Terminologies of Badminton

This section contains terminologies of badminton listed from A

to Z with pictures and videos. You will find 100s of badminton
terms and definitions used by players and officials.

You can shoot through to the most common badminton

terminology by clicking the alphabetic facility below. Or, take a
timeout and scroll down to sharpen your knowledge and
general understanding.

Badminton Terminologies Used in the Game

Browsing through this vocabulary of badminton terminology is
a useful exercise for players as well as for competition referees.

Learning the titles, common match rulings, and terms used in

badminton will also help spectators and fans of sports
definitions.

The official badminton rules and regulations is a good place to

start for any beginners. Use it to learn more about the basic
governance and how the fundamental rulings work.
You can move to the next level by becoming familiar with these
badminton keywords. They cover the advanced lingo and sports
terms related to the game.

Want to know the best part?

This comprehensive list of badminton's terms and definitions is

still growing. Check in often for more information associated to
badminton jargon, playing techniques, and match-winning
strategies.

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So, the question is:

Do you know the difference between the back alley and the
baseline? What is an ace? And how does a wood shot differ
from a drop shot?

If you want sports lingo, and badminton terminologies with

pictures, you are definitely in the right place. Check out this
unmatched list of badminton related words and vocabulary
definitions.

Badminton Terms beginning with A

Ace
In badminton game terms, the phrase 'ace badminton' refers to
a player winning an outright point from a serve that was
untouched - and not returned - by the receiver.

In fact, the actual meaning of ace in badminton originates from

the history of Battledore and Shuttlecock when, archaically, it
used to mean that any point had been scored.

Air Shot
Playing an air shot refers to a stroke where the player attempts
to make a return pass, but completely misses the shuttle.
Similar to the 'air-ball' in basketball rules, the miss occurs most
often when the player takes their eyes off the shot at that key
moment before impact.

Alley (side alley)

The alley is an 18 inch section situated on both sides of the
court. The side alley extension marks the area between the
singles and doubles sidelines.

Thus, side alley in badminton terms represents the sections

between the boundary tramlines used only in doubles play.

Note: Learn more about badminton court size, net height, and
tramline markings in a different section.

Angle of Attack
The badminton definition of the phrase 'angle of attack' refers
to the trajectory of a shuttle after it leaves the racket.

The technique creates a steep angle of attack for the return

pass so the downward stroke becomes sharp and fast. It is a
key tactic used in attacking shots, such as drop shots and
smashes and usually draws the opponent close to the net.
Angle of Return
Different ranges of possible returns from a given position on
the court form various angles of return for the shuttle.

Note: Court geometry shows huge variances in the angle of

return. For example, around 40 degrees when returning the
shuttle from the back corners, to almost 180 degrees close to
the net (front and center).

Around-the-head Shot
You should accept this as one of the advanced shots in
badminton. A player would reach to the backhand side from
around the head to make a forehand strike on the shuttle.

Note: Take care when making this shot. It can leave you off-
balanced and vulnerable to a counter attack.

Attacking Clear
The term describes a positive, and somewhat aggressive,
stroke. The aim is to hit the shot deep into the challenger's
court area.

In fact, attacking clear is a variation of the traditional clear shot

(see below) achieved by driving the bird over the net with a
flatter trajectory and with a hard stroke.

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Badminton Terminologies beginning with B

Back Alley (rear alley)
The back alley is a term used for the area situated on both ends
of the court. You will see it between the back boundary line and
the long service line used in doubles games (see the court
diagram below).

Back Boundary Line

There are different terminologies in badminton jargon for court
boundary markings. The back boundary line marks the rear
ends of the playing area and the service zone used for singles
rules games.

Backcourt
Being active in the backcourt area means you are playing in a
section around the boundary lines in the back third of the
court.

Backhand Stroke
Badminton backhand strokes are usually delicate shots played
in front of the body and quite close to the net. For a right-
handed player, the stroke used in returning the bird from the
left side of the body is a backhand stroke in badminton.

Backhand Grip
There are several terms used to describe the grip on the racket
in the terminologies of badminton. One of the most common is
the backhand grip. This type of grip on the racket provides a
player with an option to strike the shuttle with a backhand
stroke.
Balance Point
You would use the bottom of a grip to calculate the center of
mass on badminton rackets. So, the racket would be 'head-
heavy' if the measurement of this number is higher than the
norm.

A standard balance point measures around 300mm (for the

unstrung racket and specific grip size). Adding string to the
racket and grip wrap changes the balance point.

Balk (baulk or feint)

The word 'balk' has several different terminologies in
badminton such as feinting, swerving, or deceiving.

