Badminton Interval Rules — Breaks, Time-Outs, and Side Changes
Badminton has specific rules about when players can rest, receive coaching, and change ends of the court. This guide covers every type of interval and break recognized under BWF rules.
Mid-Game Interval at 11 Points
- •The interval is mandatory -- even if both players want to continue, the umpire must enforce it.
- •It triggers when the leading score reaches 11, regardless of the other player's score. So 11-3, 11-10, and 11-11 (if both reach 11 on the same rally) all trigger the break.
- •There is only one mid-game interval per game. If the score passes through 11 (e.g., the first point of the game goes to 11-10 after deuce in a previous scenario), the interval still occurs only once.
- •Players may leave the court, receive coaching, towel down, and drink during this break.
Between-Game Interval
- •Players change ends at the start of each new game. The side change happens during this 120-second break.
- •Coaching is allowed during the between-game interval.
- •The losing side of the previous game serves first in the next game.
Side Changes
Players change ends at specific moments to ensure fairness:
| When | Action |
|---|---|
| After game 1 | Change ends |
| After game 2 | Change ends |
| At 11 in game 3 | Change ends (mid-game) |
The mid-game side change in game 3 is particularly important because environmental factors (lighting, air currents, sun glare in outdoor venues) can significantly affect play. Changing at 11 ensures both sides have equal exposure to any advantage or disadvantage.
What Happens During an Interval?
During both the 60-second and 120-second intervals, players are permitted to:
- •Leave the court and sit courtside.
- •Receive coaching from their coach (who may enter the court area).
- •Towel down and change shirts if needed.
- •Drink water or sports drinks.
Can Players Request Extra Breaks?
Under BWF rules, there are no player-requested time-outs. The only breaks are the mandatory intervals at 11 and between games. Players cannot pause play to rest or strategize outside these designated moments.
Some local leagues and club competitions do allow one or two 60-second time-outs per game, similar to other racket sports. However, this is a local variation and is not part of the official BWF rules.
What If a Player Is Not Ready?
When the interval ends, the umpire calls the score and says "play." Players must be ready to resume. If a player is not ready:
- •The umpire will give a warning.
- •Continued delay can result in a fault being called against the delaying player.
- •Persistent misconduct can lead to a yellow card (warning), red card (fault), or black card (disqualification).
Injury and Medical Time-Out
If a player is injured during the match, the following rules apply:
Rules About Coaching
Coaching is only permitted during designated intervals:
- •Allowed: During the 60-second interval at 11, and during the 120-second interval between games.
- •Not allowed: During play. A coach cannot shout instructions or advice while a rally is in progress or between rallies during normal play.
- •Violation of the coaching rule results in a warning to the offending coach. Repeated violations can lead to the coach being removed from the venue.
Related Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
How long are the breaks in badminton?
There are two types of breaks: a 60-second interval when the leading score reaches 11 in any game, and a 120-second interval between games. These are the only mandatory breaks under BWF rules.
Can coaches talk to players during a match?
Only during the designated intervals (at 11 points and between games). Coaches cannot give instructions during rallies or between rallies during normal play. Violating this rule results in a warning and potential removal from the venue.
What happens if both players reach 11 at the same time?
The interval still occurs. If the score goes from 10-10 to 11-10, the interval triggers at 11-10. If a scenario leads to 11-11 (e.g., a correction), the interval triggers when 11 is first reached by either side.
Can you take a bathroom break during a badminton match?
There is no specific provision for bathroom breaks in BWF rules. Players are expected to use the intervals between games. In practice, umpires at club level may allow a brief break if requested, but this is at their discretion and not a right under the rules.
Is there a break during deuce?
No. There is no additional interval during deuce (20-20 and beyond). The only mid-game interval is at 11 points. Once past 11, play continues without mandatory breaks until the game ends.