In badminton, what is the term for the initial shot that starts a rally?
VerifiedAnswer: Serve
Explanation:
In badminton, the serve is the fundamental shot that initiates every rally and point in the game. It's the only shot in badminton where the player has complete control over timing and placement, making it both a basic requirement and a strategic opportunity.
The serve must follow specific rules to be considered legal. The shuttlecock must be struck below the server's waist level, and the racket head must point downward at the moment of contact. The server must have both feet in contact with the ground within their designated service court boundaries. Additionally, the serve must be delivered in an underarm motion, which distinguishes badminton from sports like tennis where overarm serves are allowed.
There are different types of serves that players can use strategically. The high serve sends the shuttlecock high and deep into the opponent's backcourt, giving the server time to prepare for the return. The low serve keeps the shuttlecock just above the net and lands in the front service court, forcing the opponent to lift the shuttlecock and potentially giving the server an attacking opportunity.
The serving sequence in badminton follows specific patterns depending on whether you're playing singles or doubles. In singles, players serve from the right service court when their score is even and from the left service court when their score is odd. In doubles, the serving rules are more complex, with both players on a team getting the opportunity to serve before the service passes to the opposing team, except at the start of the game.
Understanding the serve is crucial for any badminton player because it sets the tone for each rally. A well-executed serve can immediately put pressure on the opponent or create opportunities for winning the point quickly. Poor serving, on the other hand, can give the opponent easy attacking chances and put the server at a disadvantage from the very beginning of the rally.
