The basics in 1 minute

The aim

Hit the shuttle over the net into the opponents’ court so they cannot return it legally. Play singles or doubles.

Scoring

Every rally gives a point. The standard match is best of 3 games to 21: at 20–20 a 2-point lead is needed, but at 29–29 the next point wins.

Key rules

• Serve diagonally into the correct service court with a legal low service.
• Return the shuttle before it touches the floor.
• A shuttle on the boundary line is in; touching the net during play or hitting out loses the rally.