Badminton is a popular racquet sport played by two or four players on a rectangular court, divided by a net. The aim of the game is to hit a shuttlecock over the net and land it in the opponent’s half of the court, scoring points by making it difficult for the opponent to return the shot. But have you ever wondered how this exciting game is scored? In this article, we will explore the rules, history, importance, and celebration of scoring in badminton.
RULES: How to Score in Badminton
In badminton, a match is played best out of three sets, with a player needing to win two sets to win the entire match. Each set is played until one player scores 21 points, with a clear lead of at least two points. If the score ends up at 20-20, the game will continue until one player takes a two-point lead. The first player to win two sets wins the match.
Points are scored when a player successfully hits the shuttlecock over the net and onto the opponent’s court, or if the opponent hits the shuttlecock out of bounds. When a player wins a point, they continue to serve for the next point. However, if the receiving player wins the point, they will become the new server.
In doubles, partners serve alternatively, and the receiving pair gets to decide which player will return the shot. However, in singles, only the serving player can score a point.
In addition to scoring points, a player can also earn a point if the opponent commits a fault, such as hitting the shuttlecock outside the boundaries of the court, touching the net with the racket, or touching the shuttlecock with their body or clothes.
HISTORY: How Scoring in Badminton Evolved
Badminton was first introduced in ancient Greece as a game called “battledore and shuttlecock,” which eventually spread to China and India. The modern version of the game can be traced back to British soldiers stationed in India in the 19th century, who adapted the game they saw being played there and brought it back with them to England.
The scoring system of badminton has evolved significantly over time. Initially, the game was played until one player scored 15 points, but this was increased to 21 points in 2006 to make the game more competitive and intense. In 2006, the Badminton World Federation also introduced a new scoring system called the “rally point system,” which awards a point to whichever player wins a rally, regardless of who is serving.
IMPORTANCE: How Scoring Impacts the Game of Badminton
Scoring plays a crucial role in badminton, as it determines the winner of each match. The scoring system is designed to make the game more competitive, as players are required to win a clear lead of at least two points, ensuring close and intense matches. It also adds an element of strategy, as players must think strategically to outscore their opponent and win the game.
The rally point system has also made the game more fast-paced and exciting, as every point counts towards the final score. Players must be quick on their feet and have a strong defensive and offensive strategy to score points and win the match.
CELEBRATION: How Scoring is Celebrated in Badminton
When a player wins an important point, they will often celebrate by shouting and pumping their fist in the air. After winning the game, players usually share a moment of celebration with their teammates and coaches before shaking hands with their opponents as a sign of good sportsmanship.
In major tournaments, such as the Olympic Games or World Championships, winning a match and scoring points is celebrated with enthusiasm and national pride. It is a moment of great pride for both the players and the country they represent, and it is often a symbol of hard work, dedication, and skill.
FACT: Fun Facts About Scoring in Badminton
– The longest badminton rally lasted for two hours and six minutes and consisted of 217 shots.
– The fastest recorded smash in badminton reached a speed of 206 mph (332 km/h).
– The longest match in badminton history lasted for two hours and six minutes and consisted of 217 shots.
– The shuttlecock, also known as a “birdie,” can travel at a speed of up to 200 mph (320 km/h).
LSI Keyword: How Badminton is Scored
In conclusion, badminton scoring is a crucial aspect of the game, with rules that have evolved over time to make it more competitive and exciting. The scoring system, along with the celebration of scoring points, adds an element of strategy and intensity to the game. Next time you watch a game of badminton, take note of how the players score points and celebrate their victories, and you’ll have a better understanding of this fast-paced and exhilarating sport.
