Badminton Rules for the Backyard: Serving, Scoring & Faults
Badminton is the fastest racket sport on the planet, and it is shockingly easy to set up in the backyard. You knock a feathered shuttlecock (the 'birdie') back and forth over a net, and you score when it lands in bounds on your opponent's side. Backyard sets are casual, but knowing the real rules keeps the rallies honest and the trash talk earned.
- 2 (singles) or 4 (doubles) PLAYERS
- AGES 8+
- 5-10 min SETUP
- About 20 x 44 ft for a full court, less for casual rallies
What you need
- A net set to 5 ft at the center (5 ft 1 in at the posts)
- Two or four rackets
- Shuttlecocks (feather for serious play, nylon for durable backyard use)
- A flat, open patch of lawn or driveway
- Optional: boundary markers or chalk lines for a real court
Need the gear? See our badminton picks before game day.
How to play badminton
- Set up the netStretch the net across the middle of your court so the top sits 5 ft high at the center and 5 ft 1 in at the side posts. The court is 44 ft long; singles is 17 ft wide, doubles is 20 ft wide.
- Decide singles or doublesTwo players square off in singles. Four players (two per side) play doubles, which uses the wider sidelines. Pick before you serve so everyone knows the boundaries.
- Serve diagonally and underhandServe diagonally from inside the service court with a low underhand action into the opposite service court. Keep both feet in contact with the ground until the serve is delivered. Use the formal service rules if playing a regulated match.
- Rally until the shuttle landsPlayers take turns hitting the shuttle over the net. A shuttle that lands inside the boundary lines scores against that side. You may only hit the shuttle once per side.
- Score on every rallyWhoever wins the rally scores a point and serves next. There is no need to be serving to score (rally scoring).
- Switch service courts as you scoreWhen the serving side's score is even, they serve from the right court; when it is odd, they serve from the left. This keeps the diagonal serve alternating correctly.
Scoring
- Traditional 21-point format: every rally scores a point, regardless of who served.
- You must win by 2 points. If the score reaches 20-20, play continues until one side leads by 2.
- There is a hard cap at 30. At 29-29, the first side to reach 30 wins the game.
- A match is best of three games. Players switch ends after each game.
Keeping score on paper? Print the free badminton score sheet. No signup needed.
Badminton court size & dimensions
A doubles badminton court is 20 feet wide by 44 feet long, with the net set 5 feet high at center. Here is the full court to scale, showing both the singles and doubles boundaries.
| Court size | 20 ft wide by 44 ft long for doubles; 17 ft wide for singles (inner sidelines) |
|---|---|
| Net height | 5 ft at the center, 5 ft 1 in at the posts |
| Short service line | 6 ft 6 in from the net on each side |
| Long service line (doubles) | 2 ft 6 in inside the back boundary |
| Players | 2 (singles) or 4 (doubles) |
Backyard badminton rarely uses the full markings, and that is fine. Aim for at least 20 by 44 feet of clear, level grass, and pick a low-wind spot so the shuttle behaves.
Fun variations
- Casual rally: skip strict serving rules and just keep the shuttle alive for fun or a target streak.
- Singles: one player per side, narrower court, more running and longer rallies.
- Doubles: two per side, wider court, faster exchanges at the net.
- Speed badminton / crossminton: played with a heavier shuttle and no net, great for windy days.
Badminton rules FAQ
What is the height of a badminton net?
A badminton net is 5 ft (1.524 m) high at the center and 5 ft 1 in (1.55 m) at the posts. Backyard sets are often adjustable, so set the center to roughly 5 ft for an authentic feel.
How do you score in badminton?
In the traditional 21-point format, each rally winner scores and serves next. Win by two, with a cap at 30; 30-29 wins. A match is best of three games.
What are the serving rules in badminton?
Serve diagonally from your service court into the opposite service court using a low underhand action. Serve from the right when your score is even and the left when it is odd. Formal competition also has specific service-height and foot-position requirements.
Can the shuttle hit the net on a serve?
Yes. As long as the serve clears the net and lands in the correct service court, a serve that clips the top of the net is in play and counts. There is no service let for touching the net in modern rules.
Is it singles or doubles in backyard badminton?
Either works. Singles uses the narrower 17 ft width and is more of a workout, while doubles uses the full 20 ft width and is more social. Most backyard games are casual doubles.
What counts as a fault in badminton?
Common faults include a shuttle landing out, failing to return it across the net, making an illegal double hit, touching the net during play, or making an illegal serve.
Ready to play?
Grab a set and start your league this weekend. See the badminton sets we picked and what comes in each box.