When do badminton players take a break and change ends?
I · Intermediate · How do you score and win? · 2 of 10Players get up to 60 seconds when the leading score reaches 11 in each game, and up to 120 seconds between games. They change ends after each game and, in a third game, when a side first reaches 11. From 4 January 2027 both of those 11s become 8.
How it works
- Mid-game interval: no more than 60 seconds, when the leading score reaches 11 (8 from 4 January 2027).
- Between games: no more than 120 seconds.
- Change ends: after game one; after game two if there is a third; in the third game when a side first scores 11 (8 from 4 January 2027).
- If the players forget to change ends, they change as soon as it is noticed, when the shuttle is not in play. The score stands.
- Otherwise play is continuous. A player may not leave the court without the umpire's permission except in the intervals.
- For televised matches, the referee can make the intervals compulsory and of fixed length.
Tricky cases
Can players get coaching during a game?
Yes, but only when the shuttle is not in play and before the players are in position for the next serve. Play must not be delayed for it.
The players forgot to change ends in the third game. Is the score reset?
No. They change when it is noticed and the score stands.
Why the rule exists
Changing ends shares out any difference between the two ends. The short intervals give rest and coaching time without breaking the flow of play.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| BWF Laws v5.0 | Interval and third-game change at 11 | L8.1, 16.2 |
| BWF Laws v6.0, from 4 January 2027 | At 8 | L8.1.3, 16.2.1 (v6.0) |
From the rule book
BWF Laws of Badminton, Laws 8 and 16.1 to 16.5, version 5.0 (in force from 26 April 2025) and version 6.0 (in force from 4 January 2027). Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: BWF Laws of Badminton (PDF).