This badminton video is going viral! Things every badminton player needs to know—those unspoken rules of the badminton community.

6 min read
This badminton video is going viral! Things every badminton player needs to know—those unspoken rules of the badminton community.

There was once a badminton video circulating wildly across various WeChat groups—showing a young kid charging recklessly around the court, only to be knocked sprawling to the ground by a hefty man stepping back after receiving the serve. It was a scene that left everyone on edge!



Thankfully, after urgent treatment, it seems the situation is stable—enough to ease the heavy worry that had been weighing on everyone’s minds! But looking back now, it’s impossible not to feel a shiver of fear. If it had been a young girl injured instead, whose responsibility would that have been? One particularly insightful comment from fans perfectly captures the sentiment of most players:I pay to rent the court to play—not to keep my eyes everywhere and ears tuned for anyone breaking the rules as I move around. I’m there to enjoy badminton. Honestly, this is exactly what happens, though I’d never want to see a kid get hurt.


As an amateur, the most annoying thing is those "Rule-breaking"people! Today, Sister Lan is here to chat with everyone about those on the badminton courtThe unwritten "rule"!


These 10 unwritten rules of the court—share them with your group or anyone around you who might not follow the guidelines. And if you’re unaware of them, make sure to learn them right away after reading!


01

Actively picking up the ball


Watching the Lin-Lee showdown, before the net play, Lee Chong Wei returned a shot that didn’t clear the net. Even though Lin Dan was already at the net, he didn’t bother picking it up—instead, Lee Chong Wei retrieved the ball and handed it back to his opponent. In casual matches, players often make the mistake of failing to pick up a ball that hasn’t crossed the net, and this kind of behavior is definitely unprofessional and not ideal.


When the ball lands near the net on one side, and it’s the opponent’s turn to serve, the player on this side should proactively pick up the ball, gently toss it over the net to their opponent—ideally landing it either in the opponent’s receiving area or back in the serving zone.


02

Take the ball when inviting someone to play.

If I were to play basketball with the legendary Li Zongwei, I’d definitely bring my own ball—no excuses! I’ve seen plenty of people show up for pickup games without their own ball, or worse, showing up with a worn-out, broken one. Such disrespectful behavior really needs to be avoided.


When you proactively ask someone to play, make sure to bring your own ball—especially if you're a beginner looking to learn from an expert. After all, offering to provide the ball while seeking guidance from a seasoned player is like hitting the jackpot!




03

Pass the ball in turns


The ball is broken, but the side that didn’t provide the ball isn’t voluntarily replacing it.


On the court, it’s all about mutual respect—when one side breaks their ball first, the other should kindly step up and offer their own ball for the next play. Anyone who always tries to gain an unfair advantage, though, is simply annoying.



And don’t get hung up on who has the edge in terms of ball output—even if he doesn’t give you a single one, Yuqiu Jun would still be happy to play with him, because after all, his high level means you’d have so much to learn!


04

Don't press down on the conveyor belt.



Some people like to slam the net strap while talking to their opponent, or they’re accustomed to venting their mistakes by hitting the tennis net.


Pressing down on the net is strictly prohibited—it’s basic common sense, as pressing can easily cause the net to tear or lose its proper height.


05

Wait for your opponent to get into position before serving.

Intentionally serving before the opponent is ready—or even committing a fault by sneaking a serve into the backcourt—it's fair to say that players who do this usually aren't very good at badminton!



When serving, wait until your opponent is properly positioned, then raise your racket to signal that you're about to serve—this is the proper way to serve.


06

Be serious in your attitude.


Some people who think they’re quite good at the game tend to play lazily and casually against those slightly less skilled. Meanwhile, there are also players who come to the court mainly to sweat it out during their workout—and yet, while they’re playing, they can’t resist striking up conversations with anyone outside the match.


Regardless of your skill level, maintain a positive attitude—after all, you’re not just playing the game; you’re engaging in a personal exchange with others. Respect is the absolute minimum expectation when interacting with fellow players. And if you’re chatting casually while playing, it’s best to avoid doing so with someone who takes the game seriously—otherwise, they’ll likely look down on you.


07

Raise your hand to signal when hitting the opponent or playing a net cord.

When hitting the ball and accidentally striking your opponent—whether intentionally or unintentionally—be sure to raise your hand to signal your acknowledgment. Similarly, if you manage a lucky shot that grazes the net, don’t forget to raise your hand as well. These gestures should clearly show your opponent that you’re apologizing for the incident.


08

Don't rush to pick up the ball.

When playing ball normally, the adjacent courts are quite close, so it often happens that the ball flies over into the neighboring court mid-play. In such situations, you shouldn’t rush in to retrieve the ball—doing so could disturb others who are still playing. Plus, if you enter the other court, you might even risk getting hit and injured yourself.


When the other player is in the middle of their shot, wait until the ball becomes dead before retrieving it—and don’t forget to apologize afterward. And if someone else picks up the ball for you, make sure to quietly say "thank you," even if they don’t notice.



09

Stay away from other people's playing fields.


When crossing the street recklessly, you always feel like vehicles wouldn’t dare hit you—but if they do, it’ll either be life-threatening or leave you permanently disabled. Similarly, walking near the sports field, you might think your opponent can’t possibly spot you from behind; but if they manage to catch you, the consequences could be devastating.


So when passing by someone else's court, stay clear of their playing area—otherwise, you might hurt yourself and end up bothering others, which is an annoying and unwelcome behavior.



10

Shake hands voluntarily after finishing the game.



When your opponent is shorter, take the initiative to reach out a bit more—but avoid pressing the net. After finishing the point, don’t turn around and head off the court right away; instead, proactively go over to shake hands with your opponent and say, "Well played" or "Thank you."


Follow the rules, and your circle of friends will grow wider; ignore them, and your friendships will gradually fade away. Don’t focus solely on improving your skills—cultivate your manners as well. After all, playing with polite people is always a truly enjoyable experience.

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