ServerVultr

By Eduard Bănulescu

The Premier League remains the most watched club football competition in the world. And, after watching the World Cup, it’s likely that it remains the most entertaining football competition altogether. But how will you show that you’re a master of it?

Everyone needs proof of their skill. And everyone deserves to be rewarded for their knowledge. Premier League fantasy football offers both.

And when it comes to FootballCoin, Premier League fantasy football is given the most strategically complex of frameworks, along with real prizes and a sophisticated game economy.

I’ve been writing fantasy football guides and sports articles for well over a decade, and I think that FootballCoin will offer you the thrills and security that you demand from a fantasy football game.

Here is, in a nutshell, how the Fantasy Premier League works in FootballCoin, how you can win, and why these winnings are likely to thrill you.

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EPL 2026/27 FootballCoin Quick Summary

The Premier League 2026/27 season begins on August 21st, 2026, and ends on May 30th 2027. All of the EPL games will be included in FootballCoin contests.

💡 New to FootballCoin? You do not need to purchase player cards to start competing. You can build a 100% free squad using default cards and compete for real rewards starting Gameweek 1. 👉 Create Your Free Account & Select Your EPL Squad Now

FootballCoin is a fantasy football game where you choose your ideal team using player cards from all the teams involved in the competition. Then, at the end of each round, player cards are given points based on the players’ real-life performances. The teams with the most amount of points win.

That sounds similar to most fantasy football games that you’re familiar with, right?

Fortunately, there are a few twists to FootballCoin which, I think, make it a more appealing game.

Firstly, this is a daily fantasy game where each round is treated as a separate event. Both free and private contests are created.

Secondly, FootballCoin is built around a complex economy that has existed for nearly a decade. Player cards are mostly free, but some can be leased and purchased. Prizes are given automatically, and one of the ways to use them is inside the game in order to improve your squad.

And, if playing fantasy football isn’t your cup of tea, you can still profit from the game by leasing out your unused cards, creating content, and trading cards. Etc.

But what I like the most is the way that the game is actually played. Most fantasy football games take into account goals, assists and very little else. FootballCoin’s scoring system, on the other hand, is a complex one where even long passes and tackles can make the difference. FootballCoin uses real data to get its stats. And the contest info is registered on the company’s blockchain, making it a fair and transparent affair.

Free Cards vs. Collectible Cards

Will you want to create a create an EPL fantasy football team using players from Arsenal, Manchester City, and Manchester United? Sure, no problem!

Are you worried that you’ll exceed your budget, or that there are restrictions about choosing multiple players from the same team? No need to worry!

I’ll say it once again: FootballCoin allows you to create your ideal team!

You’ll be choosing from cards rated from 1* to 5*, each representing a player.

The vast majority of cards are 1* and 2*. These are free to pick by anyone. They mainly represent young players, or those who have yet to win major awards.

The 4* and 5* cards are collectible cards. They are similar to Panini or Topps cards, but are issued on the blockchain. They’re here to be collected and used to make profit.

Once you purchase them, they are yours forever. You can use them in games, sell them, or lease them out.

And what happens when the players retire? The cards maintain their value. The cards become Assistant Manager cards inside the game. Each team includes one Assistant Manager who earns points automatically based on his rank. In other words, your Wayne Rooney card rated at 5* is still earning you 15 points whenever you choose it. How’s that for an investment?

Key 2026/27 EPL Season Strategy & Budget Hacks

But, above everything else, we’re all here for the passion we have for the game, right? It’s been for too long that our love of football has been merely an afterthought within this gigantic industry. FootballCoin puts that first!

This also means that FootballCoin’s fantasy football is designed to encourage the managers who have strong, complex strategies.

What are some of the season-long strategies that I know work for the Premier League game?

A mix of consistency and scouting of newly transferred players, for example.

On the one hand, you’re unlikely to get a great game from even Bruno Fernandes or Declan Rice each week. But if your instinct tells you that they’ll have a good season, stick with them. When you add up the points tally, this will pay off.

But also, be flexible when it comes to new players to the Premier League. We’re bound to be surprised! How many managers of FPL chose Igor Thiago when assembling their team at the start of the season? How many brought him into it once the season went on?

In FootballCoin, it’s also good to play the market. Cheap 4* and 5* cards will become available, especially at the start of a new campaign. They’re worth considering.

However, many of the players that will really move the needle are the 1* and 2* cards. These are either new transfers, players brought in from the youth squads, or those who’ve received an opportunity after serving years in the Championship. Players from clubs like Brentford or Nottingham Forest ranked 1* or 2* in the game have done wonders for the managers that have picked them.

In my opinion, there are genuinely numerous reasons to get excited by FootballCoin’s fantasy football system. Let me just try to list a few of the ones that I like the most.

First of all, FootballCoin has nearly all of the major leagues in the world in the game,�just the Premier League. Watching a bit of La Liga at the weekend, and catching Arsenal in the Champions League mid-week? Make that experience count!

Secondly, FootballCoin is a game of skill. There’s nothing hidden about it. This is a game that rewards real football fans.

FootballCoin has been around for a decade when so many other games and projects of its kind have disappeared. What does this consistency tell you?

That’s why, if you’re looking to enjoy the Premier League and, once more, get some genuine joy out of watching it, commenting on it, and making informed choices, it’s my opinion that you’ll love FootballCoin in the 2026/27 season.

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Who are your fantasy football picks?
Do you opt for many budget-friendly players?
Have your say by playing FootballCoin. You can be rewarded daily for your choices.

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The serve is the only shot in pickleball that starts every single point, which makes it far more important than most beginners realize. A legal serve keeps the rally alive in your favor, while a faulty one hands the point straight to your opponent.

Pickleball serving rules cover more than just the motion of your swing. They decide where you can stand, how the score changes hands, and even how you should plan your shot selection for the rest of the point. This guide walks through the serving rules, common faults, and the serving order, then shows how each rule shapes real match strategy.

