The Right Way to Serve in Badminton: Key Rules and Techniques

Serving in badminton is both a fundamental skill and a strategic tool to gain an advantage in the game. To serve correctly, you need to follow specific rules and master proper technique.

Essential Badminton Serving Rules

• Underarm Serve: The shuttlecock must be hit using an underarm swinging motion, with the racket head below the server’s wrist or waist level at the point of contact. The shuttle cannot be struck above the waist or with an overarm motion.
• Positioning: Both the server and receiver must stand inside their respective service courts, on diagonally opposite sides, without touching the boundary lines. Both feet must remain in contact with the ground during the serve, and no part of the foot should touch the service line or court boundaries.
• Serve Direction: The shuttlecock must be served diagonally across the net into the opponent’s correct service court, landing beyond the front service line but inside the side boundaries.
• Continuous Motion: The serve should be executed in one smooth, continuous forward motion without hesitation or delay once both players are ready.
• Height Restriction: In official BWF tournaments, the shuttlecock must be struck below 1.15 meters (about 3.77 feet) from the floor, ensuring fairness and limiting power serves. In non-professional play, the shuttle must be hit below the waist.
• Faults to Avoid: Serving faults include hitting the shuttle above the waist, serving overarm, stepping on or outside the service line, shuttle not landing in the correct service court, or causing distractions during the serve

Proper Serving Technique

• Grip and Stance: Hold the racket with a relaxed but firm grip. Stand behind the service line with balanced posture, feet shoulder-width apart.
• Racket and Shuttle Position: Hold the shuttlecock by the feathers with your non-dominant hand, and keep the racket head below your wrist or waist. The shuttle should be released just before the racket swings forward.
• Swing Motion: Use a smooth, underarm swinging motion to strike the shuttlecock. Generate power from your legs and hips by a quick forward step or push, coordinating with your arm swing.
• Target and Placement: Aim to place the shuttlecock strategically-short serves close to the net to force weak returns, or long serves deep to push your opponent to the baseline. Varying serve types (short, flick, high serve) keeps opponents guessing26.
• Follow Through and Balance: After contact, maintain balance with a controlled follow-through and be ready to move quickly for the next shot.

Summary

To serve correctly in badminton, ensure you use an underarm motion with the shuttle struck below waist height, serve diagonally into the opponent’s service court, keep both feet grounded, and perform a smooth, continuous motion. Mastering these rules along with good grip, stance, and placement will make your serve both legal and effective, setting you up for success in every rally.