In simple terms, it refers to deceptive movement meant to

deceive or disconcert an opponent. The 'feint' tactic often
results in a poor return by the opponent.

Base Position
Badminton terminologies include a phrase called the base
position, which also has a title of center position.
When you are playing a singles game, your overriding objective
is to return each shot to relative safety in the center of the
court. This is the location of the base position.

Baseline
The baseline runs parallel to the net and marks the outer
boundary line at the back of each court half.

Basic Strokes
Three different terms in badminton describe the strokes played
from either the forehand or the backhand. The names for the
three different badminton strokes are:

Under-arm
Shoulder-high
Overhead
Battledore
The ancient and historical game of 'Battledore and Shuttlecock'
was a 16th century recreation whereby the players would hit a
ball back and forth to each other. This outdoor activity existed
even before the game of badminton became a modern sport.
Bird (birdie)
Bird or birdie is a name commonly used for the shuttlecock as
part of the badminton terms and definitions used by the
officials and players.

Note: Learn more about the equipment of badminton,

footwear, and the accessories in another section.

Bird On
In badminton terminology the cautionary call of 'bird on' often
occurs if a shuttle lands on your court from an adjacent one. As
a rule, a case of 'bird on' would result in a let.

Block Return
The badminton term of 'block return' describes a shot dropping
steeply from a block shot around the net. It usually has very
little follow-through because it's played with a swift flick of the
wrist.

Brush
The brush is a power-generated point-winning shot played at
speed, generally from high above the net.
Butt
The butt is the enlarged end of the shaft that prevents the
player's hand from slipping off the handle.

BWF (Badminton World Federation)

The Badminton World Federation is the world governing body
for the game. The International Olympic Committee and the
International Paralympic Committee both recognise the BWF
Rule Book.

BWF regulate, promote, develop and popularise the sport

globally with world events. The vision of the Badminton World
Federation is 'giving every child a chance to play for life'.

Note: The badminton juniors section explains more about the

rules of the game for children and some of the equipment used
by small kids.

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Badminton Terminology beginning with C
Carry (sling or throw)
A carry was formerly an illegal stroke and often called a throw
or a sling. If you carry the shuttle it means you did not hit it
properly but caught and held it on the racket before slinging
the execution of the shot.

In the modern game, the codified rules of badminton jargon

generally consider a carry to be a legal tactic providing it was
clearly a single forward stroke.

Centre Line
The center line separates the two service boxes (left and right
service zones). It marks a perpendicular central line from the
net to the rear baseline and divides each court half into two
sections.

Changing Ends
The players should change ends at the completion of each
game and when the leader scores six points (11-point game) or
eight points (15-pointer) in the third game.

Clear
Clear shots is a term that defines strokes played from the back
of a badminton court to the deep rear area of the opponent's
half.

Closed Face
In badminton terms and definitions, a closed face situation
refers the racket face when it has a downward pointing
position.

Cork
The head of the shuttle is traditionally made of cork. When
played, the shuttle turns to fly with a cork first trajectory and
then remains with a cork-first orientation.

Cork Tip
The cork tip is the rounded base of the shuttlecock which is also
made of synthetic materials (e.g. rubber).

Badminton Terms used in Court SizesCourt

The design of a badminton court creates an area of play for use
indoors.
It should provide a synthetic or hardwood surface offering good
traction with clear and defined outer boundary lines.

In singles badminton games, the court size is 17 x 44 feet and

20 x 44 feet for doubles matches.

Cross-court Shot
A cross-court shot is one that crosses the center line and
usually travels along the length of the net (e.g. from one net
corner over the net to the other corner).

Cross Strings
The cross strings run perpendicular to the shaft. There are
around 21-23 crosses on a badminton racket.

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Badminton Terms that Start with D

Dab
The definition of a dab shot in badminton is a crisp downward
stroke using minimal backswing, but with excessive follow-
through played in the forecourt zone.

You need good body position, with a flexible arm and wrist, to
play the shot. Execution of the stroke uses fast action in the
fingers but limited finger movement.

Danish Wipe
A 'Danish Wipe' shot is a hybrid backhand stroke - a
combination of a lob and a drive. It is used to play a lofty shuttle
from far ends of the court.

The racket is swept down deep to knee height and then up and
under the shuttle and should finish with a strong follow-
through.

Dead Bird
Hitting a shuttle out of play is called a 'dead bird'. You might say
it belongs to one of the funny badminton terms and phrases.

Deception
Deception is an important part of game tactics by hiding what
shots you intend to play, either through very quick motions or
misdirection before making contact with the shuttle.

