Faults of the stroke: carried shuttle, double hit and the partner
Three ways the hit itself can be a fault: slinging, hitting twice, and a partner touching the shuttle.
Why read this
In the Laws, a stroke is a movement of the player's racket with an intention to hit the shuttle (definitions). Several clauses of Law 13 describe a hit that is not legal (BWF Laws of Badminton, edition in force 26 April 2025).
Slinging
It is a fault if the shuttle is caught and held on the racket and then slung during the execution of a stroke (Law 13.3.6). The shuttle must leave the strings with a hit, not be carried.
Hitting twice
It is a fault if the shuttle is hit twice in succession by the same player (Law 13.3.7). One exception is written in the Law: a shuttle hitting the head and the stringed area of the racket in one stroke is not a fault.
The partner
In doubles:
- it is a fault if the shuttle is hit by a player and the player's partner successively (Law 13.3.8);
- during the service, it is a fault if the shuttle is hit by the receiver's partner (Law 13.2.3).
An example
You play a net shot and, in the same swing, the shuttle touches your frame and then your strings. Law 13.3.7 says this is not a fault. If you swing a second time and hit it again, that is a double hit.
Limits
- The Laws do not say how to tell "caught and held" from a fast contact; the official's judgment applies.
- "In one stroke" is not defined further; whether the head and the strings were hit in one stroke is a question of fact for the official in charge.
- This page covers only these clauses; the conditions of a legal serve are in the lesson on the serve.
General practice advice: play within your limits and stop if something hurts.