When watching a badminton match, you probably hear various foreign terms, such as serve, smash, and game point. The badminton terms may become more familiar as you watch the game more often.
As someone who lives in Indonesia, such terms may not be entirely unfamiliar because badminton is one of the most popular sports in Indonesia, with many of its games often broadcast on television.
To learn about badminton terms, check out this article!
Badminton Terms
Every sport has its terms, and badminton is no exception. Generally, badminton terms relate to techniques, rules, and people involved in the match. Here are some of the popular badminton terms and their meanings:
1. Serve
Serve means a blow to start the game. It can be done in two ways, short or long.
When the player serves short, the shuttlecock heads to the front area of the opponent's defense.
On the other hand, a long serve refers to launching the shuttlecock to the back area of the opponent's defense.
2. Fault
The next term in badminton sports enthusiasts should take note of is fault or offense. Badminton players should obey the rules during the game. A player violating these rules will be considered at fault.
In other words, a fault means a game violation the player commits. An example of a fault is when the player's body, racket, or body touches the net.
3. Backhand
Backhand relates to a player's shuttlecock shooting technique. When performing a backhand, the player uses the back of the racket to hit the shuttlecock. Therefore, this technique relies on wrist strength above all else.
4. Smash
A smash in badminton is a sharp and hard blow to attack the opponent.
There are several kinds of smashes in badminton, including jumping smashes, backhand smashes, flick smashes, and around-the-head smashes.
5. Netting
Netting means hitting the shuttlecock while it's close to the net. Generally, netting aims to make it difficult for the opponent to receive and return the shuttlecock.
6. Match and Game Point
In badminton, the referee uses the terms match point and game point.
Match point indicates when one of the players is ahead and only needs one more point to win the match.
On the other hand, a game point is when a player only needs one point to win the round.
7. Rubber Game
Rubber game refers to the round of the match. To beat the opponent, badminton players must win two rounds. If each player wins one round, both must play again in the third set or a rubber game.
8. Rally
When playing badminton, the main goal is to get points by dropping the shuttlecock in the opponent's defense area using various strokes.
All the strokes come from serves. The shuttlecock landing in the opponent's area means a player scores a point. This exchange of serves is called a rally.
9. Love All
This term has been listed in the official badminton rules and refers to the start of the match. The term love all indicates that both players or pairs start at zero.
10. Interval
In each round, the referee will order a break time after either player scores 11 points. This rest time is called the interval, which generally lasts for 2 minutes.
11. Footwork
Footwork often refers to a player's basic skills. The term footwork refers to the player's agility and speed of footwork in the field.
12. Drive
The drive is one of the techniques in badminton. This drive shot is done quickly and horizontally to prevent the opponent from launching an attack. Players in doubles matches usually use this technique.
13. Deuce
To win a match, a player must be 2 points ahead of the opponent and reach 21 first. However, there are times when the two players have a balanced score at the end of the game, for example, both 20. This is when the match is said to be deuce.
14. Straight Game
To defeat the opponent, the player must win two rounds. If the player can immediately win two rounds at once, then the match is called a straight game.
15. Challenge
In a sports match, there are times when players are dissatisfied with the referee's decision. This kind of issue also happens in badminton.
Players can propose corrections to the umpire's decision by requesting a challenge. After that, the umpire will review his decision by checking the instant replays.
16. Defence
When putting a defense, players will focus on receiving and returning the opponent's attacks.
17. Umpire
In badminton, several referees are involved, one being the umpire.
The umpire is a referee with the highest authority. He is also tasked with explaining all the rules during a match.
Those are the various badminton terms that you usually hear in matches.
Knowing these terms allows you to understand the game better, whether as a player or an audience member.
While engaging in a badminton match, don't forget to drink enough water to keep your body well-hydrated because you gradually lose body fluid through sweat.
To prevent dehydration, remember #AQUADULU to help fulfill your body fluids.
AQUA is pure mountain water, untouched by human hands in the process. Thus, its quality and purity are maintained until you drink it.
AQUA water is also suitable for consumption after exercise, as it feels fresh even without having to be put in a refrigerator first.
So, always get your AQUA ready before your sports activities.
Created by nature, AQUA is 100% PURE healthy mineral water without additional elements, the way nature intended you to drink it.
