Is para badminton played on a smaller court?
B · Beginner · Court and competition · 3 of 3Wheelchair singles and doubles use the reduced courts in the Laws' Diagrams D and E. SL3 singles use the half-court in Diagram F; all other standing events use the full court. On half-courts the players serve and receive from their own service courts whatever the score. Wheelchair courts tie only the top third of the net, so players pass under it.
How it works
- Wheelchair singles: Diagram D court.
- Wheelchair doubles: Diagram E court.
- SL3 singles: half-court, Diagram F.
- Other standing events: the full court.
- Half-court service: own service court at any score.
- Extra line: on standing courts for the half-court.
- SL3 chairs: beside the umpire for intervals.
- Net: top third tied on wheelchair courts.
The glossary has the half-court (para badminton), the para court set-up, the SL3 and SL4, the WH1 and WH2, the umpire's handshake (para badminton) and the service judge (para badminton).
Tricky cases
Do SL4 players use the half-court?
No. Only SL3 singles do.
Does a half-court server switch sides on odd scores?
No.
Where does the umpire shake hands for wheelchair matches?
Off the chair, at court level.
Does SL3 doubles use a half-court?
No. Diagram F is for singles.
Why the rule exists
Smaller courts match how far players can move in a chair or with a severe leg impairment. The rally stays a contest, not a chase.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelchair | Diagrams D and E | L 1.1.1 |
| SL3 singles | Diagram F | L 1.1.2 |
| Half-court service | No left-right change | L 10.1.3 |
From the rule book
BWF, Laws of Badminton, version 6.0 (in force 4 January 2027), Laws 1.1, 9.1.3.1 and 10.1.3, with the Instructions to Para Badminton Technical Officials, 3.3.6 and 6.7.3. Checked 14 October 2026. Official documents: BWF Statutes, Sections 4.1 and 5.5.