Pickleball Serving Rules: The Basics You Need to Know

Every serve in pickleball must follow a few core requirements. Under the current rulebook, a legal volley serve must:

• Contact the ball below the waist (roughly your navel line).
• Keep the paddle head clearly below the wrist at the moment of contact.
• Swing in a continuous, clearly upward arc, with no pause or hitch.
• Be hit with at least one foot behind the baseline and none touching the court.

There is also a legal alternative called the drop serve, where you drop the ball and let it bounce before striking it. The drop serve removes the strict waist and paddle-angle requirements, which is why many newer players prefer it.

The served ball must clear the net and the opponent’s non-volley zone (the kitchen), landing in the correct diagonal service court. If it clips the net but still lands in the right box, the serve is live and play continues as normal.

Pickleball Serving Order: Who Serves and From Where

In doubles, the serving order works like this:

• The game starts with one team serving from the right-side court, since the starting score is always 0-0-2 (the “2” shows the second server is serving first).
• Players on the serving team alternate sides after each point they win, serving from the right when their score is even and the left when it is odd.
• When the serving team loses a rally, the serve passes to their partner, unless it was the very first server of the game, in which case the serve goes directly to the opposing team.
• Once both players on a team have served and lost the rally, the serve moves to the other team.

In singles, there is only one player per side, so the same person serves the entire time it is their turn, switching sides between even and odd scores just like in doubles.

Common Pickleball Serving Faults

A fault results in an immediate loss of serve, so understanding these rules helps you avoid giving away free points.

Fault Type	What Happens
Foot fault	Server steps on or over the baseline before contact
Illegal contact	Ball is struck above the waist or with the paddle head above the wrist
Out of bounds	Served ball lands outside the correct service court
Hits the net and fails to clear the kitchen	Serve does not cross the non-volley zone
Hits a permanent object	Ball touches a fence, post, or other fixture before landing
Hits the receiver	Served ball contacts the receiver or their gear before bouncing
Not grounded	Both of the server’s feet leave the ground at contact

Since 2026, referees have more authority to call borderline serves as faults rather than giving the benefit of the doubt, so keeping your motion clean and clearly within the rules matters more than ever in competitive play.

Pickleball Serving Techniques Worth Practicing

A legal serve is only the starting point. The technique behind it decides whether your serve sets up an easy return for your opponent or puts you on the front foot.

• Deep serves push the receiver back toward their baseline, giving your team more time to move into position before the return arrives.
• Spin serves use paddle angle at contact to curve the ball’s bounce, making it harder for the receiver to time a clean return.
• Soft, short serves land near the kitchen line and can catch an opponent who is anticipating a deep, powerful serve.
• Drop serves are a reliable option under pressure since they remove the strict paddle-angle and waist-height requirements, reducing your risk of a fault.

How Pickleball Serving Rules Shape Strategy

Because the serving team cannot score unless they win the rally they started, serving rules directly affect how aggressively teams play their opening shots.

• The two-bounce rule requires the ball to bounce once on each side before either team can volley. This means the server usually cannot rush the net immediately, so serves are often used to set up the third shot rather than to win the point outright.
• Serve placement decides positioning. A deep serve to the backhand corner limits an opponent’s return options, often forcing a defensive shot your team can attack on the next ball.
• Faults cost more than a point. Since a serving fault hands the serve over entirely, teams that serve conservatively in tight games tend to protect their lead better than those chasing aggressive, high-risk serves.
• Serving order affects momentum. Because only one partner serves first in doubles at the start of a game, teams often put their more consistent server up first to avoid an early, costly fault.

Pickleball Singles Serving Rules

Singles follows the same core serve mechanics as doubles, but with a simpler side-switching pattern since there is no serving partner to rotate through.

• The server always starts from the right court when their score is even and the left court when it is odd.
• There is no second server; if the server loses the rally, the serve passes directly to the opponent.
• Because there is more open court to cover alone, many singles players favor deep, well-placed serves over risky spin serves that could result in a fault.

Pickleball Serving Strategy for Beginners

If you are new to the game, focus on consistency before power or spin. A serve that reliably clears the net and lands deep in the correct box, even without much pace, wins more points over a full match than a powerful serve that faults one time in four. Once your basic serve is dependable, start adding depth variation and the occasional short serve to keep opponents guessing.

Why Getting the Serve Right Matters on Court

Serving rules might look like a technical checklist, but they shape almost every point in pickleball. Getting comfortable with the serve, both the rules and the strategy behind it, is one of the fastest ways to improve your game. If you want hands-on practice, Khelomore’s pickleball clinics and starter camps are a good way to work on your serve with proper guidance before your next match.

Final Thoughts

A consistent, legal serve is far more valuable than one that is powerful but unreliable. A serve that regularly lands deep in the correct service box will win you more points over time than an aggressive serve that frequently results in faults. Once you have built confidence with the basics, start experimenting with deeper placement, angles, and the occasional short serve to keep your opponents guessing.

Serving is more than just the first shot of a rally. It sets the tone for every point and can influence the outcome of the entire match. By understanding pickleball serving rules and practising with purpose, you will avoid unnecessary faults and develop a smarter serving strategy. If you want to improve your technique with expert guidance, Khelomore’s pickleball clinics and community events provide an excellent opportunity to sharpen your skills before your next game.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the basic pickleball serving rules?�

The ball must be served underhand, contacting below the waist with the paddle head below the wrist, or hit as a legal drop serve after a bounce. The server needs at least one foot behind the baseline and must land the ball in the correct diagonal service court.

2. What counts as a serving fault in pickleball?�

Common faults include stepping on the baseline before contact, hitting the ball above the waist, serving out of bounds, hitting the net without clearing the kitchen, or striking the receiver before the ball bounces. Any of these results in an immediate loss of serve.

3. How does the pickleball serving order work in doubles?�

The starting team serves once before the serve passes to the opposing team. After that, both players on a serving team get a turn to serve before the serve changes sides, alternating between the right and left court based on the score.

4. What is a drop serve in pickleball?�

A drop serve lets you drop the ball and let it bounce once before hitting it, instead of striking it out of the air. It removes the strict waist-height and paddle-angle rules that apply to a traditional volley serve, making it a safer choice under pressure.