Defence
Playing defencively generally means hitting shots upwards and
lofty. Defencive play has similarities to the shots played when
executing serves in badminton.

Defencive Clear
The defencive clear shot is played high and deep in an attempt
to gain more time or to slow down the pace of a rally.

Diagonal
Essentially, diagonal is a term used to describe badminton
doubles rules for player positions. Two players divide the court
on a diagonal as opposed to right angles (as in front-and-back
or side-by-side).

Divorce Area
In badminton terminology, the divorce area refers to a narrow
rectangle 8-11 feet from the net. The area is situated between
the rear-court and fore-court players and between the
sidelines.

The phrase actually originates from mixed gender games when

irate husbands would berate their overly enthusiastic wives if
they clashed rackets in this particular section of the court.

Doubles
Doubles matches have two players on each team and on
opposing sides (thus, a total of four players on the court). Read
more on how badminton doubles rules use the larger-sized
(wider) court markings.

Double Hit
The double hit is a shot contacting the receiver's racket twice,
either by one player or by both players. A double hit by two
players is always a fault.

The rules surrounding a double hit by a single player are more

nuanced. If two strokes are used then the double hit is a fault. If
a single stroke is used, then historically a fault was called. But,
the shot tends to be a legal stroke in the modern game.

Doubles Sideline
The doubles sideline marker denotes the court inbound width
of 20 feet used for doubles matches (i.e. two teams of paired
players).

Doubles Service Court

The service court for doubles games is an area measuring 44 x
20 feet. Check how the BWF govern court boundaries for
badminton doubles regulation games.

Drive (serve)
Driving the shuttle fast and low, almost horizontal in flight over
the net, is called a drive. The drive serve is played as flat as
possible (clearing the net) and hit hard to fall at the back of the
service court.
Note: Many of the top players use it as a deceptive alternative
to playing regular short and long serves.

Drop Serve
The badminton drop serve (similar to toss serve) is played by
dropping the shuttle to fall before hitting the serve and used
most in forehand service strokes.

Drop Shot
Playing a drop shot in most court games (e.g. tennis rules)
refers to one hit softly, with finesse. The aim is to make the
shuttlecock fall sharply inside the opponent's court and as close
to the net as possible.

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Badminton Terminologies from E to G

Equipment
Buying what you need from the list of badminton equipment
and accessories is not always a big expense. But, choosing the
right gear will definitely enhance your playing experience.

As a rule, the badminton umpiring equipment and clothing is

provided by the tournament coordinators and sponsors. Match
officials and line judges may need to bring their own gear kit
and paraphernalia if not.

Event
Badminton events are the disciplines which players may enter
and compete in tournament play. Standard events are
men's/women's singles, men's/women's doubles, and mixed
Doubles.

Fast Drop
Fast drop is one of the lesser used badminton terms. It is a
variation of a normal drop shot where a player strikes the
shuttle harder to give the opponent less time to react.

Fault
Faults in badminton are violations of the BWF codified rules
and regulations while serving or receiving the shuttle, and
during normal play. A player commits a fault in badminton
when the shuttle:

Lands outside the court or out of bounds.

Passes underneath the net or fails to pass over the net.
Contacts any side walls or ceiling.
Touches a player's body or their clothing.
Is hit two or more times by the same player or by both partners
before returning it over the net in a game of doubles.
A fault also occurs if a player strikes the shuttle on the wrong
side of the net. Making contact with the net, or either of the
posts that support it, by any means is also considered a fault.

Feather Shuttle (feathers or crown)

A feather shuttle is one with a skirt comprised of bird feathers
(e.g. duck or goose feathers) or synthetic materials. Sixteen
individual feathers are attached to the skirt of the shuttlecock
tip to stabilize it and to make it aerodynamic.

Feint
A feint is also called a balk. It is any deceptive move that fools
or dummies an opponent disconcertingly before or during the
serve.

First Serve (first hand)

A rule change to rally scoring occurred in 2006. It altered
doubles play team members to carry out the service in
succession.

Flick
Surprising your opponent by using a flick describes a quick
wrist-and-forearm rotation technique. The flick deceptively
changes an apparent soft shot into a much faster, and often a
winning, passing shot.

Flick Serve
A flick serve is an advanced service shot taken from the
backhand position and arched over the opponent toward the
long-service line. This shot requires a developed forearm and
wrist to generate the power and quickness to catch the receiver
off guard.

Flight
The difficulty or skill level of an event in a tournament is usually
designated by the letters A, B, C and D. Flight A would be the
most advanced level.

