Wanted a quick clarification, as the rule book tend to be generic. Scenario is for Doubles Play. Is it legal to serve from the right/left side outer line(assuming that the server is not stepping on the outline line itself) ? Is it legal to step on the right/left inner side line while doing the above ? TIA for any thoughts/pointers in this regards. _Ben
the server must be inside the service court without touching the lines. you can be anywhere within that boundary as you wish. 9. SERVICE 9.1 In a correct service, 9.1.2 the server and the receiver shall stand within diagonally opposite service courts (Diagram A) without touching the boundary lines of these service courts;
Thx for the response. This clarifies a bit. But then can the server step on the inner line and serve ? _B
For the doubles scenario you mentioned, yes to question 1 and yes to question 2, because the inner line is the boundary for singles not doubles.
A very popular question asked if you're going for a coaching certificate. Below picture can explain the above question. A: Server B: Receiver
Since that small space is still a legal area to do a service and as clearly define by kwun earlier referring to BWF rule, yes you can as long you don't touch the lines.
What visor said is very interesting, as the singles out line is not considered a boundary line for service in doubles. But, now that I read the rules and look at the diagram, the rules state that you must stand within diagonally service opposite service courts, the diagram only shows that from the doubles back line to the singles side line to the center line, is considered the service court area. This is an interesting question. I will attempt to bring it up to other umpires and see what their input is.
Seriously guys, it's not that hard. In doubles, the inside side line is NOT a boundary line, so stepping on it is not illegal according to rule 9.1.2.A. In fact, some smart-ass in doubles would occasionally serve from that corner to the inside rear T and they do this while stepping on that inside side line.
yes. i think that's pretty clear for us seasoned players. the problem is that the rule is not clear about it and it really should be being the book of laws that governs how the game is played.
Thx to all for some of the thoughts shared. We have some good level of clarity. Would've hoped this to be mentioned in the rule book appropriately. _Ben
So, I talked it over with another umpire, and he said that stepping on the singles line is okay. So what Visor said is correct, because that line is not a boundary line for doubles.