5. Why is serve placement important in pickleball strategy?�

Where you serve determines how your opponent can return the ball. A deep serve limits their options and often produces a weaker return, while a short or angled serve can catch an opponent out of position, setting up an easier next shot for your team.

• Kenya 7s stars among the elite players set to be drafted this week for the inaugural 2026 Ultimate Sevens Championship.
• Shujaa have 10 players included in the draft, while the Kenya Lionesses have four standout stars on the roster.
• The campaign will feature events in Spain, Wales and France before culminating with the Grand Final at London’s Gtech Community Stadium on September 24.

Kenya 7s stars from the women’s Kenya Lionesses and the men’s Shujaa are among the elite players set to be drafted this week for the inaugural 2026 Ultimate Sevens Championship.

In a draft pool released by the organizers on Monday, August 3, Shujaa have 10 players included in the draft, while the Kenya Lionesses have four standout stars on the roster.

Tony Omondi, Vincent Onyala and Chrisant Ojwang, three of Kenya’s most experienced players in the Shujaa squad, headline the list.

They are joined by Shujaa standouts led by co-captains George Ooro and Samuel Asati, while John Okoth, Kevin Wekesa, Nygel Amaitsa, Patrick Odongo and Festus Shiasi complete the 10-man contingent.

ALSO READ: Rugby Africa President Mensah praises Nairobi after successful HSBC SVNS 2 showcase

On the women’s side, speedster Freshia Odour has been drafted alongside fellow flyer Sinaida Nyachio, with Maureen Muritu and the experienced Sheila Chajira also making the draft pool.

Kenya’s 14 elite players will join a minimum of 120 players from across the globe, featuring some of the world’s best men’s and women’s rugby sevens stars.

The mix includes Olympians, established internationals, and breakout stars from the HSBC SVNS World Series, all in a format crafted to showcase their skill, speed, and athleticism.

 What is the Ultimate Sevens Championship?

The Ultimate Sevens is a new private global rugby sevens championship set to launch in September 2026, backed by BIA Sports Group.

Designed to deliver fast-paced, high-impact rugby sevens action, the championship will take place at iconic sporting venues across Europe during its inaugural season.

The campaign will feature events in Spain, Wales and France before culminating with the Grand Final at London’s Gtech Community Stadium on September 24.

ALSO READ: Kenya Rugby Sevens – Kenya 7s squad, stats, fixtures, results, standings and latest news

The competition will feature six founding clubs, each with its own identity representing key global rugby regions.

Each club will field both a 12-player men’s and women’s team, with the two competitions running simultaneously at every venue.

The six clubs competing in the inaugural season are Albion Athletic Sevens Club, Atlantic Novas Sevens Club, Foudre Bleue Sevens Club, Pacific Current Sevens Club, Clan Taran Sevens Club and Sol Feroz Sevens Club.

The six club coaches have already been confirmed, with Philip Snyman leading Clan Taran, Shannon Fraser at Albion Athletic, Kelly Brazier managing Atlantic Novas, Maria Ribera heading Foudre Bleue, Crystal Kaua directing Pacific Current, and Paco Hernández guiding Sol Feroz.

How will the player draft happen, and how could Kenya 7s stars be selected?

The tournament organizers had already directly contracted 24 elite marquee players; 12 men and 12 women ahead of the draft.

These global stars were assigned to franchises before the draft to ensure each club had an even distribution of top-tier talent.

ALSO READ: Explained! Why Rugby, including Kenya 7s, is missing from the 2026 Commonwealth Games

For the remaining players, the Ultimate Sevens Player Draft will allow the six founding clubs to build their squads as lead coaches select from a draft pool featuring some of the most exciting men’s and women’s sevens players in the world.

The draft pool will feature a minimum of 120 eligible players, split equally between the men’s and women’s competitions. Selections will be made over multiple rounds, with lead coaches given a limited time window for every pick.

How will players be assigned?

Before the Player Draft begins, each club will already have two male and two female marquee players allocated.

Each club’s lead coach will then draft the remaining players, with just 45 seconds to make each selection. Every pick will shape the squad.

Each squad will comprise two marquee players, nine elite players and one academy player.

So, how will the selections unfold?

There will be five rounds of drafting in addition to the pre-allocated marquee players. Each club begins with two marquee players.

In Round 1, clubs will select two players, followed by two more in Round 2, another two in Round 3, three players in Round 4 and one academy player in Round 5.

Once the draft is completed, the full squad rosters are expected to be announced before the end of the week.

2026 Ultimate Sevens Championship calendar

The tour kicks off on September 5 at Madrid’s Ontime Butarque Stadium, followed by Round 2 on September 12 at Cardiff Arms Park.

The competition then heads to Parc des Sports Aguilera in Biarritz on September 18 before wrapping up with the Grand Final on September 24 at London’s Gtech Community Stadium.

• Round 1 (Madrid, Spain): Saturday, September 5, 2026 – Ontime Butarque Stadium.
• Round 2 (Cardiff, Wales): Saturday, September 12, 2026 – Cardiff Arms Park.
• Round 3 (Biarritz, France): Friday, September 18, 2026 – Parc des Sports Aguilera.
• Grand Final (London, England): Thursday, September 24, 2026 – Gtech Community Stadium.

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By Eduard Bănulescu

You had your chance! Each day of this World Cup tournament, FootballCoin has given you the opportunity to choose your ideal team and win fantasy football prizes. Who were your best picks? And who were those players that surprised and disappointed you?

A few of them might show up here. These are the best of the best. This is the 2026 World Cup Team of the Tournament.

How did I choose it? I’ve been writing fantasy football columns for nearly a decade. Still, I didn’t just use my trained eye, but rather the FootballCoin stats.

Think you’ve won? Take a look:

These are the best players and you can still be the best manager. Play FootballCoin daily! A new season is on the way with the world’s top football leagues. I’ll see you there.

The 2026 World Cup Best XI

Goalkeeper

Unai Simon

I think that the best goalkeepers are the ones that you have to think about the least. Unai Simon was hardly ever troubled throughout this World Cup tournament. Spain only conceded one goal.

As a consequence, his fantasy football points came from clean sheets and consistency. In terms of the games, he was not the most exciting choice. However, in terms of overall performance, he was an ace.

