Can you shout or get in your opponent's way in badminton?
I · Intermediate · Rallies, faults and lets · 7 of 10Checked 13 October 2026
No.
Obstruction, preventing an opponent from making a legal stroke where the shuttle is followed over the net, is a
fault. So is deliberately distracting an opponent by shouting or making gestures, and going under the net in a way that
obstructs or distracts.
How it works
- Obstruction at the net: stopping an opponent's legal follow-through over the net.
- Deliberate distraction: any action such as shouting or gestures aimed at putting the opponent off.
- Invading under the net with racket or body, if the opponent is obstructed or distracted.
- In doubles, partners must not stand where they block the opposing server's or receiver's view at the serve.
- If a coach disrupts play or distracts the other side, the umpire calls a let.
Tricky cases
Is shouting when I smash a fault?
It depends on why. A shout of effort is not a fault. Shouting on purpose to distract the opponent is.
Can partners call "yours" or "leave it" to each other?
Yes. Talking to your partner is not a deliberate distraction of the opponent.
Why the rule exists
Each player must be free to play their stroke. Winning a rally by putting an opponent off is not badminton.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| All badminton under the BWF Laws | As above | L9.5, 13.4.3 to 13.4.5, 14.2.5 |
From the rule book
BWF Laws of Badminton, Laws 9.5, 13.4 and 14.2.5, version 5.0, in force from 26 April 2025. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: BWF Laws of Badminton (PDF).