Flight Path
The badminton expression of 'flight path' refers to the
trajectory taken by a shuttle after the stroke. The shuttle's flight
path is seen by many as a distinguishing trademark between
cheap plastic shuttles and a professional feathered shuttlecock.

Follow-through
Follow-through describes the path of the racket following its
contact with the shuttle. It is an important technique of
producing controlled strokes and predictable shots.

Foot Fault
A foot fault is a service fault made by a player in which he or
she oversteps the boundary of the service court.

Footwork
When you have mastered good footwork in badminton it
means you will reach the shuttlecock early in the fastest time
and using the shortest distance.
Footwork is a principle reason why professionals have less
injuries and make badminton look effortless and graceful.

Forecourt (front court)

The forecourt area is the front third of the court. It is the region
between the short service line and the net.

Forehand Strokes
For a right-handed player, the stroke used in returning the bird
from the right side of the body is called a forehand stroke in
badminton.

Forward Swing
The forward swing is a term referring to the racket movement
towards the shuttle.

Frame
Frame refers to the racket frame to which the stringing is
attached.

Free Point
Losing a point on a serve, with no actual effort made by the
opposer, is termed 'giving away a free point'. Free points are
similar to unforced errors in the rules of tennis and should be
kept to a minimum.

Front and Back

In badminton expressions, 'front and back' is a doubles game
player position whereby one partner is in front of the other and
close to the middle line, as a rule.

Frying Pan Grip

It is a quirky badminton term defining a racket grip rotated 90
degrees from the traditional hand position. The head is parallel
to the net in a frying pan grip with the front of the racket facing
the net.

Game
A game is part of an incomplete set. Typically it occurs when
one player or doubles team has amassed enough points to win
a single contest - but not necessarily the whole match.

Game Point
Either the word 'game' or the word 'point' should be
announced when serving for a game-winning point (out of
courtesy). Game point refers to the situation where one player
can win the game if they win the current rally.

Game (set)
It is a 21-point series with a required two-point margin of
victory. If a game goes past 21 points it ends when one team
either goes up by two points or reaches 30.

Graphite
Graphite is in fact an allotrope of pure carbon. Manufacturers
use graphite in the construction of most modern badminton
rackets because it is generally lightweight and strong.

Note: There are some similarities in the construction of rackets

used in squash rules and regulations.

Grip
The grip is a badminton term for the material covering the
handle of a racket. It is used to create better comfort and
control.
Gut
Gut fibers, gathered from intestinal parts of sheep and cows,
were used before it became acceptable to use synthetic strings.

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Badminton Glossary from H to J

Hairpin Net Shot
As the name may suggest, a hairpin net shot resembles the
shape of a hairpin. It is made from below and very close to the
net. The hairpin shot would send the shuttle rising sharply near
to the net and then drops abruptly downwards on the other
side.

Half-court Shot
A half-court shot is mostly effective in the doubles game. The
shot is hit low towards the midcourt area.

Hammer Grip
Hammer grip is another one of those quirky badminton
expressions describing the way some beginners grab the racket
over tightly (like gripping a hammer).

Handle
The handle refers to the end portion of a racket (opposite the
head) and it is the part where a player takes hold. It is the part
of the shaft that the player grips to control the racket.

Head (face)
The head is a part of badminton equipment relating to the
racket. It is the main oval face portion of the racket that
combines the frame with stringing and attaches to the shaft.

Help
The word 'help' is one of the badminton terms rarely heard in
professional tournaments. It is more often used in badminton
doubles rules where one partner shouts 'help' if they are in
trouble and need their partner to make the next shot.

High Clear
The high clear is a variation of a normal clear shot that arches
high toward the opponent's baseline. This shot is intended to
allow a team or player to reset defensively (or to disrupt the
opponent's timing).

High-lift
The high-lift is also called the high clear. The phrase refers to a
defensive shot hit high and extremely deep into the
challenger's back court area.

History of Badminton
The history of the badminton game originated as 'battledore
and shuttlecock' in Greece and mainland Asia from the period
of ancient civilization around 2,000 years ago.

Holding a Shot
This technique is often used to delay hitting the shot
deliberately to observe the opponent's preparation or reaction.

Hybrid Stringing
Hybrid stringing is one of the less common terminologies in
badminton. It refers to having a racket made with two different
types of string used for the mains and crosses.
Badminton England - Play it, Love it, Live it, logoIn-play
In England badminton game terms the shuttlecock is in-play
unless:

It hits the floor or goes outside the court markings.

