Badminton Court Size Lines & Layout: A Comprehensive Guide

Badminton Court Size Lines & Layout: A Comprehensive Guide

Have you ever wondered what is the size of a badminton court? If you are unaware of the layout of the court then you came to the right place. This guide will outline the dimensions of singles and doubles courts and provide essential information. Let’s dive deep into the topic. 

A comprehensive guide on the court size and layout of the badminton court

What is the size of a badminton court? 

The standard size of a badminton court which is suitable for both singles and doubles play, measures 13.41 meters(44.00 feet) in length and 6.10 meters (20.00 feet) in width. This size is constant across all the levels of play from junior competitions to senior Olympic events, as specified by Badminton World Federation (BWF), which is the badminton’s governing body. 

The court is in a rectangular shape which is divided into two halves by a net which is positioned in the center. Most courts feature lines marked for both singles and doubles games. 

These lines are drawn typically in white colour or any other that contrasts with the court surface. The lines are 4 centimetres (1.57 inches) wide. 

The nets used in the badminton courts are 1.55m (5.09ft) high at the ends and 1.524m (5.00ft) high at the centre. The standard width of the net is always 6.10m. 

What size is the badminton singles court? 

A badminton singles court has a measurement of 13.41m in length and 5.18m in width. The diagonal distance from one corner to the opposite corner is 14.37m, and the total surface area of the court is 69.46 square metres. 

The dimensions of the single badminton court are 44.00ft long and 17.00ft wide in feet. The diagonal length of the court is 47.15ft with a total surface area of 748.00 square feet. 

The courts are often designed to play both singles and doubles games. 

What size is the badminton doubles court? 

A doubles badminton court has a length of 13.41m and a width of 6.10m. 

The dimensions of the court are 44.00ft long and 20.00ft wide in feet. 

The total surface area of the doubles badminton court is 81.80 square meters, which is equivalent to 880.00 square feet. 

How much space do you need for a badminton court? 

A standard badminton court has a measurement of 13.4m long and 6.1m wide for doubles play. For singles play, the width is reduced to 5.18m. While considering the space required for a badminton court, you have to get additional clearance around the court for the player’s movement and safety. 

Typically it is necessary to leave a surrounding space of 2 feet around the perimeter and at least 3 metres at the ends. Since badminton courts are indoors, it is recommended to have a vertical clearance of 30ft from the ground to avoid any shots hitting the ceiling. For major tournaments, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) specifies a minimum vertical clearance of 39ft (11.88m). 

Badminton Court Lines 

For grasping the rules of the game understanding the lines on a badminton court is essential. In this, we will outline the dimensions of each line, their placement on the standard doubles badminton court, and their relevance to the sports regulations. 

Outer sidelines 

The outer sidelines are often called “outer tramlines” or “doubles sidelines”, extending the full length of the court at 13.41m (44.00ft). These sidelines are spaced 5.18m (17.00ft) apart and run parallel to each other. Any shot which lands within the doubles sidelines is deemed “in” or valid for doubles play. Similarly, if the shuttlecock lands outside the sidelines during the doubles match, then it is out of play. 

Inner sidelines  

The inner sidelines define the width of the court for singles matches, measuring 5.18m (17.00ft)  and are positioned 0.46m (1.50ft) inside the outer sidelines. These lines run parallel to the doubles sidelines. Shuttlecock landing outside the inner sidelines is ruled out of the play in singles matches. 

Baselines 

The baselines are located on the left and right ends of the court. Baselines mark the length of the court and span its full width of 20.00ft (13.41m). If the shuttlecock lands beyond the baseline, then it is considered out of play for both the singles and doubles. 

The shuttlecock must land within the single sideline and the baseline on the opponent’s side of the court. 

Badminton Service Areas 

Doubles back service line

In doubles, the backline of the service area is shorter than the singles. The doubles back service line is 76m from the baseline and runs parallel to it, spanning the full width of the court. 

Short service line 

The short service line is parallel to the net, which extends from one outer sideline to the other. It is typically marked at a distance of 1.98m (6.50ft) from the net on both sides. It is also located 3.96m from the double back service line and 4.72m from the baseline on each side of the court. In both singles and doubles, a serve must land beyond the short service line to be considered in play. 

