What is a let in badminton?
I · Intermediate · Rallies, faults and lets · 8 of 10A let stops the rally with no point scored; the same server serves again. It is called when the server serves before the receiver is ready, when the shuttle gets stuck in or on the net after the serve has been returned, when the shuttle breaks apart, and for anything unforeseen.
How it works
A let is called if:
- the server serves before the receiver is ready;
- server and receiver are both faulted on the serve;
- after the serve has been returned, the shuttle is caught on top of the net or caught in the net after passing over;
- the shuttle breaks up in play and the base separates completely from the rest;
- a coach disrupts play or distracts a player of the other side;
- a line judge is unsighted and neither the umpire nor the review system can decide;
- any unforeseen or accidental situation occurs, such as a shuttle from another court landing on yours.
After a let, play since the last serve does not count and the last server serves again.
Tricky cases
The shuttle got stuck in the net. Let or fault?
It depends on when. On the serve itself, a fault against the server. After the serve has been returned, a let.
A shuttle from the next court landed on ours mid-rally. What happens?
A let, as an unforeseen situation, if the umpire judges it disrupted play.
Why the rule exists
Some rallies are spoiled by things neither side caused. Replaying them is fairer than giving the point to either.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| All badminton under the BWF Laws | As above | L14 |
| Wheelchair badminton | A shuttle caught in or on the net in a rally is a fault, not a let | L13.3.10, 14.2.3 |
| Matches without an umpire | A player may call a let | L14.1 |
From the rule book
BWF Laws of Badminton, Laws 13.2 and 14, version 5.0, in force from 26 April 2025. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: BWF Laws of Badminton (PDF).