Edition and practical scope

Both columns use the same 2025 BWF edition, not a claim about every current tournament. Tournament administration, Para badminton and modified junior formats are outside scope. In doubles, distinguish the shorter service target from the full-length rally court.

Further reading

Court dimensions, service order and doubles positioning.

Governing source

Rules side by side

Rules side by side
Situation Badminton World Federation · Laws of Badminton, Section 4.1, Version 5.0 (2) · BWF singles; standard full-court play.Badminton World Federation · Laws of Badminton, Section 4.1, Version 5.0 (2) · BWF doubles; standard full-court play.
Service landing areaNarrow and long: singles sideline to back boundary.Wide and short: doubles sideline to doubles long service line.
Rally boundaries after serviceSingles sidelines; full length.Doubles sidelines; full length.
Service court selectionServer's score: even right, odd left.Serving pair's score: even right, odd left.
Returning serviceThe opponent receives.Only the designated diagonal receiver; partner contact is a fault.
After winning while servingSame server; alternate service court.Same server; alternate service court.
After the service returnOpponents hit alternately.Sides hit alternately; either partner may play.

Rule editions and sources