5 feet 1 inch at the post and 5 feet at the middle of the court for both doubles and singles badminton games. That’s 1.524 meters at the center of the court and 1.55 meters at the posts.
Now, it’s important to reiterate the rule on placement of the side posts.
For both badminton doubles and singles, the side posts should be placed on the doubles sideline in the middle of the court. It’s important that the posts remain vertical when the net is strung – they should not bend inwards (I see this a lot of club courts). If the post is bent, it’s very hard to determine the correct height of the net – because at the post, the net is slightly more into the court.
One final point on badminton net height, the net should be strung firmly, flush with the top of the posts. The post should not stick out above the net (my pet peeve!). Neither should the post support extend into the court beyond the sidelines. Again I see this a lot in makeshift badminton courts.
Rules Governing the Height of the Badminton Net
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) sets rules and regulations that govern all aspects of the game. They decide what the height of the badminton net should be. Using the standard net height levels the playing field for all players. If you plan to compete at any level, you should try and use the standard regulations for court size and net height.
If you are setting up a standard badminton court, there are few things you need to keep in mind when setting up the net.
- The post should be 1.55 meters (5 feet 1 inch).
- The posts should always be placed on the doubles sideline.
- You should not have gap between the post and the net (see image below).
- Keep in mind that you will need a mark for 1.15 meters above the ground for the new (2018) service height rule.
Does the Net Height Matter?
For leisure play, it’s more important to enjoy the game than worry about whether the badminton net is at the regulation mandated height.
The point of playing badminton is to have fun! I encourage you to place the net at a height that works for you.
If you’re playing with young kids, lower the net so that it’s easier for them to get the birdie over the net. With kids under 12, there is no point in playing with a net that is set at the regulated adult height.
Also note that most badminton net kits do not meet the stringent regulations set by BWF. And so, if you plan to play using a badminton set (mostly outdoors with friends and family), it will be very hard to play a standard badminton game. But that shouldn’t stop you from having fun.
Set, and agree on, your own rules, and enjoy the game. I find the games that I play with my nieces and nephews in the backyard (with no net) are probably the most enjoyable badminton games I’ve ever played. It’s amazing to see the sheer joy on their faces when they hit a smash!
Does it matter if it was over the net?
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