10 Rules of Badminton

 1.)  Before the match begins a cointoss decides who will gain first serve and who will defend on which side of the net.  A badminton match is played as a best-of- three game with the first team to reach 21winning. If the score becomes tied 20-20 the side which gains a two point lead first, will win. If the score becomes tied 29-29, the side scoring the 30th point will win that game.    
 
2.) When a player serves, their racket must be below their waist, and the racket head below their hand.  The server must also have both feet stationary and firmly planted on the ground.  The shuttle must then make its way to the receiver's court in order for the serve to be deemed legal.  A fault will be called if a player misses the shuttle on a serve attempt. A serve may hit the net as long as it continues over and lands in the opponents service area.
 
3.)   While the shuttle is in play the point continues until it lands on either sides court floor, it is hit out of bounds, hits the ceiling, or fails to make its way over the net.  A rally may also be lost if a fault is committed: a player touches the net with his/her racket or any other part of their body, if they are hit by the shuttle, or if they hit the shuttle before it crosses the net. You are also not allowed to shout or make gestures to distract your opponent; this is considered a fault.
 
4.)  If the shuttle gets caught on top of the net or in the net during game play, badminton rules state the point will be replayed.  The person who served will reserve and play will continue.
 
5.) A shuttle is considered in play if it lands on the line, on any side of the court.
 
6.)   A break of 90 seconds is allowed in between each game, to allow players to hydrate etc.
 
7.)  The player/team winning the first game shall serve first in the next game.   
 
8.)  Players should change ends at the end of the first game, at the end of the second game (if there is a third game needed to decide a winner) and in the third game when the first side reaches 11 points.
 
9.) In doubles play after the serve is returned, either player of the serving side and either player of the receiving side may hit the shuttlecock alternatively until the shuttlecock is no longer in play.
 
10.)  A let can be called by the umpire if: the server serves before the receiver is ready,  during a serve the server and receiver are both given a fault at the same time,  or after the serve is returned the shuttlecock is caught on the top and remains suspended, or gets caught in the net after crossing over.  During play if the shuttle completely comes apart from the base,  if a player is distracted by the opposing side coach (up to the umpire's judgement), a line judge didn't see the call and the umpire is undecided, or when any unforeseen event or accident occurs.  When a let occurs the play does not count and the same player will serve againto resume play.
 

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