Did you know that the size of a badminton court is different for singles and doubles matches? Did you also know that you need to serve beyond the short service line? Read on to learn more about badminton court size differences and how you can use it to your advantage.
The short service line is 1.98 metres from the net, and the long one is 0.76 meters from the baseline. The short service line is always ahead of the long service line, and doubles serves must always be beyond the long one, which serves as a backcourt marker.
Badminton court size
Usually, badminton is played indoors, although it can be played outdoors as well. The flooring of an indoor badminton court must be made of wood, and the surface must be smooth. The court should also be well-lit so that the players can see the shuttlecock easily.
Badminton courts are generally 20 feet by 44 feet in size. The short service line is placed 6 feet 6 inches from the net line. The net is positioned at the center of the court. Each side of the court has a different length, so the nets may vary as well.
Are there different court sizes for singles and doubles?
While both singles and doubles matches are played on the same standard court, the singles court is played in a smaller court size, which makes perfect sense given that the whole singles court must be covered by a single player!
The full regular badminton court is used in doubles, since there are two players per side who share the burden of covering the court. Badminton is a strange sport in that the service area differs depending on whether you are playing doubles or singles – this may surprise tennis players who have no trouble serving in doubles or singles matches. Let’s look at the fundamental distinctions between the singles and doubles courts!
Using the badminton court size in your advantage
Winning in badminton requires a combination of talent, technique, and strategy. So, how do you put your understanding of the court’s dimensions to good use? A singles player must cover the full court throughout their match. In singles, one approach is to decrease your opponent’s energy by moving them around the court.
What better way to do this than to compel your opponent to run the whole length of the singles court? Players will sprint in a straight path to recover a shuttle since it is the shortest distance.
The diagonal created between opposing corners of a rectangular court will be the longest distance. This diagonal spans a total of 27.3 feet (8.32 m). Running this distance again and again might rapidly become exhausting. This idea does not necessary exist in a doubles game since positioning with your partner practically halves the total area of the court that must be covered.
Which court is best for badminton?
The surface of a badminton court is crucial, since it directly affects how well players perform. There are four main types of badminton courts:
- hardwood,
- synthetic,
- polymer,
- and clay.
Each of these surfaces provides different advantages for the sport. Because of its elastic floor surface, wooden flooring is undoubtedly the greatest option for a badminton court flooring. The Badminton World Federation (BWF) itself recommends wooden flooring. Wood can absorb pressure while being kind on your body. This results in an excellent playing surface.
Outdoor courts are usually made of concrete with a polymer surface. Such courts are found in tennis clubs and are cheaper to maintain than indoor courts. But outdoor courts come with a disadvantage: the weather. Playing badminton when the wind is strong can be frustrating, as the shuttle will not move in a straight line.
Synthetic badminton court floorings are made from artificial materials, as the name implies. They are incredibly player-friendly and they are created with the unique demands of the game’s current structure in mind. PVC synthetic courts are popular because they have good anti-slip characteristics. They come in the shape of mats, making them simple to lay and store. The surface mats offer durability, anti-slip, and abrasion resistance, while the intermediate mats give stability. These should ideally be laid over wooden floors.
What makes a good badminton court?
A good badminton court must have the appropriate dimensions and be made from the correct surface material. The official size of a badminton court is 44 feet (13.4 m) long and 17 feet (5.18 m) wide for singles matches, and 20 feet (6.1 m) wide for doubles matches.
The surface material should ideally be wooden flooring, although synthetic materials are also suitable. Outdoor courts made from concrete with a polymer surface are also an option, although playing in windy conditions can be difficult.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important to understand the badminton court size and use it to your advantage. Different courts offer different advantages, so it is important to select the right one for your game. Remember to always practice and hone your skills on a smaller court before trying them out in a competitive environment. With a little bit of practice, you’ll be able to dominate on any badminton court!
