STL All Sports

Singles: The service court is long and narrow. The playing court is long and narrow. Doubles: The service court is short and wide. The playing court is long and wide. Number of Players Singles (2) or doubles (4).

Points per Game

Usually 15 points (aces) constitute a game, whether singles or doubles, but the rules state that you may play 15 or 21 points, as agreed; also that women's singles shall consist of 11 points.

In a 15-point game the side first reaching 13, but later tied, may set the game 3 to 5 additional points, or the side first reaching 14 may set the game to 3 additional points. In a 21-point game the scores may be set to 5 or 3 at 19-all or 20-all respectively. In the 11-point women's singles the game may be set at 5 or 3 when the score is respectively 9-all or 10-all. Games per Rubber or Match The best two out of three.

Choice of Service and Courts

The winner of the toss (coin or racket) has the choice of serving, receiving, or defending a particular side. The loser of the toss has a choice of the remaining options.

Players change courts at the end of a game and the winner serves first. In doubles, either of the two winners may serve first and either of the two losers may receive first.

If a third game is necessary to determine the winner of a match the players shall change courts when the leading score reaches 6 in a game of 11, 8 in a game of 15, or 11 in a game of 21 aces.

Faults or Errors

The following infractions of the rules constitute an out if made by the serving side and a point for the opponents if made by the receiving side.

1. If the service is made overhand. (At the instant of being struck the shuttle may not be higher than the server's waist.)

2. If the service falls out of the court diagonally opposite. (Long, short, outside, or wrong court. On the line is considered in the court for the bird.)

3. If the server or receiver steps out of his respective court (on the line is out for a player) before the service is delivered (as soon as the bird is struck by the server's racket).

4. If in service the server or his partner balks (makes preliminary feints, etc.)

5. If in service or play the shuttle falls outside the designated boundaries, goes through or under the net, fails to pass over the net, touches roof or sidewalls, or the person or dress of any player.

6. If the shuttle, in play, is hit before it crosses the net. (It is legal to follow the shuttle over the net with the racket provided the contact is made on your side of the net.)

7. If, during play, a player touches the net or its support with his racket, person, or dress.

8. If the shuttle is hit twice in succession, either by the same person, or players on the same side.

9. If the bird is momentarily held on the racket and not distinctly hit.

Service. The opening stroke of a round.

Set-up. The bird is so hit that the opponent has a good opportunity to return to advantage. Setting. After the score is tied at certain points the game is set and one of the players has the right to elect the number of additional points.

Service lines. Lines drawn across the court parallel with the net. Shuttlecock. The missile or bird employed. Toss. Flip of coin (head or tail) or racket (rough or smooth trimming) which gives the winner the option of a number of choices.