Key Elements Of A Legal Badminton Service

what 3 things constitute a legal service in badminton

Badminton is a game that emphasises skill and strategy, and adhering to the rules allows for fair competition. A legal serve in badminton involves three key elements. Firstly, the server must have both feet stationary and positioned within the service court. Secondly, the server must hit the shuttlecock in an upward direction and below the waist. Finally, the shuttlecock must land in the diagonally opposite service court. These rules are set by the Badminton World Federation (BWF), which governs the sport globally.

Characteristics Values
Feet position Both feet stationary and positioned within the service court
Racket angle and height Racket shaft should be pointing downwards and the shuttlecock should be struck below the waist
Target area Shuttlecock must land in the diagonally opposite service court

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Feet position

The player serving the shuttlecock must have both feet stationary and positioned within the service court. This means that neither foot should be touching any boundary lines or be outside the court. In other words, both feet should be within the designated service area, and neither should be raised off the ground until the shuttlecock is struck.

The Badminton World Federation (BWF) Laws of Badminton 9.1.4 state that "some part of both feet of the server and the receiver shall remain in contact with the surface of the court in a stationary position from the start of the service...until the service is delivered". This means that the server cannot move their feet until after the shuttlecock has been hit.

It is important to note that the rules regarding feet position are specific and must be adhered to for a legal serve. Any violation of these rules, such as having a foot touching a line or being outside the court, will result in an illegal serve.

Therefore, players should be mindful of their feet position when serving to ensure they comply with the official regulations and promote fairness in the game.

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Racket angle and height

According to the Badminton World Federation (BWF), the shuttlecock must be struck below the server's waist level. This rule ensures fairness and consistency in the serve, preventing players from gaining an advantage by hitting from a higher position. The waist is considered an imaginary line around the body, level with the lowest part of the server's bottom rib. This rule has been updated by the BWF as of March 2018, specifying that the whole shuttlecock should be below 1.15 meters from the court surface when struck. This new rule is now applied in international tournaments, but the old rule is still used in clubs and domestic tournaments.

The racket angle plays a significant role in determining the legality of a serve. Traditionally, the racket head had to point downward during the serve, but with the introduction of the 1.15-meter rule, the racket can now be at any angle. This change has made drive serves legal, allowing for more variety in serving techniques. However, it is important to note that the rules still prohibit an overhand serve. The serve must be executed with an underhand motion, ensuring that the racket head is below the handle when hitting the shuttlecock.

To achieve an effective serve, players should aim for an upward direction with their racket. This means that the shuttlecock should be struck in a way that launches it upward and diagonally across the net into the opponent's service area. The service court is the 'short and fat' area diagonally opposite the server. This rule encourages players to aim for their opponent's court, adding competitiveness and fairness to the game.

In summary, a legal serve in badminton requires adhering to specific rules regarding racket angle and height. The shuttlecock must be struck below the waist, with an underhand motion, and directed upward and diagonally into the opponent's service court. These rules are essential for maintaining fair play and ensuring a competitive badminton experience.

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Target area

The target area for a badminton serve is a crucial aspect of the game. It is one of the three key elements that constitute a legal serve, along with feet position and racket angle and height.

The target area for a legal serve in badminton is the diagonally opposite service court. This means that the shuttlecock must be hit diagonally across the net and land in the opponent's service area. This rule is designed to encourage servers to aim for their opponent's side of the court, increasing the fairness and competitiveness of the game.

To ensure the shuttlecock lands in the correct target area, players must stand within the boundaries of the service court when serving. This means having both feet stationary and positioned within the service court, with no part of the foot touching the service line or court boundaries. By adhering to these rules, players can ensure fair play and maintain the integrity of the game.

It is important to note that the target area for the serve may vary depending on the format of the game. For example, in doubles, the court boundaries are different from singles, affecting the target area for the serve. Additionally, during service in doubles, the rear tramlines at the back of the court are out of bounds until the serve is returned.

Practising serving to the correct target area is essential for players to improve their accuracy and successfully serve during matches. It is a fundamental skill in badminton, and mastering it can give players a competitive advantage while adhering to the game's regulations.

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Underhand motion

To execute an underhand serve in badminton, the player must follow three key steps. Firstly, the player must stand with both feet stationary and within the service court. This means that neither foot should be touching the boundary lines of the service court. Secondly, the player must strike the shuttlecock with an underhand motion, ensuring that the racket head is below the handle and the shuttlecock is hit below the waist. This results in the shuttlecock being launched upwards in a fair and consistent manner. Finally, the player must aim to hit the shuttlecock diagonally across the net to land in the opponent's service area.

The underhand motion of the racket is an essential aspect of a legal serve in badminton. This motion involves bringing the racket below the waist and making contact with the shuttlecock in an upward direction. The racket head must be below the server's waist, with the shaft of the racket pointing downwards. This ensures that the serve is fair and uniform for all players, as it prevents the server from gaining an advantage by hitting the shuttlecock from a higher position.

The underhand motion also distinguishes badminton from other racquet sports, such as tennis, where both underhand and overhand serves are permitted. In badminton, an overhand serve is not allowed under the rules of the game. The underhand motion is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the game and ensuring that all players have an equal opportunity to return the serve.

To master the underhand serve, players should focus on their technique and accuracy. The server's arm should be relaxed and the wrist should be supple to generate a smooth and controlled motion. Practicing different types of underhand serves, such as high serves and low serves, can also improve a player's skill and strategy during a match. Additionally, players should pay attention to their footwork, ensuring that both feet remain stationary and within the service court until the shuttlecock is struck.

While the underhand motion is a fundamental aspect of a legal serve in badminton, it is important to remember that it is just one component of the serve. The server must also ensure that the shuttlecock is hit in an upward direction and that it lands in the diagonally opposite service court. By adhering to all three requirements of a legal serve, players can ensure fair play and maintain the structured nature of the game.

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Shuttlecock height

The height of the shuttlecock is a key factor in determining a legal service in badminton. Here are some detailed paragraphs explaining its significance and the rules surrounding it:

The shuttlecock must be struck below the server's waist level. This rule ensures fairness and consistency in the serve. By restricting the height to below the waist, the server is prevented from gaining an unfair advantage through a powerful overhead smash. This rule also promotes skill and strategy in the game, as players must focus on precision and placement rather than pure power.

Racket Angle and Direction

When striking the shuttlecock, the server's racket should be held below the waist, with the racket shaft pointing downwards. This ensures that the shuttlecock is hit in an upward direction. The upward angle of the racket is crucial to launching the shuttlecock correctly and achieving an effective serve. An underhand stroke, where the racket head is below the handle, is also required for a legal serve.

Target Area

The shuttlecock must land in the diagonally opposite service court. This rule is essential for maintaining fair play and adhering to the game's regulations. By aiming diagonally across the net, the server is encouraged to direct the shuttlecock towards their opponent's court. This adds a layer of competitiveness to the game, as players must strategize to place the shuttlecock accurately within the target area.

Service Court Positioning

The server must also pay attention to their foot positioning during the serve. Both feet should be stationary and within the service court. Neither foot should cross the boundary lines until the serve is complete. This ensures that the server is in the correct position to execute a legal serve and prevents any potential advantages that could arise from stepping into the court prematurely.

Ceiling Height

While there is no minimum ceiling height specified in the laws of badminton, it is ideal for the ceiling to be high enough to accommodate clears and high serves without restriction. This ensures that players can execute their shots without any obstruction from the ceiling, promoting a dynamic and uninterrupted gameplay experience. Fixed-height service rules have been implemented in high-level tournaments, emphasizing the importance of consistent shuttlecock height in competitive badminton.

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