Scoring Systems for Badminton

From the backyard to the Olympics, badminton is not a sport to be taken lightly. Saying anyone can play the sport skillfully is like saying the 6-year-old who can hit with a plastic bat is ready to hit in the Major Leagues. The game requires speed, skill and endurance. One of the hallmarks of badminton is the shuttlecock, which is the red and white object that players hit back and forth.

  1. Historical Scoring

    • For decades, only the serving team could score when the shuttlecock landed in its opponent's territory. If the shuttlecock landed in the serving team's territory, the other team got to serve and try to score.

    Basic Contemporary Scoring

    • Any time a shuttlecock lands inbounds, a point is scored by the team that hit it there. These points are accumulated to win matches. This system was adopted in 2006.

    The 3-by-21 System

    • The most popular scoring system is the 3-by-21, which is the best of three sets with the first team to 21 wins the set. To win the set, a team must win by two points.

    Traditional System

    • The traditional system recognizes a best of three-set series. Men play to 15 points and women play to 11 points.

    The 5-by-7 System

    • The 5-by-7 system was introduced in 2002. Under this format, the first player or team to score seven points wins the set. The set is part of a best of five-set series. This system is not often used.

    Backyard Scoring

    • Most people playing in their backyards tend to relax certain rules. In such games, no points may be credited if the serve is illegal. Also, the total score needed to gain victory may be altered.