Notable Mention: Orlando Gil (Paraguay)

I want to give a shoutout to Orlando Gil. The MLS-playing goalkeeper really impressed for Paraguay. And, I fear that the South Americans’ aggressive display against France risks being the sole thing remembered of theirs in the World Cup. No, let’s also remember Gil’s heroics.

Defenders

Achraf Hakimi

If you look on the FootballCoin stats page, you’ll notice an amazing thing. Achraf Hakimi, Morocco’s star defender, has more points than all the Spanish or Argentinian defenders who played more games. That’s amazing, as is Hakimi’s consistency on the Big Stage. A truly generational talent!

Pau Cubarsi

Spain’s team was, in my estimation, a perfect mix of youth and experience. Pau Cubarsi perfectly exemplifies this. Playing with confidence and poise, the Barcelona youngster kept Spain’s goal safe and netted a lot of fantasy football points in the process.

Aymeric Laporte

There were some doubters of Aymeric Laporte’s ability before the tournament. However, the Manchester City defender showed that his addition to the squad was made considering not just his playing itself, but the dynamics in the team. What did this mean? Laporte helped the Iberians win their second World Cup and helped the fantasy football managers who picked him earn a lot of points every week.

Dayot Upamecano

There’s an image of a tired but relentless Dayot Upamecano charging the England midfielders in the playoff for third place. That’s a good snapshot of his ability and attitude at present. There were more famous names that you could’ve chosen, but your fantasy football team was better off with him in your side.

Notable Mention: Davinson Sanchez (Colombia)

Let me highlight Davinson Sanchez’s great performances for a moment. Colombia just as much as it feasibly could in this tournament. And while the fans are going to rave about James Rodriguez and David Luiz, Sanchez’s stats show a defender that knows perfectly what is needed of him in this setup.

Midfielders

Michael Olise

Michael Olise was so good in the first rounds of the World Cup that the final two games, naturally, felt like a letdown. No matter! What he did was still enough to make him the single most effective midfielder in fantasy football. For assists or command over France’s attacking plays, there was nobody better.

Rodri

Still, in terms of overall midfield work, I’d have to choose Rodri as the MVP. In fact, his defensive sweeping is, likely, the reason why Spain won the World Cup so easily. Picking him after the first couple of games felt like a risk. But those who took it were better off.

Jude Bellingham

There were moments where Jude Bellingham looked like an absolute star. His confidence and prowess are almost enough to forget that the England midfielder is barely out of his teens. In front of goal and, often, when it mattered most, Bellingham came good.

Declan Rice

Rice was England’s most important player when the tournament started. However, his involvement, I think, also shows the peril of overworking one player. He and Harry Kane were knackered by the time of the Argentina meetup.

Still, Declan Rice earned enough points to make him fit into the Team of the Tournament. He was one of the most picked players in fantasy football. Trust me!

Notable Mention: Eustaquio Stephen (Canada)

Canada did better than many had expected. And it wasn’t David or Davies that were the stars on display. To my mind, that honour goes to Eustaquio Stephen. It’s not quite enough to make the TOTT, but well worth praising for a moment.

Forwards

Lionel Messi

Yes, yes, he was magical many times when Argentina struggled the most. Lionel Messi scored important goals, provided great assists, and walked the field, coming alive in the essential moments. Argentina didn’t win this one, but Messi’s legacy is complete.

Did you pick him in your fantasy football team at every chance that you got? You better have!

Kylian Mbappe

All of the big-name strikers scored goals in this World Cup. Of them, Kylian Mbappe looked like the player most determined to win the Golden Boot. And, so he did. Goals count for a lot in fantasy football, of course, and Mbappe’s performances leave no doubt as to his being part of the Team of the Tournament.

Notable Mention: Julian Quinones (Mexico)

Messi, Mbappe, Haaland, Kane, and Yamal are players that we all knew were going to sparkle at the World Cup.

But let’s not forget about the players that truly seized the opportunity they got. Playing in front of enthusiastic home crowds, the pacy striker Julian Quinones scored some beautiful goals and proved that he is both underrated and capable of going against the world’s best defenders.

While I was aware of Quinones from fantasy football and EAFC, seeing him exceed expectations like this is what makes the World Cup special for me.

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If you have ever watched a football match and heard the crowd groan when a linesman raises the flag, you have seen the offside rule in action. It is one of the most talked-about rules in football, and also one of the most misunderstood.

In simple terms, the offside rule stops attacking players from waiting near the opponent’s goal for an easy pass. Without it, players could just stand next to the goalkeeper and tap in every ball sent their way. This guide breaks down the offside rule in plain English, covers common confusions like the hand rule, and explains how you can spot an offside call yourself.

What Is the Offside Rule in Football?

The offside rule says a player cannot receive the ball if they are in an offside position at the moment their teammate plays it.

A player is in an offside position when both of these are true:

• They are in the opponent’s half of the pitch.
• They are closer to the opponent’s goal line than both the ball and the second-last opponent (usually the last defender, since the goalkeeper is normally the last one).

Here is the part beginners often miss: being in an offside position is not an offense by itself. The referee only blows the whistle if that player then becomes involved in active play, such as receiving the ball, blocking a defender, or affecting an opponent’s ability to play.

How to Understand Offside in Football: A Simple Way to Picture It

Think of it like this: at the moment your teammate kicks the ball forward, freeze the picture. Draw a line across the pitch through your body. If there are fewer than two opponents between you and the goal line (including the goalkeeper), you are offside.

A quick way to remember it:

1. Check where the ball is played from, not where it lands.
2. Check your position at that exact moment, not a second later.
3. Count the defenders between you and the goal line.
4. If only the goalkeeper (or nobody) is behind you, you are offside.

This timing detail matters a lot. A player can run into an offside position after the pass and still be onside, because the check happens the instant the ball leaves the passer’s foot.

Is Hand Offside in Football?

This question comes up often, and the answer is straightforward: no, a hand or arm cannot be offside. Under current rules, only body parts that a player can legally use to score a goal count for offside decisions. That means the head, body, and legs are considered, but the arms and hands are not.

