What happens if the racket or player falls down?

by Brahma teja Sonti

(Hyderabad)

Question
If the player or racket falls down while playing is it considered as a re serve or its considered as a point?

Answer
Hi Brahma. It is not a fault/foul if a player falls down or drops his/her racquet during a game. Even during international tournaments, it is very common to see players dive and fall to the ground to defend a badminton smash.

Unless the player falls down or drop his racquet AND IS NOT ABLE to return the shuttlecock, then that player loses a point.

However, if the player falls down because the floor was slippery or because of other factors, the umpire/judge will decide whether it is a point or a re-serve.

I hope this answer helps you.