Centre line 

The centre line is a vertical line down the middle of the court, extending from the short service line to the baseline on both sides. It serves as a divider between the left and the right service area. 

Single service area

The single service area is long and thin as often described. It extends from the centre line to the inner sideline. 

The right service court is the area between the centre line and the right inner sideline, which extends from the short service line to the baseline. The left service court is the space between the centre line and the inner sideline on the left, which also runs from the short service line to the baseline. 

Both the left and the right single-serve areas measure 2.59m (8.5ft) in width and 4.72m (15.5ft) in length, resulting in a total surface area of 12.2 square metres. 

Double service area 

The double-serve area is considered short and wide much opposite to the single-service area. The right service court is defined by the width from the centre line to the outer sideline from the right side of the opponent’s court. The left service court is marked from the centre line to the sideline from the left side of the opponent’s court. 

Both the left and the right service areas have a measurement of 3.05m (10ft) wide and 3.96m (13ft) long, and each area has a surface area of 12.08 square metres. 

Badminton playing surfaces 

What materials are used for badminton courts?

Badminton courts are made from various materials, with major tournaments typically using synthetic surfaces, PVC and PU are majorly used. 

Synthetic Badminton courts  

Synthetic courts are often recognized as one of the best options to play badminton for several reasons. These surfaces are often installed over wooden floors in indoor sports halls, which provides the utmost safety. They are anti-slip and are softer than wood, which protects your knees from the impact of the jump or diving fall and diving shot. 

Wooden Badminton courts 

Wooden courts have one drawback they can be slippery during intense matches, while custom-made wooden floors offer some shock absorption, but they require regular polishing and do not provide the same grip as synthetic courts. 

Saina Nehwal's serve

Badminton Service Rules – All You Need to Know

As you all know all racquet sports including badminton, tennis, and squash have service or serve rules as it form a crucial part of the player’s drill. Here’s how it works in badminton. 

The starting point of any badminton match, the service or the serve of the shuttlecock is an art itself. In the intricate game of badminton, the serve is a crucial strategic element that sets the tone of the entire rally. 

Top players often opt for a short backhand serve to get things going, while there are some players to name a few, PV Sindhu prefers a powerful forehand serve that forces her opponents to scramble to the baseline. Left-handed players like Carolina Marin and World Champion Kento Momota bring an added layer of complexity to their serves making it tough for the opponents to anticipate the trajectory of Shuttlecock. 

While the serve may not be as game-changing as it is in tennis but it remains a vital component of a Badminton player’s overall strategy.  

To maintain the spirit of the game and upholding its integrity, Badminton World Federation (BWF) has established a set of service rules for both singles and doubles in Men’s and Women’s categories. 

Let’s dive into the service rules of badminton every player must know of.

  • A correct service is when a player hits a shuttlecock with their racket properly over the net to the opponent’s side without the shuttle getting stuck in the net or exceeding the boundaries of the court with some part of the server’s and the receiver’s feet connected with the court surface. 
  • In a correct service, when both the players are ready, the server should initiate the serve by moving the head of the racket forward, marking the start of the service. It’s essential for the server to avoid any unnecessary delays once both players are prepared, ensuring a smooth and timely start to the rally. 
  • The server shall not serve before the receiver is ready. However, the receiver shall be considered to have been ready if a return of the service is attempted. 
  • If the server’s shuttle goes out of bounds of the court the receiving player or side wins the point. 
  • During the serve when the server hits the shuttlecock, the whole shuttle shall be below the server’s waist at the instant of being hit by the server’s racket. The waist shall be considered to be an imaginary line round the body, level with the lowest part of the server’s bottom rib. 
  • When both the players are ready, the server should initiate the serve by moving the head of the racket forward, marking the start of the service. It’s essential for the server to avoid any unnecessary delays once both players are prepared, ensuring a smooth and timely start to the rally. 
  • Both the server and the receiver should stand diagonally on opposite sides of the court without touching the boundary lines. 
  • A coin toss is done in a badminton match before the play to determine the server, and whichever player or the side scores a point shall become the server for the subsequent point. 

