Doubles in Badminton

^Lee So-hee. left, and Shin Seung-chan in action during the women's doubles final match against Chen Qing Chen and Jia Yi Fan of China at the BWF Badminton World Championships in Huelva, Spain 2021

Court and Equipment:

• The badminton court for doubles play is wider than the singles court, measuring 20 feet (6.1 meters) in width and 44 feet (13.4 meters) in length. It is divided into two halves by a net that stands at 5 feet (1.55 meters) in height at the center.
• Players use rackets to hit a shuttlecock, commonly referred to as a birdie. The shuttlecock can be made of feathers or synthetic materials.

Scoring:

• Doubles matches follow a best-of-three-games format, with points scored when the shuttlecock lands within the opponent's court boundaries.
• The first team to reach 21 points wins a game, and a team must win by a margin of at least two points. If the score reaches 20-20, the game continues until one team gains a two-point advantage.
• If each team wins one game, a third game may be played to determine the overall winner.

Service and Serve Rotation:

• The serve in badminton doubles is pivotal. The serving side must hit the shuttlecock diagonally across the net to the opponent's service court.
• Unlike singles, specific service rules apply in doubles. The serving side alternates between the two players on the team, and there's a rotational pattern for each serve on the receiving side.

In-Play Elements:

• Badminton doubles introduces added intricacies compared to singles, with a more crowded court requiring effective communication and coordination between teammates.
• Players often employ a mix of attacking and defensive strategies, involving net play, smashes, and fast-paced rallies that are characteristic of doubles matches.

Front and Back Court Division:

• Each player in a doubles pair usually has distinct roles on the court. One player may focus more on the frontcourt, near the net, while the other covers the backcourt, ensuring efficient court coverage.

Communication:

• Effective communication between teammates is crucial in doubles. Clear signals, verbal cues, and understanding each other's playing style contribute to a well-coordinated team effort.
• Quick decision-making is essential, especially in situations where both players are near the shuttlecock.

Footwork:

• Like singles, good footwork is vital in doubles. Quick lateral movements, covering the court efficiently, and adapting to the pace of the game contribute to success.

Strategy:

• Doubles strategy often involves exploiting gaps in the opponent's court, creating opportunities for attacks, and using quick net shots to gain control.
• Teams may employ defensive strategies to counter opponents' smashes or utilize fast-paced drives to keep opponents on the defensive.

Fitness and Endurance:

• Doubles play demands individual fitness as well as the ability to synchronize movements with a partner. Players need stamina for longer rallies and must be prepared for rapid changes in play.

In summary, badminton doubles in Australian English is an engaging sport that combines skill, teamwork, communication, and strategic thinking. Success in doubles relies on effective coordination between teammates and the ability to adapt to the dynamics of the game. 

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