Badminton is a fast-paced, exciting sport that requires precision, agility, and strategic thinking. While mastering strokes, footwork, and court tactics are essential, understanding what not to do in badminton is equally critical. Whether you’re a beginner, a club player, or a seasoned competitor, knowing the boundaries of the game helps you avoid penalties, ensures fair play, and gives you a strategic edge.
In this article, we’ll cover 5 key things you absolutely cannot do in badminton. Each rule is backed by official guidelines and in-game relevance, making this a comprehensive guide for every enthusiast.
1. You Cannot Hit the Shuttlecock Twice in a Row
One of the cardinal rules of badminton is that a player (or team) is not allowed to hit the shuttlecock twice consecutively. This might sound simple, but during fast-paced rallies, it’s an easy mistake to make especially in doubles.
Why This Rule Exists
Badminton is designed to be a back-and-forth game. Allowing consecutive hits would disrupt the flow of play and offer unfair advantages. Imagine a player tapping the shuttle up multiple times to gain better control or recover from a bad shot—that would change the game completely. Check sure six straight win for today
What the Official Rule Says
According to the Badminton World Federation (BWF) rules:
“A player shall not hit the shuttle twice in succession. However, if the shuttle touches the racket of a player and then the racket of the partner, it is not a fault, provided the shuttle was hit once.”
So in doubles, two different players on the same team can hit the shuttle but not twice by the same person.
Common Scenarios Where This Happens
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A player attempts a smash, and the shuttle brushes the racket, then accidentally gets hit again.
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In doubles, confusion leads to both players trying to hit the shuttle at once.
Tip to Avoid This Fault
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Stay calm during intense rallies.
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Practice coordination with your partner.
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Use clear communication, especially in doubles.
Understanding this rule not only helps you avoid easy point losses but also polishes your overall gameplay awareness.
2. You Cannot Touch the Net With Your Body, Clothes, or Racket
This is a rule that’s often misunderstood or accidentally violated, particularly by new players. Touching the net in any way intentionally or accidentally is considered a fault.
Why It’s Prohibited
The net is the dividing line between two opposing sides. Interfering with it, even slightly, can hinder your opponent’s ability to play the shuttle. It also maintains the professionalism and integrity of the sport. See everyday winning tips
What Counts as Touching the Net?
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Your racket brushes against the net during a follow-through.
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Your shirt, hair, or hand comes into contact with the net during a dive or reach.
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You lean over and disturb the net—even without physical contact—can sometimes be considered interference.
What the Rules Say
Per BWF regulations:
“It shall be a fault if, in play, a player touches the net or its supports with the racket, person, or dress.”
The rule extends even after hitting the shuttle. If your momentum causes you to touch the net—even after a legal shot—it’s still a fault.
Examples in Real Play
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You jump for a net kill and accidentally follow through into the net.
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You dive for a drop shot and your body slides under the net.
How to Avoid This Mistake
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Maintain balance during net shots.
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Practice body control and racket discipline.
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Avoid overreaching know your limits and let tough shots go when needed.
Not touching the net seems simple, but in the heat of a match, this is one of the most commonly committed faults. It’s a rule that separates the disciplined player from the reckless one.
3. You Cannot Serve Above the Waist or with an Overarm Stroke
Serving is the starting point of every rally and one of the most heavily regulated parts of badminton. Many beginners, and even some experienced players, get penalized for illegal serves.
Serving Rule Breakdown
You cannot serve above your waist or use an overhand motion when delivering the shuttle. The BWF has clearly outlined that the serve must be underhand, and the racket must be pointing downward.
Key Requirements for a Legal Serve:
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Waist Level: The shuttle must be below the server’s waist at the moment of contact.
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Racket Position: The racket must be pointing downward—not in a slicing or overhead position.
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Continuous Motion: The serve must be a smooth, continuous motion without hesitation or fakes.
Why It Matters
The purpose of these restrictions is to ensure fairness. An overhand serve would give an unrealistic advantage to the server, especially in singles games. The underhand serve keeps the playing field level, literally.
