Badminton · Doubles play · Serve

Doubles serve and return

Pairs practise the doubles low serve and the first return from the correct service courts, then play the rally out with full doubles serving order.

A1A2B1B2
Start / 4
Time
15 min
Players
4–6
Age
U12+
Area
Full court
Equipment
12 shuttlesrackets

Setup

  1. Two pairs on a doubles court. Remind everyone the doubles service court is short and wide: from the short service line to the doubles long service line, out to the doubles sideline.
  2. Server close to the short service line near the centre line, partner behind; receiver close to the short service line, partner behind in the other half.
  3. The serve must be hit below the fixed height (1.15 m from the floor under BWF Laws). Some local events still use the older waist rule, so check your competition's rules.

How it runs

  1. Block 1: each server plays 10 low serves to the receiver. The receiver attacks every one: a push to the mid-court gaps, a tight net shot, or a downward hit if the serve rises.
  2. The server is racket up straight after the serve and covers the net reply; the server's partner covers pushes to the mid and rear court.
  3. Block 2: play the rally out, rally-point scoring to 11. Serve from the right service court on an even score and the left on an odd score.
  4. In doubles the serving side keeps the serve while it wins points; the server switches service courts after each point won. The receivers don't switch.
  5. When the receiving side wins the point, they win the serve. Check your competition's rules for junior scoring.

Coaching points

  • Server: same relaxed set-up every time, a short push of the racket, shuttle skimming the tape.
  • Server: feet still and in contact with the floor until the serve is made.
  • Receiver: racket up and in front, weight forward, ready to step in and take the serve early.
  • Receiver's first aim is to make the server lift: push flat past the server or play tight to the net.
  • Both pairs go straight into shape after the return: whoever lifts goes side by side.

Common mistakes

  • Serving with a big backswing, so the serve floats up and gets attacked.
  • Server moving a foot before contact: a service fault.
  • Receiver standing tall with the racket down and taking the serve late.
  • Serving from the wrong service court after a change of score.

Say it: “Low serve, racket up. Step in, push.”

Make it harder

  • Server mixes in flick serves to the doubles long service line; the receiver must cover both.
  • Receiver scores a bonus point for a return that forces a lift.
  • Serve to a nominated target: the T or the wide corner of the service court.

Make it easier

  • Receiver returns to a chosen target with no rally.
  • Serve without a receiver first, counting serves that pass low and land in the service court.

Reviewed by the Sportdify coaching team.