So if a player’s hand is ahead of the last defender but their feet and body are level or behind, they are not offside. Officials only measure using the shoulder downward, excluding the arms.

When You Cannot Be Offside

There are situations where the offside rule simply does not apply, no matter where you are standing:

• Goal kicks: A player cannot be offside directly from a goal kick.
• Throw-ins: Offside does not apply when the ball comes from a throw-in.
• Corner kicks: A player receiving the ball straight from a corner cannot be offside.
• Own half: You cannot be offside if you are in your own half of the pitch, even if you are ahead of the ball.

Offside in Football: The Flag and How It Is Signaled

Traditionally, an assistant referee (often called a linesman) raises their flag straight up to signal offside, then points it in the direction of the free kick. With the introduction of semi-automated offside technology in top competitions, cameras and sensors now track player positions in real time, and the assistant referee waits for a signal before raising the flag. This has made marginal calls faster and more consistent, though the core rule itself has not changed.

Latest Offside Rule in Football: What Has Changed

The rule’s foundation goes back to 1848, when early versions were much stricter and required several opponents between an attacker and the goal. Over the decades, it was simplified to the current two-defender standard. The most recent meaningful update is not to the rule itself but to how it is enforced: semi-automated offside technology, now used in major tournaments and top leagues, draws player lines automatically and flags marginal offsides within seconds. This has reduced human error on tight calls, though referees and VAR still make the final decision.

How to Avoid Offside in Football

For attacking players, avoiding offside comes down to timing and awareness rather than raw speed.

• Time your run with the pass, not before it. Start your sprint the moment the ball is played, not when you see a gap.
• Stay level with the last defender if you are unsure, since being level or behind keeps you onside.
• Watch the ball, not just the space, so you know exactly when it leaves your teammate’s foot.
• Communicate with strikers if you are a midfielder, so runs are synced with the pass rather than guessed.

Defenders, on the other hand, use the offside trap deliberately, stepping forward together just before a pass to catch attackers out. This is a coordinated team tactic and one reason defensive lines often move as a unit.

Offside Kick in Football: What Happens After the Call

When offside is given, the game restarts with an indirect free kick to the defending team, taken from the spot where the offside player became involved in play. Since it is indirect, the ball must touch another player before it can go into the goal directly from that kick. This is different from a direct free kick, which can be shot straight at goal.

Why Khelomore Helps You Get Match Ready

Understanding rules like offside is only part of enjoying football. Playing regularly, joining local tournaments, and training with the right group of people is what turns rule knowledge into real game sense. If you are looking to join a football match, sign up for a local tournament, or find a coaching program near you, Khelomore’s football tournaments and football coaching academies are a good place to start.

Conclusion

The offside rule can feel confusing at first, but it comes down to one simple check: where is the attacking player standing compared to the ball and the second-last defender at the moment the pass is made. Once you understand that timing is everything, and that only the body (not the hands) counts, most offside calls start to make sense. Whether you are watching a match or playing one yourself, knowing this rule helps you follow the game more closely. If you want to put this knowledge into practice, Khelomore’s football events and coaching programs are a great way to get on the pitch and start playing.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the easiest way to explain the offside rule?�

A player is offside if, at the moment their teammate passes the ball, they are in the opponent’s half and closer to the goal line than both the ball and the second-last defender. Simply standing in that position is not an offense unless the player then gets involved in the play.

2. Is hand offside in football?�

No. Only the head, body, and legs count for offside decisions. A player’s hand or arm being ahead of the last defender does not make them offside, since arms cannot legally be used to score.

3. How to avoid offside in football as a striker?�

Time your run to start exactly when the ball is played, not before. Staying level with or slightly behind the last defender until the pass is released is the safest way to avoid getting caught offside.

4. What is the offside kick in football?�

When offside is called, the referee awards an indirect free kick to the defending team from the spot of the offense. The ball must touch another player before entering the goal directly.

5. Can you be offside from a throw-in or corner kick?�

No. Offside does not apply directly from a throw-in, a goal kick, or a corner kick. A player can stand in what would normally be an offside position and still legally receive the ball from these restarts.

6. What is the latest offside rule in football?�

The core rule has stayed the same for years, but enforcement has changed. Semi-automated offside technology now tracks player positions with cameras and sensors, helping officials make faster and more accurate decisions on tight calls.

• SportPesa Racing driver Leonardo Varese and his navigator Kigo Kareithi are set for the opening round of the 2026 Kenya National Rally Championship (KNRC).
• The 254 Motorsports Club will host the season opener at Stoni Athi Grille from July 31 to August 1.
• Varese and Kareithi will tackle the demanding Stoni Athi stages while continuing to develop and test the locally built Toyota GR Yaris Rally3.

SportPesa Racing driver Leonardo Varese and his long-time navigator Kigo Kareithi are ready for the opening round of the 2026 Kenya National Rally Championship (KNRC).

The 254 Motorsports Club will host the season opener at Stoni Athi Grille from July 31 to August 1, with the event expected to attract a strong field after the Motorsport Kenya Federation (MK-F) waived all entry fees for the opening round.

Leading online gaming firm SportPesa will be fully represented at the event as veteran Varese and Kareithi prepare to tackle the challenging terrain while continuing to test the locally built Toyota GR Yaris Rally3, which they will campaign this season.

“Yes, Kigo and I are driving the Yaris GR,” Varese confirmed ahead of the event.

“We are racing under the vast SportPesa sports sponsorship programme. As part of developing the new car to its full potential and for rally conditions in Kenya, we shall be taking part in KNRC Round 1. We are looking forward to further run tests on the new car at Stoni Athi.”

ALSO READ: Why SportPesa Racing driver Leonardo Varese will compete in the national category at the WRC Safari Rally 2026

SportPesa Racing duo Varese and Kareithi set for KNRC Round 1 test

The team tested the Yaris GR at the last Shell National Autocross & Autocross Plus event, but Varese believes there is still plenty of work to do.

Having debuted the machine during the 2026 WRC Safari Rally earlier this year, Varese says the team is still discovering its full capabilities as they head to the rocky stages of Athi.

