Badminton words · Intermediate

The words that make the commentary make sense. They build on the beginner words.

I · Intermediate · 22 words · Step 2 of 2

Faults

Double hit

Hitting the shuttle twice in a row is a fault. So is a player and their partner hitting it one after the other. It is not a fault when the shuttle touches the racket's head and strings in a single stroke.

Also called: double touch
See also: Fault, Shuttlecock, Racket

Obstruction

Stopping an opponent from making a legal stroke, or deliberately distracting them by shouting or gesturing, is a fault.

Match procedure

Misconduct

Deliberately delaying play, damaging the shuttle, or offensive behaviour. The umpire first warns the side, then faults it, and reports to the referee, who can disqualify.

Serve and return terms

Flick serve

A serve that looks like a short serve at first but is flicked deep at the last moment to catch the opponent moving forward.

Backhand serve

A serve played with the back of the paddle hand facing the shuttle, common in doubles for its quick, deceptive motion.

Shot variations

Jump smash

A smash hit while the player is airborne, giving a steeper angle and more power than a smash hit from the ground.

Around the head shot

A shot played on the backhand side of the court but hit with a forehand motion by reaching over the head.

Cross court drop

A drop shot aimed diagonally across the court rather than straight ahead.

Slice

A shot hit with a cutting motion across the shuttle, making it drift sideways as it falls.

Kill shot

A very steep, hard smash aimed to finish the point outright, hit from close to the net.

Fast flat serve

A low, quick serve driven flat over the net, mainly used in doubles to deny the opponent time to attack.

Doubles strategy terms

Front and back formation

A doubles setup where one player covers the net area and the other covers the back of the court.

Side by side formation

A doubles setup where both players split the court into left and right halves, often used defensively.

Rotation

How doubles partners move and swap positions during a rally to keep the court covered.

Interception

Cutting off an opponent's shot at the net before it can travel deeper into the court.

Officials and rules

Line judge

An official who calls whether the shuttle landed in or out on the line they are watching.

Service judge

An official who checks that the server follows the service Laws, including keeping the whole shuttle below 1.15 metres when it is hit.

Continuous play

Play must be continuous from the first serve to the end of the match, apart from the intervals the Laws allow. Under the Laws in force until 3 January 2027 these are up to 60 seconds when the leading score reaches 11 points and up to 120 seconds between games. Under the 3×15 system the in-game interval comes at 8 points.

Referee

The official in overall charge of the tournament. Umpires report to the referee, who can disqualify a side after an umpire's report.

Instant review system

A technology system, where a tournament uses one, that decides line-call challenges.

Also called: review, challenge

Stroke

A movement of the player's racket with the intention of hitting the shuttle.

Para badminton

Badminton adapted for players with impairments. It is played in wheelchair and standing classes, with some different courts and rules set out in the Laws.

The ruleHow is para badminton different?

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