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Home » What is a Rally in Badminton? A Complete Guide

What is a Rally in Badminton? A Complete Guide

What is a Rally in Badminton? A Complete Guide

A badminton rally is when two players are simultaneously shooting their best shots. They keep playing until one person has won all their points, with the player with the most points at the end of the rally winning that point.

A rally generally begins with the serve, and the players try to hit the shuttlecock back and forth over the net. The objective of a rally is to score a point by making the shuttlecock land within the opponent’s court, either because the opponent fails to return it or it goes out of bounds. The rally continues until a point is scored or an error is made, at which point a new rally begins with a serve from the opposing side.

Also, over the years, the game of badminton has gone through three scoring systems, which we will discuss below in this post.

So let’s dive in and begin with:


What is a rally in badminton?

An entire duration for which the shuttlecock remains in play is defined as a “rally” in badminton. A rally begins when you or your opponent begin the match with a service, and a rally ends when the shuttlecock finally touches or hits the ground, goes out of play, or a foul is called.

During a rally, players use their rackets to hit the shuttlecock back and forth over the net, aiming to land it within the boundaries of the opponent’s court while trying to prevent their opponent from doing the same. The rally can involve various shots, including smashes, clears, drops, drives, and net shots, depending on the situation and the players’ strategies.

Rallies can be short and intense, with quick exchanges and powerful shots, or they can be longer, involving more tactical play and attempts to outmanoeuvre the opponent. The rally length depends on the players’ skill level, playing style, and ability to anticipate and react to their opponent’s shots.

The main objective of each player or team during a rally is to score a point by making the shuttlecock land within the boundaries of the opponent’s court while simultaneously preventing the opponent from doing the same. The rally continues until one side commits an error or a point is scored.


How does a game start in badminton?

A game of badminton always starts with a toss. A coin is flipped, and the winning side can decide to serve first or choose the side of the court.

How does a game start in badminton?

Once the choices are made, the players take their positions on the court. After which, the side with the right to serve begins the game. The server stands in their right or left service court, depending on the score and the side they are serving from. They serve the shuttlecock diagonally across the net to the opponent’s service court. The opponent or receiver also must be ready to receive the services and keep the shuttlecock in play.

And after the serve is returned, the rally begins. The players or teams continue to hit the shuttlecock back and forth over the net, trying to keep it within the boundaries of the opponent’s court while also aiming to score points.


How does a rally start in badminton?

A server always starts a rally by serving the shuttlecock to the receiver. And to prevent the server from gaining an overwhelming advantage, various restrictions placed on serving don’t apply during the rest of the rally.

On the other hand, the receiver’s goal is to return the service successfully. He should be ready and able to react quickly to the shuttlecock. The receiver’s partner should also be prepared to assist in returning the serve in doubles.

After the service is successfully returned, the rally begins. Both players or teams alternate, hitting the shuttlecock over the net and trying to keep it within the boundaries of the opponent’s court while simultaneously trying to score a point.


Is rally a point in badminton?

A rally is not a point in badminton, as a rally refers to the exchange of shots between the players and the team. It starts with the service and continues until a point is scored or the rally is concluded due to an error.

Rally is a crucial part of the game, not directly equating to scoring a point. A point is scored when the shuttlecock lies or lands on the opponent’s court, either because the opponent fails to return it or because it goes out of bounds. The side that wins the rally is awarded a point.

However, winning a rally does not automatically mean winning a point, as the opponent can also score a point by winning subsequent rallies.


What is rally scoring in badminton?

In badminton, rally scoring is a scoring system where a point is awarded on every rally, regardless of which side serves. Under rally scoring, both the serving and receiving sides can win or lose points.

Rally scoring ensures that each rally is significant, and the score advances with every successful rally. It adds a fast-paced and exciting element to the game, as every rally has the potential to impact the match’s outcome.

What is rally scoring in badminton?

Over the years, the game of badminton has gone through three scoring systems:

1. 15 Points System (15 x 3)

The 15-point system is also known as the original scoring system. It was first implemented in 1877 in British India. According to this scoring system, the men’s game consists of 15 points; conversely, the women’s game is played for 11 points.

And no player or team could win a point unless they were serving. If the server loses a rally, the service will be transferred to the opposing team.

The International Badminton Federation switched to the 5×7 points-scoring system in 2002 due to how long badminton matches took to conclude under this system.

2. 7 Points System (7 x 5)

According to 7 points scoring system, the players had to compete for 5 games of 7 points each to win the match. And if, in any game, the score reaches 6-6, then the first player to score 6 points will decide whether to play for 7 or 8 points. Also, the team switches sides in the final game if both teams win two games, which will happen if the score reaches four points.

