What can't the receiver do in badminton?
I · Intermediate · Serving · 5 of 10Checked 13 October 2026
The receiver must stand inside the diagonal service court with part of both feet still on the floor until the serve is hit. Moving early is a fault. The receiver must not delay the serve, and in doubles only the receiver, not their partner, may return it.
How it works
- Feet: part of both feet on the floor and still, inside the service court and off its lines, until the server hits the shuttle.
- No undue delay once both players are ready.
- A receiver who is not ready should not try to return the serve: trying counts as being ready. If the serve came before they were ready, it is a let.
- In doubles, a serve hit by the receiver's partner is a fault.
- If both server and receiver are faulted on the same serve, it is a let.
Tricky cases
The receiver was not ready and let the serve drop. What happens?
A let, and the serve is taken again, if the umpire agrees the receiver was not ready and made no attempt.
Both players broke the rules on the same serve. Whose point?
Nobody's. It is a let.
Why the rule exists
The receiver stands very close to the net. Holding them still until the serve is hit gives the server a fair chance to start the rally.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| All badminton under the BWF Laws | As above | L9.1, 9.4, 13.2.3, 14.2 |
From the rule book
BWF Laws of Badminton, Laws 9.1, 9.4, 13.2 and 14.2, version 5.0, in force from 26 April 2025. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: BWF Laws of Badminton (PDF).