Choose one answer per scenario, then review the explanation. Use the specified 2025 edition and scope. BWF rulebook.

For further practice, explore service order, service faults, or the lesson and printable worksheet.

Rulebook

Make the call

Choose a ruling for each situation, then check your answers.

1. Singles: you serve at 7–6. Which court?
Answer and explanation

Left

Your odd score determines left; the receiver's score is irrelevant.

Rule basis: Badminton World Federation (BWF) · Statutes Section 4.1, Laws of Badminton, Version 5.0 (2) · Standard singles and doubles; excludes Para badminton, alternative laws and modified youth competitions.

2. Doubles: Maya serves and wins the rally. Next server?
Answer and explanation

Maya

Maya changes courts and continues; partners do not alternate automatically.

Rule basis: Badminton World Federation (BWF) · Statutes Section 4.1, Laws of Badminton, Version 5.0 (2) · Standard singles and doubles; excludes Para badminton, alternative laws and modified youth competitions.

3. Between rallies, a wrong service court is discovered. Remedy?
Answer and explanation

Correct positions; retain score

Correct the error; completed points stand.

Rule basis: Badminton World Federation (BWF) · Statutes Section 4.1, Laws of Badminton, Version 5.0 (2) · Standard singles and doubles; excludes Para badminton, alternative laws and modified youth competitions.

4. The receiver's partner returns the serve. Decision?
Answer and explanation

Fault

Only the designated receiver may return service.

Rule basis: Badminton World Federation (BWF) · Statutes Section 4.1, Laws of Badminton, Version 5.0 (2) · Standard singles and doubles; excludes Para badminton, alternative laws and modified youth competitions.

5. A server deliberately adds spin when releasing the shuttle. Decision?
Answer and explanation

Fault

Release spin is prohibited, even with base-first contact.

Rule basis: Badminton World Federation (BWF) · Statutes Section 4.1, Laws of Badminton, Version 5.0 (2) · Standard singles and doubles; excludes Para badminton, alternative laws and modified youth competitions.

6. One stroke contacts racket head then strings. Otherwise legal. Decision?
Answer and explanation

Continue

This exception permits both contacts within one stroke.

Rule basis: Badminton World Federation (BWF) · Statutes Section 4.1, Laws of Badminton, Version 5.0 (2) · Standard singles and doubles; excludes Para badminton, alternative laws and modified youth competitions.

7. Shuttle lands; afterwards, a player's racket touches the net. Net fault?
Answer and explanation

No

Play already ended; timing excludes this net fault.

Rule basis: Badminton World Federation (BWF) · Statutes Section 4.1, Laws of Badminton, Version 5.0 (2) · Standard singles and doubles; excludes Para badminton, alternative laws and modified youth competitions.

8. Mid-rally, the shuttle's base completely separates. Decision?
Answer and explanation

Let

Replay with the same server; neither side scores.

Rule basis: Badminton World Federation (BWF) · Statutes Section 4.1, Laws of Badminton, Version 5.0 (2) · Standard singles and doubles; excludes Para badminton, alternative laws and modified youth competitions.

Rule editions and sources