It contacts the ceiling or a player's body.
It gets stuck in the net or fails to drop.
It hits post or the net and finishes on the same side as the
hitter.
Note: Check out our Pinterest badminton section displaying
some great images about the sport, players, and equipment.

Interval (time break)

An interval refers to either the 60-second period of rest that
occurs when the score reaches 11 for the first time in a game or
the 120 second break between games. Players are permitted to
leave the court during this time.

Jump Smash
The badminton jump smash is accepted as the most powerful
shot in the game and performed in mid-air. Players use the
jump smash instead of the normal smash because of its steeper
angle and higher level of power.

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Badminton Terms and Definitions from K to M

Kill
The kill is a fast, downward shot that cannot easily be returned
to your court and usually ends a rally.

Left Service Court

The left service court box marks the boundary to the left side of
each player when facing the net.

Length of Play
Normal play is continuous (e.g. series of rallies) until a player or
a team wins the game. The international rules of professional
badminton matches usually allow five minutes rest period
between games two and three.

Let
A 'let' is a legitimate call which halts normal play and allows a
rally to be replayed. 'Lets' occur when:

The shuttle fails to drop from the net.

A player contacts the net or post with his body or racket.
A player obstructs their opponent's stroke or serves.
A shuttle lands on your court from adjacent court (e.g. bird on).
There is a ceiling obstruction interference.
There are any unsighted line calls.
Lift
A lift is a variation of a clear shot produced by an underhand
stroke. The pass, arched high into the air, allows time for better
defensive positioning.

Line Judge (linesman)

A line judge, in terminologies related to badminton, is a pre-
approved, unbiased individual responsible for determining
whether or not shots land inside of the court boundaries.
A linesman is one of ten (10) officials who ensure the
shuttlecock remains inside the lines of play.

Note: One of the roles of line judges in badminton is informing

the umpire when a player commits this kind of fault.

Locked Wrist
Having a locked wrist is a badminton expression for players
with an inflexible wrist. This often results in the racket handle
held parallel with the forearm - or sometimes pointing
downward.

Long Serve
Playing a long serve is one which typically is a high lofty shot
that lands close to the back line.

Long Service Line

Serves take place from the long service line and it marks the
back of the service zone in doubles matches.
The long service lines should measure 21 feet back from the net
for a singles match and two feet closer for doubles.

Love (luv)
Love is a term used to denote zero scores in badminton
terminology (similar to the rules of tennis games). Each
competitor begins at zero (love-all) and remains at love until
they score points.

Luck of the Net Cord

A 'Net Cord' would be legal during regular play providing the
shuttle passes over the net and to the side of your opponent.

So, while smashing the shuttle it hits the top of the net en-
route, but falls over to the opponent's side. You would win the
rally by 'luck of the Net Cord' if your opponent failed to return
the shuttle.

Lunge
Lunge refers to a vital part of footwork when a player stretches
out a leg 'racket-side' while striking the shuttle.

Main
The 'mains' are badminton terms for the racket strings that run
parallel to the shaft. As a rule, almost all modern rackets will
have a total of 22 mains.

Markings
White or yellow 40 mm wide court markings section off the
different zones of the badminton playing area.

Match
Simply put, a match refers to a series of badminton games to
determine the outcome and a clear winner.

Match (point)
Out of courtesy, either of the words (match or point) should be
announced when you serve for a match-winning point.
Men's Doubles
In badminton terminology, men's doubles is a match comprised
of two teams with two male players on each team.

Midcourt (home)
The midcourt term designates the optimal home position of the
middle third of the court. It is halfway between the back
boundary line and the center of the net.

Mixed Doubles
Mixed doubles games are matches comprised of two teams
with one male and one female player on each team.

Note: Level doubles is a game where two paired players are of

the same gender.

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Badminton Key Terms from N to P

Net
Players hit a feathery shuttlecock over a net. Nets are loosely
stitched dividers, stretched across the middle of the court at a
height of 5 feet. England badminton nets must stretch across
the center of the court between two posts.

The official net height measures 2.5 feet deep and the top of a
badminton net is five feet high or 1.524 meters from the floor.

Net Cord
The situation described as the Net Cord rule is a common
occurrence in the badminton service game. It happens if the
shuttlecock hits the uppermost part of the net (white tape) and
then drops, or tumbles, to one side of the court.

In simple terms "a bird which touches the top of the net and
falls in the proper side of the court."

A serve is good providing the shuttlecock drops to the

opponent's side of the court and inside the service boundaries,
after a Net Cord. Thus, your opponent would need to attempt a
return stroke and you would win the rally if they fail to do so.
Note: If the shuttlecock falls 'short' after hitting the net and fails
to reach the service line during a 'low service' you would lose
the rally.