“We are still learning the car. In the Safari, we were driving at 60 per cent. The car is pretty much standard. We are doing the developments and testing. But it has huge room for improvement,” he added.

The Toyota GR Yaris Rally3 is a modified prototype inspired by the Toyota Gazoo Racing World Rally Championship (WRC) cars.

Varese and his co-driver are no strangers to success on the rally scene.

The 54-year-old is a six-time Kenya National Rally Championship 2WD champion, having dominated the category for more than a decade. He won national titles in 2008, 2010, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017.

Over the weekend, the duo, alongside other competitors, will contest an event run entirely on gravel competitive stages, while the liaison sections will feature a mix of tarmac and gravel.

Crews will tackle seven special stages covering 139.70km within an overall route of 158.91km.

The itinerary features three stages repeated once and another stage run twice. Chui 1 and Chui 2 each measure 19.10km, while Simba 1 and Simba 2, at 27.89km apiece, will provide the longest and toughest tests of the rally.

ALSO READ: SportPesa earns special praise ahead of WRC Safari Rally Kenya 2026

The route is rounded off by three spectator-friendly runs; Spectator Stages 1, 2, and 3.

The final pass will serve as the Power Stage. At 15.24km, it is the shortest test on the itinerary but could prove decisive as crews chase valuable bonus points.

For Varese and Kareithi, the fight for early championship momentum will be just as intense as the battle against the clock.

Victory would earn them 30 points, while second and third place are worth 24 and 21 points respectively.

The points scale extends to 14th place, with every classified finisher beyond that receiving one point, placing a premium on consistency across all seven stages.

Flagged off and ready for battle! 🚩

Captain @KarauriR officially flagged off our #SportPesaRacing team, Driver Leo Varese and Navigator Kigo Kareithi!🙌🏻🔥

🗣️Wasee, we agreed, CAR 63 ikipita ni picha, tag us, Admin atacheza kama yeye, kama picha ni moja hatari au sio? pic.twitter.com/sMkSVKXTB8

— SportPesa Kenya (@SportPesa) March 12, 2026

Competitive action gets underway on August 1. All cars must be in Parc Ferme by 7am ahead of the mandatory drivers’ briefing at 7:30 a.m. The first crew will leave the ceremonial ramp at 9am, tackling three demanding sections separated by two service halts.

The first car is expected at the finish control at 3:21pm, followed by final scrutineering and the second Stewards’ Meeting.

Provisional results will be published at 4:45pm., before the prize-giving ceremony at Rally Headquarters once the final classification has been confirmed.

Varese and Kigo are back on track with solid backing from leading online gaming firm SportPesa, who earlier this year came on board with a massive KSh 40 million sponsorship.

Related

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How well did you perform at this 2026 Fantasy Football World Cup? Did your squad selections prove effective, or are you regretting your choices?

Here’s how the best managers in FootballCoin performed! These are the 25 top users in the Best Manager Challenge, along with the prizes they’re set to receive.

Thank you for playing, and get ready for a new season of fantasy football.

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Here are the winners of the Best Manager Challenge along with their prizes.

These prizes are due to be added to each of the 25 accounts shortly.

Position	Name	Total Score	Prize-XFC
1	MOSW	20,481.92	25000
2	Albertini	18,415.40	20000
3	Mario	17,673.78	15000
4	Coco77	17,572.61	12500
5	Olguin	13,698.54	10000
6	motanu	13,264.97	9000
7	Claus84	13,154.30	8000
8	L	11,525.16	7000
9	Abitip	8,847.04	6000
10	hellsteeth	8,762.14	5000
11	juliasomething	8,386.56	4000
12	johjo	8,298.76	3500
13	Mihai-Eminescu	8,290.65	3000
14	Ponch55	7,717.58	2500
15	FootSchweinhund	7,697.17	2000
16	Chaot	7,375.55	1500
17	Suiram	7,270.85	1500
18	Mercyx3	7,262.81	1500
19	Geronimo	7,167.03	1500
20	Diagoss99	6,769.64	1500
21	MaxON	6,211.31	1000
22	FatePSE	6,157.80	1000
23	Ion	5,972.90	1000
24	Olic	5,960.25	1000
25	MartynB	5,936.89	1000

Here’s How the Winners were Decided

Let’s remind ourselves how the winners of this tournament-long event were decided.

The Best Manager Challenge rewarded the users who accumulated the highest Total Scorethroughout the free and private contests counting for the 2026 World Cup.

Total Score is determined by 100% of the points earned by a user’s team in official contests, plus 20% of the XFC winnings from the official contests in which they’ve taken part, as well as 20% of the points collected by a user’s team in private contests, plus 20% of the XFC winnings from private contests.

The final rankings seem to have rewarded, especially, those who took part in private contests towards the business end of the World Cup. However, many of the top accounts belong to users who took part in most (or all) of the free FootballCoin contests (which included all of the tournament’s games) and who performed well.

The prizes will be added to the accounts momentarily. These will allow users the opportunity to either improve their squads for the upcoming fantasy football season or to withdraw their XFC into a crypto exchange.

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Badminton singles may seem simple at first. There are only two players, one shuttle, and one court. However, singles is very different from doubles. Every rule, from the court dimensions to the service rules, affects how a player moves, plans rallies, and uses the court. Learning the rules of badminton singles is not only about avoiding faults. It also helps you understand the game better and improve your overall performance.

Top-level badminton singles is also one of the most physically demanding racket sports. According to the Badminton World Federation, elite singles players can cover more than four kilometres during a match through constant forward, backwards, and side-to-side movement. This highlights the importance of fitness, court coverage, and smart positioning in singles.

In this guide, you will learn all the important rules of badminton singles, including court lines, service rules, scoring, and common faults. Along with explaining each rule, we will also show how it affects gameplay and strategy. By the end, you will have a clear understanding of the rules and know how to apply them in both casual games and competitive matches.

What Makes Badminton Singles Different From Doubles?