The matches remained drawn out despite the modification to the scoring system. After the 2002 Commonwealth Games, the BWF (Badminton World Federation) switched back to the original scoring system out of concern that this may hinder the game’s commercialization.

3. 21 Points System (21 x 3)

Twenty-one points scoring system was introduced at the start of 2006, the 21-point system. Under these new rules, male and female players must contend for three sets of 21 points. The rally point system, which enables both sides to win a point regardless of which side serves, was one of the most significant innovations made here.


What is the opposite of rally scoring?

The opposite of rally scoring in badminton is known as traditional or side-out scoring. In traditional scoring, only the serving side can score points, and the receiving side can only score points when they win the serve and subsequently win a rally.

Traditional scoring emphasizes the importance of the service and provides an opportunity for the receiving side to earn the right to serve and potentially score points. It can result in longer games and allow for momentum swings based on the winning or losing of a service.


Why is rally scoring important in badminton?

Rally scoring is important in badminton because it adds a sense of urgency and excitement to the game. Every rally becomes crucial, as each one has the potential to result in a point for either side. It keeps players and spectators engaged and heightens the overall intensity of the match.

Why is rally scoring important in badminton?

With rally scoring, there is no interruption in the game’s flow. Players can score points on every rally, regardless of whether they served or received. It ensures a more fluid and dynamic match without waiting for a side-out or change of serve.

Also, it encourages players to be more strategic and adaptable in their gameplay. Since every rally counts, players must constantly adjust their tactics, employ different shots, and react quickly to the opponent’s moves. It fosters a more dynamic and skillful style of play.

Rather than this, rally scoring promotes fairness and equity by giving both sides equal opportunities to score points. In traditional scoring, only the serving side could score points, potentially leading to imbalances and longer games. Rally scoring eliminates this bias and ensures both sides can earn points equally.


How is rally scoring used in badminton?

The main badminton rally scoring guidelines now in use are as follows:

  • The rotation of the service in doubles matches is likewise based on rally scoring. The side that prevails in a rally is entitled to serve in the following rally. 
  • The game continues until one individual or team scores the points necessary to win. It is normally worth 21 points in traditional scoring systems. The man or team that reaches this score first wins the game.
  • There are no side-outs or serve changes based on winning or losing points, so rally scoring encourages continued play. The transition from one rally to the next is flawless for the entirety of the game.
  • In rally scoring, each rally results in a point being awarded to the side that wins it. The serving side can win a rally and earn a point, or the receiving side can win a rally and score a point. Points are accumulated throughout the game.

Difference between traditional scoring and rally scoring

The main differences between traditional scoring and rally scoring in badminton are as follows:

  • Allocation of Points: Only the serving side can get points under the traditional scoring system. The receiving side can only score points when they win the serve and go on to win a rally, but the serving side must win a rally to gain a point. Rally scoring, on the other hand, provides a point for each rally, independent of which side served. In rally scoring, both the serving and receiving sides can score points.
  • Serve Rotation: In the traditional scoring system, the serving side keeps serving until they make a mistake or lose a rally. After winning a rally, the receiving side can serve but is not awarded a point. On the other hand, in rally scoring, the side that wins the rally gains the right to serve in the following rally, regardless of which side served before.
  • Momentum in scoring: the traditional scoring system might make games last longer because only the serving side has the chance to score points. It means that to score; the receiving side must win the serve. Every rally in a rally-scoring scenario can affect the score, causing more frequent score changes and potential momentum swings.
  • Continuous play: Rally scoring encourages continued play because there are no side-outs or serve changes based on winning or losing points. The match’s momentum and intensity are maintained as the game moves smoothly from one rally to another without pause.
  • Speed and Intensity: As each rally becomes more important, rally scoring increases the game’s urgency and intensity. Players must concentrate and give their all during each rally because even the smallest error might cost them a point. 
  • Game Length: Rally scoring frequently leads to shorter game lengths than traditional scoring.

Final Words

I hope this article has helped you learn about what a rally is in badminton, as a badminton rally is when two players are simultaneously shooting their best shots. They keep playing until one person has won all their points, with the player with the most points at the end of the rally winning that point.

And on the other hand, the rally scoring system has increased badminton’s competitiveness for players, interest for spectators, and financial success for all parties engaged in its administration and participation. It is consequently a win-win situation for all parties involved.

And in case you face any problems or have any questions going through your head, feel free to ask us or pin them up in the comment section below.

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