Let’s have a look at the singles and the doubles serving rules in badminton – 

Young woman playing badminton at gym

Singles service Rules in Badminton

  1. The player who serves first in any game will serve from the right side of the service court on which they will play the match. 
  2. The players shall serve from and receive in, their respective right service courts when the server has not scored or has scored an even number of points in that game. 
  3. Vice versa, the players shall serve from and receive in, their respective left service courts when the server has not scored or has scored an odd number of points in that game. 
  4. If the server wins a rally the server shall score a point. The server shall then serve again from the alternative service court.
  5. If the receiver wins the rally, the receiver shall score a point. The receiver then shall become the new server.

Doubles Service Rules in Badminton 

The doubles service rules in badminton are slightly more complicated in the BWF’s laws. 

  1. A player of the serving side shall serve from the right service court when the serving side has not scored or has scored an even number of points in that game. 
  2. A player of the serving side shall serve from the left service court when the serving side has scored an odd number of points in that game. 
  3. The player of the receiving side who served last shall stay in the same service court from where he served last. The reverse pattern shall apply to the receiver’s partner
  4. The receiver must stand on the alternate service court and the pair who wins the point shall become the server for the subsequent point.

The right to serve in badminton doubles are as follows: 

  • From the initial server who started the game from the right service court. 
  • To the partner of the initial receiver. 
  • To the partner of the initial server. 
  • To the initial receiver. 
  • To the initial server and so on.

No player shall serve or receive out of turn, or receive two consecutive services in the same game. 

Either player of the winning side may serve first in the next game, and either player of the losing side may receive first in the next game.

The service court error occurs when a player serves or receives out of turn or from the incorrect service court. If a service court error is detected, the mistake will be corrected and the current score will remain unchanged. 

A point is scored when the teams win the rally regardless of whether they are the serving or receiving side. A rally ends when the shuttlecock touches the ground, hits the net or goes out of bounds of the court then the shuttlecock is no longer in play and the team that wins the rally earns the point. 

The first side to reach 21 points, with a two-point difference, wins the game and a match consists of three games.

The sides are required to change sides after each game, and any player from the winning side can serve in the next game, and similarly, any player from the losing side can receive in the next game.

Birdies and Basics: Your Ultimate Beginners Guide to Badminton

Before going deep into the guide of badminton, let’s take some time out to understand badminton as a sport and its origin.

To give a gist, badminton is a racquet sport which is usually played in singles or doubles versions between two or four players. Hitting a shuttlecock over a net and into the court of the opposition is the goal and points are awarded when the other team fails to return the shuttlecock correctly.

A comprehensive and ultimate guide to Badminton

1. Origin

The game known today as badminton originated from battledore and shuttlecock played in ancient Greece, which was later played in India by British colonialists in the mid-19th century as the name ‘Poona’ with a bit of their own modifications. 

Origin of Badminton

It soon became popular with the elite, and its immense popularity led to the formation of the Badminton Association of England in 1893. The rules of the game were formalized. BAE organized the first All England Open Badminton Championship in 1899, and it remains one of the most prestigious tournaments in the sport till date.

The International Badminton Federation (now the Badminton World Federation) was founded in 1934 by nine founding members: Canada, Denmark, England, France, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Scotland and Wales For the development of the sport internationally.

At the 1972 Munich Olympics, badminton made its debut as a demonstration sport. It wasn’t until 1992, at the Barcelona Games, that badminton was recognized as an official Olympic sport. Since then, singles, doubles, and mixed doubles competitions have been included in every Summer Olympics.

2. Basic rules and gameplay

Toss: A coin toss determines who or which team will serve first and from which side they will start.

Serve: The server must hit the shuttlecock (usually known as a birdie) from below the waist height, sending it diagonally into the opponent’s service box. The players must remain stationary until the serve is made. As long as the player keeps winning points consecutively they retain their serve. 

Scoring: All the matches be it singles or doubles are in the format of best-of-three games. The first side to 21 points wins the game. A point is scored on every serve and rewarded to whichever team wins the rally. Next serve goes to the winning side.

If the score is 20-20, a side must win by two clear points to win the game. If it reaches 29-29, the first to get their 30th point wins.

Change of end: In badminton, players are required to change ends under specific conditions. They should change ends at the conclusion of the first game. If a third game is required, they should also change ends at the end of the second game. In the third game, the change of ends occurs when one side reaches a score of 11 points.

