can somebody explain to me the short serve line? i didnt think it was used (except maybe in handicap games) until i D/L'ed some videos and the professionas were using it... does everybody use that or is it optional or what? what is the tactics behind using it (i.e. where/how do you want to hit it).... i most likely sound retarded asking that but thats ok since im new (ha)... i appreciate the help....

Austin Eubanks

I take it that by 'short serve line' you mean the line that is closest and parallel to the net?

Its function should be almost obvious from its name: if player A serves to player B (singles or doubles), and the shuttle land before crossing the short service line, then the shuttle is considered out of play. Player A loses the serve.

Or were you referring to the doubles' long service line?

i think he refers to the short service line service, as in short service or low service...
it's a basic doubles tactic, obviously best used when ur opponent isn't close to the line, like at a midcourt position.

note the source i'm using is an old book written in the times of eddy choong and wong peng soon (both malaysians, MALAYSIA BOLEH!! since 1937 :D )

The idea behind a low serve is that from the opening stroke, you prompt the opponent to hit the bird up, so you can hit the bird down. As the serve is low the most likely response to receive is to hit up.

And in the case that you are not refering to the short service line for serving only, yes, it's in the rules for serves as stated by cheongsa, and some books i have read use it as a reference for starting positions.

The serve lines serve 2 purposes:

1. Rules: Define the "legal" serve area for server, and the "legal" receiving area for receiver, as well as "scoring" area. For detail, check "rule" section.

2. Strategy: Base on the rules, different serve (i.e. long vs short) serves teh same purpose: try to drag opponent off position, and only have the choice of being in defensive mode (bad quality return preferred, etc).