For those who are new to badminton, the court might first appear as a daunting maze of lines and boxes. But these markings are far from random. They define where to serve, where to stand, and how you move. Once you understand their purpose, the court becomes a partner to help you, not a puzzle to fear.
Here’s our guide to the layout of a badminton court, and how understanding those lines and zones can improve your game.
Understanding the layout
A full-size badminton court is rectangular and split in half by the presence of a net that should be exactly 1.55 metres at each post, dipping slightly in the middle. The court measures 13.4 metres long, and you’ll use the entire width (6.1 metres) for doubles matches. For singles, you’ll use the slightly narrower outline at 5.18 metres.
Know your lines
Close to the net you’ll find what’s called the short service line, positioned 1.98 metres away. Any serve that lands in front of it is a fault. The centre line is the one that runs – you guessed it – through the centre, perpendicular from the net. It splits the service area into left and right courts. These lines guide where to stand and aim when serving.
In singles, serve diagonally – from the right if your score is even, and from the left if it’s odd. In doubles, the service area is shaped by a shorter back line. This service line for doubles ensures the shuttle lands in a shallower yet wider zone, keeping everything tight and tactical.
The three court zones
Watch a pro player in training with their coach and you’ll see that they discuss tactics by splitting the court into three zones: the front court (near the net), the mid court, and the rear court. The front court is where finesse reigns, with delicate net kills and drops the name of the game here. The mid court is often the battleground for fast drives. In the rear court is where you’ll unleash clears and smashes.
By thinking in zones rather than lines you can begin to anticipate rally flow. For example, if your opponent lifts deep, you shift to the rear. If they play a soft drop, you surge forward.
Singles vs doubles positioning
In singles, your best defence is often your central base position around the mid court. It allows you to dart forward, backward or sideways quickly. Efficient footwork keeps energy use minimal and ensures you stay competitive—even across long rallies.
Whereas doubles pairs use a front‑and‑back formation when attacking — one player at the net and one at the back — and shift into side‑by‑side when defending to cover width. Constant communication is key to keeping everything in rhythm.
Use the court to make smart moves
As you begin to familiarise yourself with playing badminton, you’ll soon realise that these lines and zones do more than simply mark boundaries, they should shape your decision‑making. A good understanding helps you serve legally, position wisely, and move smartly.
At first, it might feel overwhelming. But over time and with enough practice your court awareness becomes instinctive. And that’s when you’ll start to see real progress.
