Who Can Score Points in Badminton: Full Guide

By Sarah Miller · August 20, 2050

In a badminton game, points can be scored by either player or team during every rally, regardless of who served, under the rally point scoring system used in modern competitive play. The side that wins the rally earns a point, meaning both serving and receiving sides can score.

Understanding Badminton Scoring Basics

The current standard in professional and amateur badminton is the rally point system, introduced globally in 2006. This system replaced older formats where only the serving side could score. Now, every rally results in a point for one side, increasing pace and strategic depth.

Who Can Score Points?

Any player or doubles team can score a point by winning a rally.
Scoring is no longer dependent on serving status.
Points are awarded whether a side is serving or receiving.
The first side to reach 21 points with a margin of at least two points wins the set.
If the score reaches 20-20, play continues until one side gains a two-point lead or reaches 30 (whichever comes first).

Evolution of Badminton Scoring Systems

Historically, badminton used a side-out scoring system, where only the serving side could earn points. If the receiving side won a rally, they gained the serve but not a point. This often led to long matches with unpredictable durations.

The shift to the rally point system was driven by broadcast and spectator demands for shorter, more predictable match lengths. Since 2006, all major tournaments sanctioned by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) use this format.

Key Changes Over Time

Pre-2006: Only serving side could score; games played to 15 (men) or 11 (women).
2006–2014: Trial of 21-point rally scoring with no ceiling.
Post-2014: Standardized 21-point rally scoring with deuce rules (must win by 2, max 30).

Rally Point System Explained

Under the rally point system, every rally produces a point. This means players must remain defensively and offensively sharp throughout the match, even when receiving serve.

How Points Are Awarded

Winning a rally by forcing an error (e.g., shuttlecock lands out or fails to clear the net).
Hitting a winner (shuttle lands inside boundaries without return).
Opponent commits a fault (e.g., foot fault, double hit, net touch).
Opponent receives a penalty or misconduct point.

Doubles vs Singles: Scoring Differences

While the fundamental scoring rules are identical in singles and doubles, service rotation affects opportunity distribution.

Metric	Singles Match Avg Duration	Doubles Match Avg Duration	Avg Rallies per Match	Avg Points per Game
Olympic Games 2020	38 minutes	42 minutes	~185	21–18 avg
BWF World Championships 2023	40 minutes	45 minutes	~200	21–19 avg
All England Open 2024	37 minutes	43 minutes	~190	21–17 avg

Table data source:1, 2

Data shows that doubles matches tend to last slightly longer than singles due to faster exchanges and fewer unforced errors. The average number of points per game confirms that both serving and receiving sides score frequently, validating the balanced nature of the rally point system.

Faults That Lead to Points

A point is awarded when one side commits a fault. Common faults include:

Shuttlecock landing outside the court boundaries.
Failing to clear the net on a shot.
Hitting the shuttle into the net.
Doubles partner movement violations during serve.
Touching the net with racket or body during play.
Double hit or prolonged carry of the shuttle.

Frequently Asked Questions About Scoring in Badminton

Can the receiving side score points in badminton?

Yes, under the rally point scoring system, the receiving side can score a point by winning any rally. This rule applies to both singles and doubles matches.