Net Drop
A net drop is a basic badminton net shot where a player
simultaneously receives a drop shot and then returns one back.

Net Fault
Net fault is one of the common terminologies in badminton. It
occurs if any player touches the net with the body, the racket,
or any of their apparel during play.

Net Return
A net return shot is one that creeps over the net and drops
abruptly to the ground on the other side.

Offence (attack)
Playing offensive shots are those generally hit downward and
the team on the offense is the one hitting downward.
One-piece Racket
A one-piece badminton racket is constructed with a single and
continuous piece of material. Multiple piece rackets would have
separate head, shaft, t-joint, and grip joined together at a later
stage.

Note: Learn more about the equipment and gear of badminton

needed to meet the BWF guidelines.

On-guard Stance
The badminton phrase refers to the alert position being taken
by a player in readiness of the bird being hit by the opponent.

Open Face Racket

Open face racket is one of the common terminologies used in
badminton and it refers to the way a racket faces upwards.

Overhand Shot
The overhand shot is taken with a downward arm and wrist
motion.

Overhead Shots
Playing the racket into the shuttle above a player's head is
better known as an overhead shot.

Overhead Smash
The overhead smash is an aggressive powerful shot played
steeply downwards usually from high in the air.

Pace
The pace of a game simply refers to the speed of a shot or rally.

Panhandle Grip
Panhandle grip is a variation of the natural grip. The palm faces
the fat part of the handle as the thumb and fingers grasp the
thinner sides.

The panhandle grip is normally used for drive shots and allows
greater range with forehand drives.

Passing Shot
In badminton terms, a 'passing shot' is one that passes or
travels passed the opposing player or team.
Patty-cakes
Patty-cakes is a term describing the way some beginners stand
(relatively immobile trading half-paced drives until one misses).

Plastic Shuttle
It is an inexpensive type of shuttle with a skirt made of plastic
instead of feathers and cork.

Placement
The word placement, when used in badminton lingo, refers to
the location where a shuttle is aimed to land on the court.

Poaching
Poaching in court games generally refers to the action of taking
shots which would normally be returned by your partner, such
as in doubles badminton rules.

It is often done either through over-enthusiasm, greed, or lack

of confidence in your partner's ability.

Pop-up
A pop-up shot is one played slowly with a high lift to the
forecourt zone.

Position of Readiness
The position of readiness is usually towards the middle of the
court. It means that each player is prepared to play the next
shot quickly or respond with a return pass.

Post
The post is a vertical bar used to stretch out the net across the
middle of the court by means of white tape.

Press
The history of badminton game shows a press was used to stop
the head warping from moisture during a time when racket
heads were made of wood or bamboo.

Rackets were kept in a press usually consisting of two wooden

trapezoidal frames held together with bolts and thumb-nuts to
help prevent this from happening.

Pre-stretch
Pre-stretching means pulling the racket string to tension it and
then letting it relax before starting to string.

Push Shot
The push shot is a gently played shot created by pushing the
shuttlecock with a little extra wrist motion than normal.

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Badminton Jargon from Q to S

Qualifications
If you want a qualification, Badminton England currently offers
the UKCC endorsed Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 Certificates in
Coaching Badminton.

Badminton Terms for Racket PartsRacket (racquet)

What are the badminton game terms for the different parts of
the racket?
The large stringed area with a frame is called the head which is
connected to the handle by the shaft.

You should choose the best badminton racket for your game
based on the string tension, its weight, flexibility, balance, and
the size of the hand grip.

The racket used to strike the shuttlecock is lighter and narrower

than a tennis racket (about 3 oz.) and the head measures about
9 inches long and 11 inches wide.

Note: Get more info in the badminton equipment name list

section.

Racket Foot
The term 'racket foot' refers to the strongest playing foot. In
most cases, it will be the right foot for a right handed player
and the left foot for a left hander.

Rally
In terminologies of badminton, a rally is a series of passes and
exchanged shots which begin with a serve. As a rule, rallies in
badminton finish when the point is won.
Rally-scoring
Rally-scoring is sports lingo that refers to the manner of scoring
in which a point is awarded for every rally.

Receiver (receiving side)

The receiver is the player who receives the shuttlecock put into
play by the server. So, receivers will return the opening stroke
made by the server, both in singles and doubles games.

Rotation
Rotation is the movement or interaction which allows doubles
partners to attack or defend effectively as a team.

Rough Side
In badminton equipment terms, the 'rough side' refers to the
side containing the trim loops of the racket - that being
opposite to the smooth side.

