What are the service rules in para badminton?
I · Intermediate · Court and competition · 2 of 3In wheelchair badminton the shuttle must be below the server's armpit when hit, with the racket shaft pointing down, and both players' wheels must stay still apart from the chair's natural counter-movement. Standing classes use the alternative service laws: below the waist, shaft pointing down. Feet stay in contact with the court unless a listed exception applies.
How it works
- Wheelchair height: below the server's armpit.
- Wheelchair wheels: still, except natural counter-movement.
- Standing height: below the waist.
- Waist: level with the lowest part of the bottom rib.
- Racket: shaft pointing downwards.
- Feet: part of both on the court, still.
- Exceptions: medically justified, on a list.
- Service judge: calls the fault.
The glossary has the wheelchair service, the standing service (para badminton), the foot-contact exceptions, the service judge (para badminton), the half-court (para badminton) and the para clauses of the Laws.
Tricky cases
Does the 1.15 m rule apply in para badminton?
No. The body-based height replaces it.
Can a receiver roll forward before the serve?
No. The wheels must be still.
A player cannot keep both feet down. Fault?
Not if they are on the Head of Classification's list.
Who signals service faults?
The service judge.
Why the rule exists
Linking height to the body suits players of every size and seat. A fixed 1.15 m would be unfair to SH6 or wheelchair players.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelchair | Below the armpit | L 9.1.6.1 |
| Standing | Below the waist | L 9.1.6.2 |
| Able-bodied | Below 1.15 m | L 9.1.6 |
From the rule book
BWF, Laws of Badminton, version 6.0 (in force 4 January 2027), Law 9.1, with the Instructions to Para Badminton Technical Officials, section 8. Checked 14 October 2026. Official documents: BWF Statutes, Sections 4.1 and 5.5.