Badminton is a sport with very little margin for error. Arguably the quickest racquet sport in the world, it is not uncommon to witness a range of faults in the sport. Faults pertaining to serve and return are explained in separate articles. In this article, we shall take a look at the other common faults seen during the gameplay.
Contact fault
A contact fault is when the racquet touches the net during a point. If a player hits a smash to win a point but touches the net in the process, he or she will eventually lose the point.
A contact fault is also when the shuttle touches any part of the body or clothing of the player. Basically, the shuttle can only contact the badminton racquet during the rally.
Over the net fault
A player has to allow the shuttle to cross the net while returning. Hitting the shuttle when it is still in the opponent’s side of the court results in a fault. If a player hits a shuttle forom his or her side of the court and then drives the shuttle across the net, then it is a legal shot.
Double Hit
Hitting the shuttle more than once results in immediate loss of point. This is called a double hit. In doubles, if both players contact the shuttle in an attempt to return, then it results in a double hit fault.
Carrying the Shuttle
The manner in which the shuttle leaves the strings of the badminton racquet must be a quick and brisk action. The sport is so quick that having the shuttle in contact with the racquet for one full second is likely to be called a carry fault.
Hindrance
If a player makes any gestures or speaks out loud or makes unwanted movements that disturb the opponent than that will be called as a hindrance and results in the player losing the point.
These faults even though rare, requires sharp judgement calls from the umpires and the referees.
