If the serving side commits a fault, no point is scored. In singles, the serve shifts to the opponent. In doubles, one partner serves until his side commits a fault, then his teammate serves. In both singles and doubles, the serve is made alternately from the right half and the left half sides of the court, as in tennis. In doubles, the players on the receiving side do not shift half courts between serves.
Opponents change court ends after each game.
The winning side serves first. If this option is declined, the game may be set at 17 points when the score reaches 14-all. Extending the game is a strategic decision that sometimes gives the player receiving serve a chance to come back and win. There are three ways a player can cause a fault in the game of badminton. Improper use of the shuttlecock is also cause for a fault.