches.
A game is won when a player or pair scores 21 points with a minimum lead of 2 points.
A match is won by winning 2 out of 3 games.
In case of a rubber game (third game), players switch sides after 11 points to ensure fair conditions for both players.
These rules ensure fairness and balance during competitive play.
If you are practicing regularly at an indoor badminton court in Sharjah, it’s a great idea to get used to keeping score during your training sessions. Here’s how:
Designate one player to act as a scorekeeper during friendly matches.
Use a scoreboard or mobile app to track scores.
Announce scores clearly before every serve.
Learn to identify errors in service and scoring early on to avoid confusion.
Many academies encourage players to manage their own scoring so they become self-reliant and tournament-ready.
Understanding the scoring system isn’t just about knowing who’s winning—it’s also about building strategic awareness. Here’s how scoring impacts gameplay:
When you're close to winning a game (e.g., 19–20), you may choose to play conservatively to avoid giving away free points.
In tight situations like 20–20, players tend to focus more on rallies and reduce risks.
Coaches often teach players how to handle pressure moments in these high-score situations, helping them stay calm and focused.
The right guidance on scoring strategy can make all the difference, especially during crucial match points.
If you're looking to sharpen your skills and fully understand the rules, playing at a professional indoor badminton court in Sharjah can significantly elevate your game. That’s where Stars Badminton Playgrounds makes a remarkable difference.
Stars Badminton Playgrounds not only offers world-class indoor courts but also provides detailed coaching that covers every aspect of the game—including scoring systems, footwork, stroke techniques, and match strategies. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced player preparing for competitions, Stars Badminton Playgrounds ensures that every session is focused, structured, and tailored to help you grow.
So, if you're serious about mastering badminton from the ground up, Stars Badminton Playgrounds is where your journey begins—with the right court, the right coach, and the right guidance.
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