Who serves first in badminton?
I · Intermediate · How do you score and win? · 1 of 10Checked 13 October 2026
A toss before the match decides it. The winner chooses one of two things: to serve or receive first, or which end to start at. The loser takes the remaining choice. In later games, the side that won the previous game serves first.
How it works
- The toss winner picks either serve/receive or an end.
- The other side picks from what is left.
- In doubles, either player of the side serving first can serve, and either opponent can receive.
Tricky cases
Can the toss winner choose to receive?
Yes. The choice is to serve or to receive.
Must the toss be done with a coin?
No. The Laws say only that a toss is conducted. Clubs often spin a racket or hit a shuttle up and see where it points.
Why the rule exists
Serving first and the choice of end can both matter, for example with drift from air conditioning or lights at one end, so the toss shares them out by chance.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| All badminton under the BWF Laws | As above | L6 |
From the rule book
BWF Laws of Badminton, Laws 6, 7.6 and 11.6, version 5.0, in force from 26 April 2025. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: BWF Laws of Badminton (PDF).