Badminton level chart

Find your level · 2 min, no sign-up

1. Level 1: Newbie

   Level 1−Level 1Level 1+

   • Can’t keep a rally going past 5 shots
   • Clears don’t reach midcourt

2. Level 2: Beginner

   Level 2−Level 2Level 2+

   • Serves mostly land in
   • 5–10-shot slow rallies
   • Walks to the shuttle, no footwork yet

3. Level 3: Novice

   Level 3−Level 3Level 3+

   • Learning stage: picking up serves, forehand and backhand clears, drops, smashes, net shots, lifts, and smash defense one by one
   • Inconsistent quality; rallies tend to break down after 10+ shots
   • In doubles, knows front-and-back to attack and side-by-side to defend

4. Level 4: Intermediate

   Level 4−Level 4Level 4+

   • Solid on all attacking shots (from comfortable positions), including backhands back to mid or back court when not under pressure
   • Rotates between attack and defense in doubles
   • But mostly can’t handle defensive or desperation shots, and loses points under pressure

5. Level 5: Upper intermediate

   Level 5−Level 5Level 5+

   • Can escape defensive and stretched shots: recovers even when pushed to the baseline or into corners
   • Developing a distinct style: has their own ways to win points
   • Tactics are emerging: uses placement and tempo to move opponents around

6. Level 6: Club expert

   Level 6−Level 6Level 6+

   • Among the best in the club, rarely loses regular games
   • No obvious weakness in smashes, drops, net play or defense
   • Uses deception and changes of pace to build attacks

7. Level 7: State level

   Level 7

   • State level: reaches the quarterfinals in the top flight of state / regional opens
   • China: National Athlete Grade 2 (top 8 at provincial events)
   • Requires evidence for review

8. Level 8: National level

   Level 8

   • Wins main-draw matches in the top flight of USAB-sanctioned tournaments, or holds a national ranking
   • or National Athlete Grade 1 / Master Sportsperson
   • Requires evidence for review

9. Level 9: International level

   Level 9

   • Your world ranking or international match wins are listed on bwfbadminton.com
   • A BWF ID alone isn’t enough (masters events require one too)
   • Requires evidence for review