Beginner’s handbook
Everything you need for your first rally
5 short chapters · about 14 minutes in total1Scoring & servingGame formats, where to stand, legal serves · 4 min2The court & its linesWhich lines count for singles and doubles · 2 min3Grips, shots & footworkHold the racket, six shots to know, the base · 4 min4Your first sessionWhat to bring and court etiquette · 2 min5Handy wordsScoring calls and common badminton terms · 2 minFind a session
Rules & coaching references
We checked the rules and technique notes in this handbook against these sources. The 3×15 start date is subject to the BWF’s published implementation schedule.
- Badminton Famly: grip demonstrations — Thomas Laybourn demonstrates forehand, thumb and bevel grips.
- BWF Shuttle Time video library — demonstrations and practice activities for all six shot types.
- BWF Laws of Badminton — court, lines, scoring, service, faults and doubles rotation.
- BWF alternative scoring systems — best of five to 11 and best of three to 15.
- BWF announcement: members approve 3×15 — adoption and scheduled start on 4 January 2027.
- Badminton Europe: new 3×15 scoring system — confirms the format and effective date.
- BWF umpire vocabulary — scoring calls and “love” for zero.
- BWF Shuttle Time Teachers’ Manual — beginner grips, movement and shot techniques.
- Badminton England secondary school resource — backhand overhead technique and grip range, including the bevel position.
Ready for your first game?
Look for sessions marked “All levels”. They’re relaxed, and nobody minds if you’re new.