In singles, one player is fully responsible for covering the entire court from sideline to sideline and from the net to the back boundary. There is no partner to share the load, which means every rule regarding court width, serving, and faults directly affects how a player must move and recover between shots. Consider the following factors that separate singles from doubles:

• A player has no one to cover the net while attacking from the back
• Recovery time after each shot has to account for the full width of the court
• Stamina and movement efficiency matter more than raw power
• Rallies tend to be longer because there is more open space to exploit

These differences are exactly why the rules for singles use a narrower court width than doubles, a detail covered in the next section.

Badminton Singles Court Rules and Dimensions

Court dimensions form the foundation of badminton singles rules. Understanding the court boundaries helps players know where the shuttle can legally land and how to position themselves during a rally.

A badminton singles court measures 13.41 metres in length and 5.18 metres in width. Unlike in doubles, only the inner side lines are used during singles play, while the back boundary line remains in play.

Below are the key court lines every player should know:

Court Line	Purpose
Inner Side Lines	Define the width of the singles court and act as the side boundaries during rallies.
Outer Side Lines	Used only for doubles and counts as out of bounds in singles.
Back Boundary Line	Marks the deepest point where the shuttle can legally land.
Short Service Line	Indicates the minimum distance a serve must travel to be legal.
Centre Line	Divides the right and left service courts for serving.

Since the singles court is narrower than the doubles court, players focus more on using the full length of the court. Deep clears, drop shots, and lifts are commonly used to move opponents between the front and back of the court.

Badminton Singles Service Rules

Service rules determine how every rally begins. A legal serve must follow specific court positioning and serving requirements.

Below are the main service rules in badminton singles:

• When the server’s score is even, such as 0, 2, 4, or 20, they serve from the right service court.
• When the server’s score is odd, such as 1, 3, 5, or 21, they serve from the left service court.
• The shuttle must always be served diagonally into the opponent’s correct service court.
• The shuttle must be struck below the waist, and the point of contact must not be higher than 1.15 metres from the floor.
• The racket head must point downward when making contact with the shuttle.
• Both feet must remain in contact with the court until the serve is hit.

Players usually use one of these two serves:

• High serve: Sends the shuttle deep into the opponent’s back court.
• Low serve: Lands close to the net, encouraging a quick net rally.

Failing to follow any of these rules results in a service fault, and the opponent wins the point.

Badminton Singles Scoring Rules

Badminton singles follows the rally point scoring system, which means a point is awarded after every rally, regardless of which player served.

The table below explains how matches are scored:

Aspect	Rule
Points per game	First player to reach 21 points
Winning margin	A player must win by at least 2 points
Score at 20–20	Play continues until one player leads by 2 points
Score at 29–29	The first player to reach 30 points wins the game
Match format	Best of 3 games
Games needed to win	2 out of 3

A player wins a point when:

• The shuttle lands inside the opponent’s court, including on the boundary lines.
• The opponent hits the shuttle out of bounds.
• The opponent fails to return the shuttle over the net.
• The opponent commits a fault.

The player who wins the rally also serves the next point. The service court depends on the server’s current score.

How Points Are Won and Lost in Singles

You win a point when your opponent fails to return the shuttle correctly or makes a mistake. A point is awarded if:

• The shuttle lands inside your opponent’s court, including on the boundary lines.
• Your opponent hits the shuttle out of bounds.
• Your opponent fails to return the shuttle over the net.
• Your opponent commits a fault.

The player who wins the rally also serves the next point. The service court they use depends on their current score, which follows the singles service rules.

Common Faults in Badminton Singles

A fault is a rule violation that immediately ends the rally and awards the point to the opponent.

Some of the most common faults in badminton singles include:

• Touching the net with your racket, body, or clothing while the shuttle is in play.
• Hitting the shuttle twice before it crosses the net.
• Striking the shuttle before it crosses into your side of the court.
• Hitting the shuttle outside the singles court boundaries.
• Serving illegally, such as serving above waist height or from the wrong service court.
• Allowing the shuttle to touch your body instead of your racket.

Avoiding these mistakes is an important part of the game. Good positioning, proper footwork, and correct serving technique help players reduce errors and stay in control during rallies.

Rest Intervals and Change of Ends

Players are allowed short breaks during a match to recover and prepare for the next phase of play.

The official rest intervals in badminton singles are:

• A 60-second interval when a player first reaches 11 points in a game.
• A 2-minute interval between games.
• In the deciding third game, players change ends when either player reaches 11 points.

These intervals are part of the official Badminton World Federation rules and apply in competitive matches.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the rules of badminton singles is the first step towards becoming a better player. From court dimensions and service rules to scoring and common faults, every rule plays an important role in ensuring fair play and helping you perform with confidence on the court. Whether you are playing for fun or preparing for competitive matches, knowing these rules will help you avoid unnecessary mistakes and make better decisions during every rally.

The best way to build confidence is through regular practice. If you want to improve your skills, compete in tournaments, or learn from experienced coaches, Khelomore offers badminton coaching, tournaments, and community events across India. Playing regularly in a structured environment will help you apply these rules naturally and take your game to the next level.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the basic badminton singles rules?

Badminton singles is played between two players on a narrow court using the inner side lines. Players score using the rally point system, serve diagonally from the correct service court, and must avoid faults such as net touches or hitting the shuttle out of bounds.

What is the difference between badminton singles and doubles court rules?

The main difference is the court width. Singles uses the inner side lines, while doubles uses the full court width. Both formats use the same back boundary line during rallies.

How many points do you need to win a badminton singles match?

A badminton singles match is played as the best of three games. Each game is won by the first player to reach 21 points with a lead of at least two points. If the score reaches 29 all, the first player to score 30 points wins the game.

What are the rules for serving in badminton singles?

The serve must be hit below the waist with the racket pointing downward. It must be served diagonally into the correct service court, and both feet must remain on the court until the shuttle is struck.

What counts as a fault in badminton singles?

Common faults include touching the net, hitting the shuttle out of bounds, serving illegally, hitting the shuttle twice, or allowing the shuttle to touch your body. A fault immediately awards the point to your opponent.

Why is court movement important in badminton singles?

A singles player has to cover the entire court alone. Good movement and positioning help players reach the shuttle quickly, recover after each shot, and reduce unnecessary errors.

