What are the basic rules of badminton for doubles play?

Badminton doubles play follows the same general rules as singles but includes unique aspects tailored for a two-player team on each side. Here are the basic rules of badminton doubles play:

• Court Dimensions and Boundaries
  • Court Size: The doubles court is wider than the singles court. The boundaries are:
    • Baseline: The back boundary line.
    • Sidelines: The outermost lines on the court.
  • Serve Area: The service area includes the short service line, the doubles sideline, and the back service line (which is shorter than the baseline for serves).
• Scoring System
  • A rally point system is used, meaning a point is scored on every rally, regardless of which team served.
  • Matches are played best of three games, each to 21 points.
  • A team must win by a margin of two points, but if the score reaches 29-29, the first team to score 30 points wins the game.
• Serving Rules
  • Rotation: Only one player from each side serves per turn. Partners rotate roles after winning the serve back.
  • Service Box:
    • The server must stand within the right service box when their team has an even score and the left service box when the score is odd.
    • The shuttle must land diagonally in the opponent’s service box.
  • Height and Position: The shuttle must be struck below the server’s waist (1.15 meters from the floor) and with the racket pointing downward.
  • Receiver’s Position: The receiver must stand within their respective service box until the shuttle is struck.
• Rotation During Play
  • Unlike singles, players can switch positions during rallies as long as they maintain proper service rotation.
  • The server and receiver are fixed during the serve, but partners may move freely afterward.
• Faults: Common faults include:
  • The shuttle landing outside the boundaries.
  • The shuttle failing to cross the net or touching it during service.
  • Striking the shuttle before it crosses the net.
  • Double hits (hitting the shuttle more than once by the same team).
  • The shuttle contacting the player’s body or clothing.
• Service Rotation
  • When a team wins a rally while serving, they score a point and the server switches sides.
  • When the serving team loses a rally, the serve passes to the opposing team.
  • Partners on the same team alternate serving when it’s their turn.
• Winning a Rally: A rally is won if:
  • The shuttle lands in the opponent’s court.
  • The opponent commits a fault.
  • The opponent fails to return the shuttle before it touches the ground.
• Let: A “let” is called if a rally is disrupted (e.g., the shuttle gets caught in the net on service or if there’s an external interference). The point is replayed.
• Strategy and Communication
  • Players must communicate effectively with their partner to decide who will return shots.
  • Popular formations:
    • Side-by-Side: Partners cover the court horizontally.
    • Front-and-Back: One player covers the net while the other handles the backcourt.

By adhering to these rules, doubles play becomes a dynamic and strategic game that tests teamwork, reflexes, and coordination!