Common Serving Faults
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Serving with a side-arm flick, especially in doubles.
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Holding the shuttle too high before striking.
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Using deceptive pauses that make the receiver guess the serve.
Pro Tip
Want to serve legally and effectively? Practice the short serve for doubles and high deep serve for singles. Both can be powerful if executed with precision while following the rules.
Understanding the serve rule ensures that you’re not giving away free points and keeps you in control from the first shot.
4. You Cannot Obstruct or Distract Your Opponent
Badminton, like any competitive sport, can get intense. But unlike more aggressive sports, badminton is governed by strict rules about sportsmanship and player behavior.
One such rule: you cannot obstruct or distract your opponent during play.
What Counts as Obstruction or Distraction?
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Verbal Shouts: Yelling during your opponent’s shot or making loud noises.
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Unnecessary Gestures: Waving arms, faking movements, or intentionally flinching.
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Body Interference: Stepping into your opponent’s side or swinging your racket across the net plane.
Why It’s Considered a Fault
This rule ensures that both players have an equal opportunity to make a play without interference. Distraction tactics are seen as unsportsmanlike and can ruin the flow of the game.
The BWF Take
According to the official guidelines:
“It shall be a fault if, in play, a player deliberately distracts an opponent by any action such as shouting or making gestures.”
In high-level matches, players can even be penalized or warned for repeatedly engaging in such behavior.
Examples to Watch Out For
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Celebrating before the shuttle hits the ground, possibly throwing off your opponent.
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Making abrupt movements near the net during your opponent’s shot.
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Playing with aggressive body language that crosses into intimidation.
Stay Within the Spirit of the Game
Competitive? Sure. Distracting? No.
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Keep celebrations modest until the point ends.
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Avoid aggressive taunts or body language.
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Maintain a focused but respectful court presence.
This rule isn’t just about what you can’t do it’s a reminder of the kind of player you should strive to be.
5. You Cannot Step Outside the Boundaries During a Shot
In badminton, footwork is crucial. But sometimes, players forget that where you step matters just as much as how you move. Stepping outside the court during a shot—or even touching the line incorrectly can lead to faults or point losses.
Foot Placement Rules
Here’s what you cannot do:
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In singles or doubles, you cannot step on or over the service lines when serving.
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During rallies, if you step outside the boundary lines while hitting, it could result in a fault or missed return.
While you’re allowed to move freely after hitting the shuttle, your feet must be in the correct position when making the shot especially during serve. Check football draw betting tips
Serving Footwork Matters
For a serve to be legal:
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Both feet must be in contact with the ground.
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Feet must not touch the lines of the service court.
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Movement during the serve is not allowed feet must remain stationary until the shuttle is struck.
During Regular Play
While not always an automatic fault, stepping outside can cause:
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Loss of balance leading to poor shot execution.
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Misjudging the shuttle and missing returns.
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Colliding with walls or nets in indoor courts.
How to Stay Inside Boundaries
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Practice sideline drills to improve your court awareness.
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Focus on positioning and balance.
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Learn the exact service box rules especially the difference between singles and doubles zones.
Being mindful of boundaries ensures not just legal play, but smarter, more controlled movement on the court.
Conclusion.
In badminton, it’s not just about powerful smashes or delicate drop shots. It’s about understanding the rules, restrictions, and nuances that shape the game. By internalizing these 5 things you cannot do in badminton, you ensure cleaner, smarter, and more strategic gameplay.
Let’s recap the top 5 things you must avoid:
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Hitting the shuttlecock twice in a row.
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Touching the net with your body, racket, or clothing.
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Serving above the waist or with an overarm stroke.
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Obstructing or distracting your opponent.
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Stepping outside court boundaries during a shot.
Mastering these limitations turns you into a more disciplined and formidable opponent one who not only plays to win but plays with respect for the game.
So the next time you step on the court, don’t just think about your next winning shot remember what not to do and let that guide your journey to badminton excellence.