Round-the-head Shot
A round-the-head shot is a funny badminton phrase referring to
an overhead shot played with a forehand swing, but on the
backhand side.

Rush a Serve
Rushing a serve describes very quick movement forward when
receiving a low serve. The aim of which is to move to the net
fast enough to attack the serve.

Safety
The health and safety regulations in badminton help you to
avoid, or limit, the most common injuries and accidental
mishaps which players may suffer while playing shuttlecock.

Scorekeeper
In terminologies related to badminton a scorekeeper is a pre-
approved, unbiased individual responsible for scoring a match.

Scoring
Women's badminton games are usually scored up to 11. Games
tied at 9-9 or 10-10 usually move into a 'love-all' set situation,
where the winner is the first player to win the next two or three
points.

Men's singles and doubles competitions usually play to 15. Only

a serving player or team in women's and men's badminton
scores a point. The best of three games decide the match
winner.

Server
The server starts the rally by hitting the shuttlecock over the
net to the court area of their opponent. The server and the
receiver stand diagonally opposite each other as the
shuttlecock is served into play.

Service (right to serve)

The service is the initial stroke which starts play when the
receiver is stationary and begins a rally. So, the badminton
serve is taken from the left-hand side of the court for odd
points (e.g. 1, 3, 5,) and the right-hand side for even points.

The non-server is allowed to stand anywhere on their side of

the net during a doubles game. The server must strike the base
of the shuttle first, contacting it below the server's waist as a
continuous motion.

Service Court
The service court is the area into which you must deliver the
shuttle during the service. In fact, the zone is different for
singles than in doubles games.

Service Fault
A service fault is any violation or illegal tactic that occurs during
service - for either team or player.

Service Judge
A badminton service judge is a pre-approved, unbiased
individual responsible for calling service faults.

Service judges are the officials who monitor the execution of

the serve, player position, and the arrival of the shuttlecock to
the appropriate zone.

Setting
The meaning of setting in badminton is to extend a game by a
set number of points beyond the normal finish.

Shaft
The shaft is the elongated part of the racket that ends at the
beginning of the head (see racket).

Short Service Line

The short service is the front boundary line of the singles and
doubles service zones and measures six feet or 1.98 meters
from the net on both sides of the court. It denotes the area
beyond which all serves must land.

Shot
'CLEAR, DRIVE, DROP, SMASH' are four shot terms related to
badminton. Learn these 4 shot techniques and discover why
and when beginners should use these top offensive and
defensive strokes.

As a rule, all shots played in badminton are termed as offensive

or defensive strokes and we explain the methodology behind
four of the most popular.
Shoulder-high Shots
When the racket hits the shuttle above the player’s shoulder
and usually to the side it is called a shoulder-high shot.

Shuffle (skip)
The shuffle is a primary part of your footwork technique which
occurs when you slide your feet to move around the court.

Badminton Terminology: A racket makes contact with the

shuttlecockShuttlecock (shuttle)
Badminton terminology has the name 'shuttlecock' used to
describe the 'bird or birdie'.

It refers to the projectile of a feathered (14 to 16 feathers) cork

object sent back and forth over the net in competitions.

Shuttlecocks are made of 16 real or synthetic feathers attached

to a cork base. Different weights of shuttlecocks determine
their flight and speed through the air.

Note: Check out the badminton equipment name list section

for more detailed information on equipment and accessories.
Side-by-side
Side-by-side refers to the defensive doubles position where
both players are at midcourt and on either side of the center
line.

Singles
A game of badminton where one individual plays against one
other player. The rules of badminton singles have some
significant differences to those used in the doubles game.

Singles Sideline
The singles sideline is a line marking the in-bound court width
playing area of 17 feet for singles games (a game between two
players).

Singles Service Court

The service court for doubles games is an area that measures
44 x 17 feet.

Skirt
The skirt is the part of the shuttle that is either plastic or
feather and fans out like a lady's skirt.

Slice
A slice is one of the common terminologies used in badminton.
It refers to the curved flight of the shuttle created by striking it
with an angled face of the racket during contact.

Smash (kill shot)

A smash is an overhead kill shot, hit so hard that it forces the
shuttle to drop sharply downwards into the opponent's court.
The smash or kill shot is a decisive power move and seen as an
aggressive tactic during play.

Stab
The stab is a shot intended to drop the shuttle steeply and tight
to the net on the side of your opponent.

