To play doubles in badminton, you and your partner use the wide doubles court and switch between two formations depending on who is hitting down. When your side is attacking, play front and back: the back player smashes and drops while the front player hunts for weak replies at the net. When your side has lifted and is defending, move side by side so each player covers half the court. Serve low most of the time, avoid lifting when you can, and communicate constantly so you never both chase, or both leave, the same shuttle.
Doubles is faster and more tactical than singles, with shorter rallies and quicker exchanges. This guide explains doubles court lines and serving rules, formations and rotation, serving and receiving strategy, key tactics, partner communication, drills, and common mistakes.
Doubles court and serving rules
| Rule | Doubles |
|---|---|
| Court width in rallies | Full width, using the outer (doubles) sidelines |
| Serving area length | Short: up to the doubles long service line, 0.76 m inside the back boundary line |
| Serving area width | Outer sidelines to the center line |
| Scoring | Rally scoring; every rally wins a point, games to 21 |
| Which court to serve from | Right service court when the serving side’s score is even, left when odd |
| Change of service | If the serving side loses the rally, the serve passes to the opponents |
| Changing service courts | The serving pair switches service courts only when it wins a point on its own serve |
Because the doubles service court is short, a high serve can easily be smashed, which is why low serves dominate in doubles.
Doubles formations
Front and back (attack). Used when your side is hitting the shuttle downward. The back player attacks with smashes, drops, and fast clears. The front player stands around the front service line, racket up, ready to intercept and kill weak blocks or drives.
Side by side (defense). Used when your side has lifted the shuttle. Each player covers one half of the court from the mid-court, standing slightly back with the racket ready to return smashes with blocks, drives, or lifts.
Mixed doubles. In mixed doubles, teams often keep a front and back shape more of the time, with one player controlling the net and the partner covering the rear court.
How rotation works
From defense to attack. When your side gets a chance to hit down, the player who can reach the shuttle attacks, and the partner moves forward to the net to form a front and back formation.
From attack to defense. When your side lifts, the front player moves back and to the side, and the back player moves forward to the other side, forming a side-by-side defense.
Follow the shuttle. A useful rule of thumb: if you hit down, you attack; if you lift, you defend.
Serving in doubles
Low serve as the default. Serve low and tight so the shuttle just clears the net and lands near the front service line. This forces the receiver to lift or play a delicate net shot.
Mix placements. Serve to the T (where the center line meets the front service line) and occasionally wide to the outside corner.
Use the flick serve sparingly. A flick over the receiver’s head can win points against players who rush the net, but it is risky if they read it.
Raise your racket after serving. The server should immediately get the racket up to cover the net return.
Receiving in doubles
Stand close to the front service line. Receivers often stand near the front service line with the racket up, ready to attack a loose serve.
Attack the serve. Push the shuttle into the mid-court gaps, play tight net shots, or smash any serve that floats high.
Watch for the flick. Keep your weight balanced so you can move back quickly if the server flicks.
Key doubles tactics
Hit down and stay on the attack. The side hitting down usually controls the rally. Avoid lifting when possible.
Target the middle. Smashes and drives down the middle create doubt over who should take the shuttle.
Aim at the body. Fast shots at the opponent’s racket-side hip are hard to return cleanly.
Use pushes and drives. Flat pushes into the mid-court and drives keep the shuttle below the net tape.
Attack the weaker player. If one opponent is less confident, direct more shots to them without becoming predictable.
Communication and teamwork
Call the shuttle. Use short calls like “mine,” “yours,” or “leave” to prevent clashes and missed shots.
Agree on the middle. Decide in advance who takes shots down the middle. Many pairs let the forehand-side player take them, or the player whose partner is attacking.
Stay positive. Encourage each other after mistakes and discuss tactics between points or at intervals.
Drills for doubles
Attack and defense drill. One pair attacks from front and back while the other defends side by side. Switch roles regularly.
Rotation drill. A coach feeds shuttles that require the pair to switch between formations, focusing on movement.
Serve and third-shot practice. Practice the low serve and the server’s next shot after the return.
Two-on-one drive drill. Two players drive at one player to build fast hands and reactions.
Common doubles mistakes
Lifting too often. Lifts give your opponents the attack. Use pushes, drives, and net shots when possible.
Standing in the wrong formation. Staying front and back after lifting leaves a huge gap for a smash.
Both players going for the same shuttle. Clear communication avoids clashes and gaps.
Front player retreating. In attack, the front player should hold the net rather than drifting back.
High serves. The short doubles service court makes high serves easy to smash.
Blaming your partner. Negative reactions hurt teamwork and performance.
A note on the rulebook
This guide follows the Badminton World Federation (BWF) Laws of Badminton, which cover doubles court dimensions, service courts, scoring, and the order of serving. Some local leagues and recreational sessions use simplified rules, so check with your club or league if you are unsure.
Frequently asked questions
Where do you stand in doubles badminton?
When your side is attacking, stand front and back. When your side is defending after a lift, stand side by side, each covering half the court.
Can you serve high in doubles badminton?
Yes, but it is risky because the doubles service court is short, so a high serve is easy for the receiver to smash. Low serves are the standard choice.
Who takes the shuttle down the middle in doubles?
Pairs usually agree in advance. A common approach is that the player on the forehand side takes it, or the player in the best position calls for it.