3. Court dimensions

Badminton court dimension for singles is 13.41m (44ft) long and 5.18m (17ft) wide. During doubles, the width extends to 6.1m (20ft). The net is 1.55m (5ft 1in) high at the ends and 1.52m high (5ft) where it dips in the middle. Each service court (four in total) is 3.96m (13ft) long and 2.59m (8.5ft) wide.

          

 

4. Playing strategies

Singles: Requires strategic shot placement, particularly aiming to displace the opponent and create openings on the court. The player must try to exploit any perceived weakness in their opponents’ games.

Doubles: Emphasizes more on teamwork and communication, with players needing to coordinate their efforts and strategies closely. Requires targeting specific opponents or exploiting court position to keep the pressure on while ensuring both players cover their respective areas effectively.

5. Equipments

The two main instruments used in badminton are the shuttlecock and the racket. Shuttlecocks are made of two materials: synthetic and feathered. With their great drag, feathered shuttlecocks offer a unique flying experience. Rackets for badminton are lightweight and can be made of aluminium or carbon fiber alloys.

Badminton is known for being a fast-paced game, requiring players to have good fitness, agility and physical fitness. Now that you’re here, if you have this skill, just pick up your racquet and smash the nearest court.

TOP 7 BADMINTON PLAYERS OF ALL TIME

Whether you are a professional or just a fan, the history of badminton is full of incredible players who left an indelible mark on the game. From an incredible display of agility to the way that taking control of play on the court, these top 7 badminton players set standards that inspire awe and excitement. 

1. Lin Dan

  • Lin Dan is considered the greatest badminton player of all time, the only “Super Grand Slam” winner, winning all nine major titles at the age of 28. He won two Olympic gold medals in 2008 and 2012. He is known for winning five world championships, and an explosive and unpredictable style of play, which earned him the nickname “Super Dan”.

2. Lee Chong Wei

  • Lee Chong Wei is one of the most consistent players in badminton history, holding the World Number One ranking for an impressive total of 349 weeks. Despite winning three Olympic silver medals, he has a wealth of accomplishments, including 46 Super Series titles, that reflect his longevity and expertise in the game.

3. Taufik Hidayat

  • Taufiq Hidayat is known for his incredible talent, he won the Olympic gold medal in 2004, World Championship in 2005, and became the first person to do both. He is known for his exceptional backhand smashes and kept holding in fierce competition with Lin Dan, contributing to memorable matches in badminton history.

4. Gao Ling

  • Gao Ling is recognized as one of the most successful doubles players in badminton history, winning four Olympic medals (two gold, one silver, and one bronze). Her consistency and versatility, alongside five World Championship titles, make her a prominent figure in both women’s doubles and mixed doubles.

5. Rudy Hartono

  • Rudy Hartono is considered a badminton legend, having won the prestigious All England Open title eight times, a record that still stands today. He has significantly impacted the badminton rankings and is known for his powerful net play and charisma on the court.

6. Peter Hoeg Gade

  • Peter Hoeg Gade is one of Europe’s most successful players, holding the World Number One ranking for 64 weeks. Known for his inventive play and trademark shots, he has won five European Championships and remains an influential figure in the sport.

7. Tony Gunawan

  • Tony Gunawan is unique for winning major titles with two different countries: Indonesia and the United States. His Olympic Gold in 2000 and two World Championships demonstrate his remarkable ability as a doubles player, securing his place among badminton’s all-time greats.

Top 11 badminton courts in Mumbai

Mumbai, the bustling metropolis, is not just known for its vibrant culture and dynamic lifestyle but also for its diverse sporting scene. The city, famous for its cricketing brilliance, is also witnessing an upward trend in terms of badminton.

Among the various sports that captivate Mumbaikars, badminton stands out as a popular choice for both casual players and serious enthusiasts. With its fast-paced action and minimal equipment requirements, badminton is accessible to everyone, and finding the perfect court to play can make all the difference.

If you’re looking for top-notch badminton courts in Mumbai, you’re in luck! We’ve rounded up the top 11 badminton courts that offer excellent facilities, professional coaching, and a great environment to improve your game. 

