After extensive practical testing, data collection, and improvements, the dimensions of outdoor badminton courts are set as 16 meters by 6 meters (suitable for doubles and triple games) and 16 meters by 5 meters (suitable for singles) in rectangular shape. Additionally, for safety considerations, there should be at least a 1-meter safety buffer zone outside the court boundary lines.
The establishment of the ‘no-play zone’ is the most significant difference from traditional badminton courts. In outdoor badminton, the front court area within 2 meters on either side of the net is designated as the ‘no-play zone’ (gray area in the diagram). If the ball lands in this area, it is considered a violation. Players are prohibited from hitting the ball within the ‘no-play zone,’ but the follow-through and landing after hitting are not included. The ‘no-play zone’ is set to encourage long-distance swings and multiple shots due to the design characteristics of outdoor badminton balls, which make it difficult to control net shots.
Serve markings are placed 3 meters from the respective no-play zone lines on both sides of the court. The area between the two serve markings and the end lines is the serving area.
The court should be set up as perpendicular to the main wind direction as possible to maximize the ball’s wind resistance. It is recommended that the court be oriented north-south to minimize the impact of direct sunlight on the game.
