How To Do Scoring In Badminton?
If you’ve ever sat through a thrilling badminton match wondering how the scoring system works—or worse, found yourself cheering at the wrong moment—you’re not alone. Badminton scoring might seem straightforward, but when you’re watching your child on court or joining a friendly game yourself, a clear understanding makes the experience a whole lot more enjoyable. So if you’re still scratching your head at how points are awarded, when players switch sides, or who gets to serve next, let’s break it down together with everything you need to know about how to do scoring in badminton.
Why Knowing How To Do Scoring In Badminton Matters
Imagine your child learning footwork, smashes, and backhand clears like a pro—but every time they look at the scoreboard, they’re confused. That’s like preparing for a spelling bee but not knowing the alphabet. Scoring in badminton is more than just tracking points—it shapes strategy, focus, and confidence. At ULTExplosive Badminton Academy, we believe that learning how to play starts with understanding how to win, and that begins with knowing how the scoreboard ticks.
Understanding the Badminton Scoring System
Let’s set the stage. In modern badminton, matches are played best of three games to 21 points. Sounds simple? It mostly is. Each rally counts as a point, whether you’re serving or receiving. This rally point system replaced the old-school method that only allowed the serving side to score. Now, every point truly counts, and the game flows faster, making it more engaging for kids and parents alike.
When the score hits 20-all, it’s not game over just yet. The game continues until one side gains a 2-point lead. However, it caps at 30. So if it’s 29-all, whoever scores the next point wins the game. This creates moments of nail-biting tension—perfect for teaching young athletes composure under pressure.
How To Do Scoring In Badminton Doubles vs. Singles
The scoring rules stay the same whether you’re playing singles or doubles, but the serving side and court positioning vary. In singles, players serve from the right side when their score is even and the left when it’s odd. In doubles, only the serving team switches positions after scoring a point, and service alternates between players on the team after winning a point when they had the serve.
Sounds technical? It can be at first, but our structured lessons simplify these details through repetition, match simulations, and friendly games. That way, both kids and adult learners internalize the system without needing to memorize a rulebook.
Learning Scoring Through Gameplay
One of the most effective ways we teach kids how to do scoring in badminton is through actual gameplay. From day one, we let students participate in short rallies, mini-games, and point-counting activities to reinforce how scoring works. This turns abstract rules into real-life reactions. You’d be surprised how quickly a nine-year-old can tell you when it’s time to switch court sides!
In fact, this method aligns with a recent 2023 study by Sport Singapore that highlighted how children grasp complex rules faster when they’re embedded within practical, game-based learning.
The Role of Parents: Scoring Is Not Just for Players
Knowing how to do scoring in badminton isn’t just for your child. As a parent, understanding the system helps you become a more involved supporter. Whether you’re keeping score during a friendly family match or cheering from the sidelines at a weekend academy tournament, understanding the flow helps you encourage your child meaningfully.
We’ve seen parents at our holiday badminton camps picking up the system just by watching our daily warm-up games. A quick tip: once you grasp the server’s position and the flow of points, the rest becomes instinctive.
Beyond the Basics: Mental Strategy and Score Awareness
Scoring in badminton isn’t just about points—it’s a psychological battlefield too. Ever noticed a player taking more time when the score is tight? That’s score awareness. Learning to manage nerves at 19-20, or knowing when to push for a lead at 11-9, is part of tactical development we introduce gradually at ULTExplosive. We teach students how to maintain focus no matter what the scoreboard says, whether they’re down 5-10 or leading 17-12.
This is where mental preparation in training in Singapore comes into play. Psychological resilience is increasingly becoming a core part of sports education, and even something as technical as scoring plays into that.
How Our Coaches Teach It Differently
At ULTExplosive Badminton Academy, we pride ourselves on breaking complex skills into digestible lessons that make sense to every age group. Our coaches use court visuals, verbal cues, and even modified rackets to ensure that the rules don’t just stick—they become second nature.
For younger children, we use a lot of encouragement-based learning. Think phrases like “You scored, so now it’s your turn to serve from the right!” This reinforcement creates muscle memory while keeping sessions fun and interactive.
Older kids and adults get more structured feedback. During drills, coaches will pause the game to explain why the point was awarded or what mistake led to the opponent scoring. This real-time correction trains players to be mindful of scoring without breaking their flow.
Keeping Score In Your Own Backyard
Want to reinforce learning outside of training? Try keeping score during backyard games or at your nearby community sports hall. Use cones, chalk lines, or even voice cues to simulate the on-court experience. It’s a great bonding activity for families and helps reinforce everything taught in class.
Our students who regularly practice at home often return with stronger match instincts. They’re more alert, more aware, and more confident when calling out their own scores—a little like mini referees with rackets.
Final Thoughts on How To Do Scoring In Badminton
Badminton may be a game of physical finesse, but understanding the scoring system gives players the mental edge. From learning to keep calm at 20-all to confidently calling out scores in a group setting, mastering the scoring rules equips students with a sense of control and confidence that goes far beyond the court.
Whether your child is just starting out or already playing matches, knowing how to do scoring in badminton is a skill that boosts both game performance and enjoyment. And we’ve made it part of the journey from the very first lesson.
Ready to Learn the Score?
Ready to experience the game the right way from the very first point? Join us at ULTExplosive Badminton Academy and let your child or yourself learn not just how to play—but how to play smart. From beginner-friendly classes to competitive training, our coaches are here to turn confusion into confidence, one rally at a time. Book a trial class today and let’s get that scoreboard working in your favour!
Click on the link to find out more about TM Tennis Academy’s lesson package. Chat with our head coach today!
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