Top 11 badminton courts in Mumbai you should try out

The Sports Foundry @ Bhandup

The Sports Foundry is a unique multi-sports facility in Bhandup, featuring five top-quality wooden badminton courts for enthusiasts to enjoy thrilling matches. The facility has a washroom, flood lights, parking and clean drinking water.

Additionally, they boast two 6-a-side football/ box cricket turf and one cricket net facility which can be converted to a box cricket turf. Their facility is designed to cater to the diverse interests of sports enthusiasts, offering a welcoming environment for players of all levels.

Charges: ₹200 for 30 minutes

 

Universal High School @ Chembur

The Universal High School is a premium facility in Chembur that has 2 synthetic Badminton Courts, 2 5-a 5-a-side Box Cricket/ Football Turfs and a Cricket net for a wholesome experience.

The facility offers membership plans for badminton lovers starting from ₹ 2099 for 7 days. Additionally, the facility provides drinking water, parking, flood lights and a seating area.

Charges: ₹600 for 60 minutes

 

MRBA 1 @ Kandivali (W)

Located in Thakur International School, Kandivali West, the MRBA 1 facility has a single wooden badminton court 

The facility offers membership plans for badminton lovers starting from ₹ 2099 for 7 days. Additionally, the facility provides drinking water, parking, flood lights, a washroom and an expert coach.

Charges: ₹650 for 60 minutes

 

MRBA 2 @ Kandivali (W)

MRBA 2, another facility by the brand has a single wooden badminton court at Thakur International School that features high-quality flooring, clear white lines, and professional-grade nets, providing an excellent environment for training and playing badminton.

The facility offers membership plans for badminton lovers starting from ₹ 2099 for 7 days. Additionally, the facility provides drinking water, parking, flood lights, a washroom and an expert coach.

Charges: ₹600 for 60 minutes

 

Mandar Ranade Badminton Academy @ Kandivali (E)

This is a one-of-a-kind facility that offers 6 wooden court badminton facilities located in Thakur Public School, Kandivali. 

The facility offers membership plans for badminton lovers starting from ₹ 2099 for 7 days. Additionally, the facility provides drinking water, parking, flood lights, a washroom and an expert coach.

Charges: ₹500 for 60 minutes

 

Shuttle Whizz Badminton Academy @ Bandra (W)

The Shuttle Whizz Badminton Academy located in Bandra (W) boasts a state-of-the-art wooden badminton court facility.

The facility provides drinking water, parking, flood lights and a warm-up area.

Charges: ₹350 for 30 minutes

 

Hurdles Badminton Academy @ Ghatkopar

The Hurdles Badminton Academy located in Ghatkopar offers a smooth badminton experience with a single court facility with an artificial turf surface.

The facility provides an artificial turf, flood lights and a warm-up area. Additionally, they offer badminton coaching (2 sessions/week). The sessions cost ₹3000 for 30 days.

Charges: ₹500 for 60 minutes

 

Global Badminton Academy @ Virar (W)

The Global Badminton Academy in Virar West has three top-quality wooden badminton courts. The facility offers a fantastic shuttling experience for all the badminton enthusiasts out there! 

The facility provides drinking water, parking, flood lights, a warm-up area and an expert coach.

Charges: ₹500 for 60 minutes

 

Shuttle Passion Badminton Academy @ Borivali (W)

Located in the heart of Borivali, this facility boasts six high-quality wooden badminton courts, providing a perfect surface for players to showcase their skills. 

The facility offers drinking water, parking, flood lights, a seating area, a washroom, a sports shop and an expert coach available.

Charges: ₹600 for 60 minutes

 

Monte South Badminton Court @ Byculla 

The Monte South Badminton Court located in Byculla is one of the best badminton facilities in the city. The facility has two synthetic badminton courts wherein you can easily conduct a game of badminton.

Additionally, the court offers a washroom and parking space for the visitors.

Charges: ₹1500 for 60 minutes

 

Padukone Shuttlers Academy @ Sion

The Padukone Shuttlers Academy, located in Sion, offers two wooden badminton courts. Looking to improve your game or conduct a badminton tournament? Then the Padukone Shuttlers Academy is the best fit for you. The facility takes only bulk/corporate bookings. So, interested ones, please click here.

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