Stance
A stance is the position of your body and feet while you are
waiting for the opponent to hit or return the shuttlecock.
Starting the Match
The player who starts the match is decided by a coin toss (or a
spin of a racket). The winner chooses between serving and
receiving first.

Straight Games
The meaning of a straight game is winning in consecutive
games with no games lost during a match.

Strings
Strings are the thin, synthetic pieces of material weaved
through the frame and used to propel the shuttle through the
air with force.

Stringing
The stringing is a badminton term referring to the surface of
interlaced strings of synthetic or natural fiber used to strike a
shuttlecock.

Stroke
In simple badminton terms, a stroke is the movement of a
racket with the intention of hitting the shuttle.
Sweet Spot
The sweet spot of a badminton racket is the center section of
the stringing where the response is uniform and hence offers
maximum playability.

Synthetic (shuttle)
A synthetic shuttle is a small plastic cone that is sturdier than
the feathered shuttlecock and is usually used for training. As a
rule it weighs about 0.2 ounces (same as a feathered
shuttlecock).

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Badminton Technical Terms from T to Z

Tape
The tape refers to a three-inch solid strip running along the top
of the net. According to BWF badminton rules, the tape is
usually white to provide a highly visible reference.

Tension
Racket tension describes the force used to pull on the strings
while stringing a racket.

Test Mark
These are two small marks on a court indicating the range into
which a proper speed shuttle will land during testing.

Throat (t-joint)
The section of the racquet that connects the head to the shaft
is termed the throat (or T-joint). Some older, lower-end models
typically have a visibly separate t-joint, while newer higher-end
models, will incorporate it into the racket itself.

Tipping the Shuttle

Tipping means adjusting the speed of a shuttlecock, achieved
by bending the tips of the feathers.

T-junction
The T-junction refers to the intersection of the center line and
the short service line. It is typically used as a reference point for
short serves and as a base for net play.
Top Slice and Tumble
Similar to tennis regulations, the top slice and the tumble aim
to drive the shuttle looping downward and tight to the net.

Toss a Coin
Players usually toss a coin to determine who will serve first or
from which side of the net.

Toss Serve
A toss serve occurs when the server throws the shuttle up (or
to the side) and lets it fall before hitting it.

Tramline
Tramline refers mostly to the boundary lines themselves or to
the Alleys (side tramline and rear tramline).

Tumble Drop Shot

A tumble drop shot is a variation of a normal drop shot that
causes the shuttle to flip, end over end.
Umpire
The umpire is one of the badminton officials responsible for
applying the basic badminton regulations. The role includes
ensuring that the match runs smoothly and ruling on
contentious decisions.

Note: A service judge and line judge may also assist a

badminton umpire during a competitive match.

Underhand
The underhand technique refers to any shot taken with an
upward arm and wrist motion.

Up (go up)
Go Up is often a call made between doubles partners indicating
that one partner would like the other to move to the forecourt.
In most cases, it will result in a front-and-back position.

Videos
We chose to include a popular YouTube video to the complete
list of the sports lingo in badminton.
Note: Watch fifty two seconds of badminton video footage that
includes some amazing competitive doubles play.

Waist
The shuttle must be served from below the waist. But, the
height of the elbow (when standing upright) is more visible
than the waist and remarkably close to the codified rules and
regulations of badminton.

Walls
Walls is a term used to define a minimum distance from the
baseline perimeter to the nearest surrounding wall. Regular
badminton match wall distance is five feet from the baseline
and four feet from the sideline.

Competitive international badminton matches extend the

distance of the closest wall to 7.5 feet from the baseline and
7.2 feet from the sideline.
White Tape
White tape refers to a strip of tape with a cord passing through
it. The tape is attached to the posts for the purpose of
suspending the badminton net.

Wood Shot
When the shuttle hits the frame of the racket legally (instead of
the strings) it is called a wood shot.

World Junior Championship

The BWF World Junior Championships are also called the World
Junior Badminton Championships. The Badminton World
Federation organises the annual tournament for junior
badminton players under-19 years.

Xbox 360 Game

In shuttle badminton vocabulary Xbox 360 is a PlayStation video
game.

Yonex
Yonex is a badminton racket manufacturer which achieves
precise control and function by creating ultra-lightweight strong
and stable racquets.

For Example: Check out the Yonex unisex adult B4000

badminton racket. The standard model is light for easy
handling, has an aluminium shaft, and available with various
grip sizes.

Zone
OK... so we admit that it wasn't easy to find a letter 'z
badminton term'. But, the Inter Zonal Badminton
Championships occur between some regions for competitive
tournaments.

Note: The badminton terminology PDF version is available by

email. Please contact our sports team for further information.

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