Do the same singles rules apply at the recreational and professional level?

Yes. The official rules for court dimensions, scoring, serving, and faults are the same at both recreational and professional levels. The main difference is that professional matches have officials to enforce the rules more strictly.

Following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, football fans around the globe have had their say by voting for the tournament’s best XI, with some expected names making the cut alongside a few surprise selections.

Argentina captain Lionel Messi, Norway’s Erling Haaland, French captain Kylian Mbappe and Cape Verde veteran goalkeeper Vozinha are among the stars who earned places in the fan-voted FIFA World Cup Dream Team after producing memorable performances throughout the tournament.

The biggest talking point from the supporters’ selection is the inclusion of 40-year-old Vozinha, who edged out several high-profile goalkeepers despite Spain’s Unai Simón winning the official Golden Glove award presented by FIFA’s Technical Study Group.

ALSO READ: Spain vs Argentina: La Roja stun 10-man Argentina to win 2026 World Cup title

Cape Verde enjoyed a remarkable debut appearance at the World Cup, with Vozinha playing a central role in the nation’s historic campaign.

The experienced shot-stopper delivered a series of outstanding displays, including a seven-save performance in a goalless draw against eventual champions Spain during the group stage.

He also frustrated Argentina in the knockout rounds, making several crucial saves that forced the South American giants into extra time before they eventually secured qualification.

His heroics throughout the tournament earned him nearly 40 percent of the fan vote, making him the preferred goalkeeper in the supporters’ XI.

ALSO READ: Highlights of the 2026 FIFA World Cup: Records & statistics

Norway striker Erling Haaland also received overwhelming support after leading his country to its best-ever World Cup finish in decades.

The Manchester City forward finished the tournament with seven goals in just five appearances, emerging as one of the competition’s most clinical finishers.

Among his standout performances was a brilliant brace that inspired Norway to a famous 2-1 victory over five-time world champions Brazil in the Round of 16.

Although Norway’s impressive journey came to an end in the quarter-finals against England, Haaland’s goalscoring exploits ensured he secured a place in the tournament’s dream team.

World Cup winner Lionel Messi also featured prominently in the attacking line after another influential tournament with Argentina. The Argentine captain continued to prove his class on the biggest stage, helping his nation reach the latter stages while breaking more World Cup records along the way.

France contributed three players to the supporters’ XI, with defender Dayot Upamecano, midfielder Michael Olise and superstar forward Kylian Mbappé all making the cut following consistent performances throughout the tournament.

Spain, crowned world champions after defeating Argentina in the final, also had a strong representation. Full-backs Pedro Porro and Marc Cucurella were selected in defence, while midfield general Rodri earned a deserved place after controlling games from the centre of the park.

England midfielder Jude Bellingham completed the midfield trio after another outstanding World Cup campaign, where his leadership, creativity and tireless displays helped England reach the latter stages of the competition.

Argentina defender Lisandro Martínez was the only central defender outside France to be voted into the side, highlighting his importance during Argentina’s impressive run to the final.

One notable omission from the fan-selected XI was Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.

Despite playing a significant role in Spain’s triumphant campaign, the youngster narrowly missed out on a place in the final team as supporters opted for more experienced attacking stars.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Fan-Voted Dream Team

Goalkeeper

Defenders

• Pedro Porro (Spain)
• Lisandro Martínez (Argentina)
• Dayot Upamecano (France)
• Marc Cucurella (Spain)

Midfielders

• Rodri (Spain)
• Michael Olise (France)
• Jude Bellingham (England)

Forwards

• Lionel Messi (Argentina)
• Erling Haaland (Norway)
• Kylian Mbappé (France)

The fan-voted XI reflects a blend of established global icons and breakthrough performers who captured the imagination of supporters during one of the most entertaining FIFA World Cups in recent memory.

While Spain lifted the trophy, players from across the tournament were recognised for individual brilliance, with Cape Verde’s inspirational veteran Vozinha perhaps emerging as the biggest feel-good story of the competition.

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By Eduard Bănulescu

I’ve been writing fantasy football guides for a decade. And even I have to get excited at the prospect of the 2026 World Cup final and what it means for fantasy football.

Looking to end the tournament right? Looking to jump up in the standings before the very final whistle? Here are the players that will improve your chances, and the ones that you’d better avoid.

It’s also your last chance to take part in FootballCoin’s free World Cup contest. Make sure you end the tournament on a high note!

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The “Locks”

There’s no getting around the fact that Messi has been sensational this tournament. Even if Argentina loses, the already mythical number 10 is bound to get a lot of points for your team.

You’ll also need Rodri. I criticised him earlier in the tournament, but his performances have grown from one game to the other. His passes and tackles will prove vital.

How about the goalkeeper? Pick Simon. He’s had the safer pair of hands this tournament. He also has stronger stats than Martinez.

The “Wild Cards”

There will be a lot of talk about Yamal. While I think he’s an incredible player, he’s not essential here. Still, his dips down the flank can lead to a lot of points.

Similar action down the wings can help Cucurella rack up the points and help you win your contest.

Meanwhile, De Paul should be back in the squad and doing a lot of running to compensate for the ageing legs of Messi or Tagliafico.

Finally, Fernandez has been, generally, very good at this World Cup. It just remains to be seen if Spain’s defenders have worked out how to close him down.

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The “Enablers”

Cubarsi and Laporte may not be the first players you consider when making a typical selection. But the stats speak for themselves. This is an incredible defensive pairing!

Finally, Porro is not a player that you immediately associate with success. However, his performance in the semi-final suggests that you can take a risk on the Spurs wing-back.

The “Costly Mistakes”

I would choose E. Martinez as the goalie sub based simply on Spain’s attacking strength.

Paredes is a very efficient player for getting Argentina over the line. His roughhousing, however, isn’t always reflected in terms of fantasy football points.

Set-Piece & Penalty Matrix

Matchup	Team	Penalties	Free Kicks	Corners
Spain vs. Argentina	Spain	Mikel Oyarzabal	Pedri	Nico Williams, Lamine Yamal
	Argentina	Lionel Messi	Lionel Messi	Lionel Messi, Rodrigo de Paul