Badminton Terminology
Knowing badminton terms and definitions is useful for players and those who love the game to become more familiar. Learning the titles and terminologies used in badminton will help sports fans and spectators enjoy the game even more to understand what the commentator is talking about. This article covers most sports terms and advanced jargon related to the game. Before the end of this article, you’ll be familiar with most of the badminton terminologies your need to know.
A-Z of Badminton Terms and Definitions
Below are the badminton terms and definitions you need to know as a player or fan of the sport; let’s take a look.
Alley
An alley is a side extension of the badminton court by 1.5 feet on either side. An alley is used in doubles play, but it marks the area between doubles and singles sideline. Therefore, aside alley is usually the section between the boundary tramlines mainly used in the doubles game.
Back Alley
A back alley is usually between the long service line and the back boundary line. Badminton terminology is used for the area found on both ends of the court and is used in doubles games.
Back Court
This badminton term refers to the back third of the court found at the rear boundary lines. If you’re active in this area, you’re playing close to the back boundary lines.
Backhand Stroke
Backhand badminton strokes are usually fragile shots that you play in front of your body and close to the net. If you’re a right-handed badminton player, the stroke used in returning the shuttlecock from the left side of your body is what is known as a backhand badminton stroke.
Baseline
A baseline is the back boundary line found at either end of the court. Baselines usually run parallel to the net.
Balance Point
For a balance point, you would have to utilize the bottom of the grip to determine the mass center of the racket. Therefore, your badminton racket is head-heavy when this number is higher than normal. The regular balance point is 300mm for particular grip sizes and an unstrung racket. When you add strings to your racket or change the grip size, the balance point will change.
Base Position
This badminton term is also popularly called the center position. It is famous in a singles game when your objective is to return every short to a safe position in the court center. This location is what people call the base position.
Badminton Bird or Badminton Birdie
Badminton bird or birdie is another name for shuttlecock. Most players and officials of the game prefer to use badminton birdie alternatively with the shuttlecock.
Badminton Court
The badminton court is the area where players play the game. It is defined by outer boundary lines and features either a synthetic or hardwood surface that provides players with excellent traction. For a doubles game, the badminton court size is usually 20×44 feet. On the other handle, a single badminton court size is 17×44 feet.
Badminton Serve
Players usually put the birdie into play for point by serving the opponents. They serve by hitting the shuttle over the net into a specific part of the court close to the opponent.
Badminton Smash Shot
A badminton smash shot is when the shuttle floats high into the air. The player usually has time to hit a powerful shot right to the floor of the opposing court.
Carry
This is an illegal stroke that people also refer to as a sling or a throw. When you carry the badminton birdie, you do not hit it correctly. Instead, you show that you’ve it and held it before executing a shot.
Center Line
This line separates the service boxes on the left and right sides of the court. It usually marks a line that’s perpendicular to the net. Therefore, the line divides the court into two equal sections.
Clear Shot
What is a clear shot in badminton? A clear shot in badminton terminology refers to a deep shot that hits the backcourt of your opponent. Players also hit this shot from the back of the badminton court.
Danish Wipe
This shot is usually a combination of a drive and a lob. It is a hybrid backhand badminton stroke used to play a high shuttlecock from the far ends of the court.
Double Hit
The badminton terminology refers to a shot that twice contacts the receiver’s racket. The rules that define a double hit are unclear. It could be by one player or both. A double hit by two players is known as a fault.
Drive Shot
A drive shot is a low and speedy shot that results in a horizontal flight over the net. It is usually as flat as possible, and players hit it hard so it will fall at the back of the service court.
Drop Shot
A drop shot is a shot player hits softly and with finesse. The idea is to make the shuttle gall close to the net and inside the opponent’s court.
Fast Drop Shot
This is an uncommon badminton terminology that refers to a variation of the standard drop shot. When the player hits the badminton birdie harder, the opponent has no time to react.
Faults in Badminton
A fault refers to a violation of the playing rules. It could be while receiving, serving, or simply during a normal play. As a player, you commit a fault when:
- The shuttle lands out of bounds or entirely outside the court
- The shuttle touches a player’s body or outfit
- The same player or both partners hit the shuttle twice before returning it over the net.
- The shuttlecock touches the ceiling or any sidewall
- It doesn’t pass over the net or passes underneath it
Flick
This is a speedy forearm and wrist rotation aimed at surprising the opponent. The flick usually changes a clear soft shot into a faster winning shot.
Flick Serve
This is an advanced service shot which players take using the backhand badminton position. This shot requires an expert wrist and forearm to catch the receiver unaware as it generates power and quickness.
Forecourt
A forecourt is usually the front third of a badminton court. It is typically the region between the net and the short service line.
Game Point
Either game or point is usually announced when a player serves a game-winning point. It refers to a situation where a badminton player can win the game if they get the current rally.
Hairpin Net Shot
This shot is made from below and closes to the net with the bed rising, barely clearing the net and then sharply dropping on the other side. The flight of the shuttlecock is approximately the hairpin shape.
Halfcourt Shot
The halfcourt shot is usually a shot a player hits low and to midcourt. Players use it effectively in doubles games against an up-and-back formation.
Kill
This shot is usually a fast, downward shot that the opponent cannot return. It is also known as a putaway.
Let
What is a ‘Let’ in Badminton? A Let in badminton occurs when a play obstructs a serve from the opponent, or the shuttle doesn’t drop from the net. It also occurs when the player contacts the net with his racket or body or when there’s an unsighted line call. This is a cessation of play that allows you to replay a rally.
Long Service Line
In a singles game, it is the back boundary line, while in a doubles game, it is a line 2.5 feet within the rear boundary line.
Love (Luv)
This badminton term used to indicate zero scores in a game. Competitors usually begin with zero and remain at this point till they score points.
Match
A match is a series of games that determines a winner.
Net Shot
This is a shot you hit from the forecourt. It simply clears the net and then drops immediately.
Push Shot
A push shot is usually a gentle shot which players play by pushing the shuttlecock with little wrist motions from the midcourt or the net to the opponent’s midcourt.
Racket
This is an instrument players use to hit the shuttlecock. It comes in graphite, ceramic, or boron frame. People choose a racket based on its flexibility, weight, size, and balance.
Rally
This badminton terminology refers to when players hit the shuttle back and forth before one of them hits a point.
Service Court
This badminton terminology usually refers to where you need to deliver the serve. This area varies between doubles and singles games.
Shuttlecock
A shuttlecock comes in an open conical shape. This is the term for the object players hit in a badminton game. It is usually a ball of cork or rubber with crowns of feathers.
Throat
This part of the racquet usually connects to the racquet’s shaft. Some older racquets have an apparent separate t-joint, while newer models add it to the racquet.
Umpire
An umpire is a badminton official responsible for ensuring players follow badminton rules. Their roles include ensuring the match runs smoothly and judges contentious situations.
Wood Shot
This badminton terminology refers to shots that occur when the shuttle base hits the racquet’s frame. It was once illegal but was ruled acceptable in 1963.