Badminton Skills

Beginners skills:

1. Holding the racket:

   This is an important first step. First, hold the racket in front of you so the head is vertical. Then grip the handle as if you were shaking hands with it. It may seem strange to begin with. Avoid getting into bad habits, specifically what is known as a 'pan-handle' grip (the grip you would use while holding a sauce pan, or the grip you would end up with if you put the racket flat on the floor and picked it up). You will never get any power into your shots playing this way.
   The backhand grip differs slightly - the handshake-grip still applies, except you move your thumb flat on the side of the racket.

2. Hitting the shuttle:

   1. As beginners, I'm sure you'll just be concentrating on trying to get the shuttle over the net and into the right area of the court. Keep your eye on the shuttle, and flick your wrist to hit it as far as possible. You'll be doing well to put the weight of your body behind your shots, by standing side-on to the net (for right-handed players, face at 3 o'clock), turning your body anti-clockwise as you hit the shuttle:
   2. Another good thing to do, to ensure you approach your shots from a side-on position, is to use your free hand (left, for most people) to point at the shuttle as it comes towards you (assuming it's an overhead shot, of course). If you think you'll feel too silly pointing at everything that comes at you then just raise your arm up in the direction of the opposite player to maintain your balance (and your dignity).
   3. After you've just hit a shot, don't just stand around idle. Keep your racket up; it might make your arm tired but you'll be able to react much more quickly.

3. Service:

   Serving can be a problem for beginners as they struggle to get enough power into their shots. Aim for the back of the court, hitting it as high as possible so the shuttle drops between the two back tramlines (for singles play). If you can't hit it that far, avoid simply hitting it into the middle of the court - you'll lose out every time. Either aim for your opponent's backhand side of the service area, or serve it short just over the net.

4. Getting around the court:

   Getting into good position is vital if you want to hit the shuttle with any power. Do your best to get behind the shuttle, and move into the shot. If it's behind you when you hit it, your shot will go too high (and not very far).
   In order to get into good position, you need to be able to move quickly. Keep on your toes, so you're ready to 'spring' in any direction.

Point to Remember

1. Hold the racket as if you were shaking hands with it
2. Get side-on to play your shots
3. Use your free arm to balance, and point at the shuttle
4. Get behind the shuttle, and move forward into the shot
5. Stay on your toes
6. Have fun!

    

   
   intermediates skills:

   You should be able to perform the Beginner technique at a competent level before attempting anything in this section.
   
   You can hit the shuttle: you're not too bad but need that extra bit of help to improve. These lessons are based around improving your technique, to get you hitting the shuttle harder, sweeter, more accurately and more consistently. Here's how to play like the pros:

   1. Shot Technique:

      1. Forearm Technique:

         OK, by now you've probably developed your own style of hitting the shuttle, probably whatever you've found works for you. Now it's time to change your style. Most likely, if you came from the old school of training, you were told to use your wrist. Unfortunately that is not the right way to do it - the illustrations below step through the correct action (experts should find this old-hat, it's been around for almost 10 years). If you think the drawing suck, well... you'd be right, I drew them myself

         1. Hold the racket in the indicated position, with the correct hand grip.

         2. Pull the racket back in the direction of the arrow, turning your forearm as you do so. You should now be able to see the underside of your forearm. You should also be able to feel the side muscles in your forearm tightening.

         3. Quickly swing the racket in the opposite direction. This is the primary action you should use.

         4. Here's an animation of the whole sequence :

            
            
             

         5. Here it is demonstrated for hitting an overhead shot (the most-played shot in badminton, unlike other racket sports which are primarily underarm swings). Note the angle of the elbow.

            
            
             

            When using the forearm-technique for overhead shots, you should lead with your elbow (ie. as you turn your body to hit the shot, your racket-elbow comes up, followed by your forearm turn). Your arm will swing forward and your body will follow-through for maximum power transfer.

            
            
             

         
          

      2. Singles Service:

         By now you can probably serve the shuttle fairly well, but can you consistently get it to land between the two back tramlines? To take advantage of your hard-earned serve and to put pressure on your opposing player, you need to serve high and long. The only way to consistently achieve this is practice. Get hold of 10-20 old feather shuttles (you can find them discarded at the badminton hall, or you'll have your own) and try to get at least 15 out of 20 into the back. If that's too easy, put a bucket between the tramlines and try to get as many as possible to land inside it. If you get half in you're doing great.

         
          

      3. Doubles Service:

         The doubles service game requires you to serve short, and accurately. To practice this one, get 20 shuttle and another person on the other side. Have the other person stand as close as is allowed (almost on the front service line) and try to hit your serves down. You will need to keep your serves very low on the net, but long enough to reach the service line. You want to get your racket as high as possible without breaking the rules. For extra height, you can get on your tip-toes. Again, practice is the key for consistency here.

         
          

      4. Forehand:

         Hopefully you've got the forearm technique going. Eventually, you should be able to clear the shuttle from one end of the court to the other without swinging your arm - might sound impossible, but you can get a lot of power out of your forearm.
         To hit it harder, you need to get behind the shuttle, and move your body hard into the shot. Tennis players demonstrate it well when they serve. Analysing the physics of the game, to hit the shuttle further and more quickly you need to get the racket head moving as fast as possible. Regard the racket as being part of your arm. With your shoulder as the pivot point, the point of contact (racket head) has a fairly long extension from the pivot point. Thus, by moving your shoulder faster the racket head will move a magnitude of times faster (the longer your arms, the better!).
         You should be able to hit the shuttle from one end of the court to the other (and not just with a fast shuttle!). You might like to try hitting it from a metre of so further back - the added power will be invaluable when you're under pressure, or playing with a particularly slow shuttle, or on a cold day.

         
          

      5. Backhand:

         The best way to play the backhand, is not to play it at all. Use your speed to play overhead shots 'around the head', that is, to move as far to the backhand side of the court and play a forehand shot. It'll help you to avoid getting into trouble if you can't clear with your backhand. Bend your back! If you can't get around (either because it is practically impossible or undesirable), the technique to use is identical to the forearm technique, only in reverse. Most people have no problems executing this on shots at shoulder level or lower, but many have difficulty when the shot is above their head. This is described in the expert tutorial. To gain extra power in your backhand shots, first get into position by turning your back to the net. Then spin around, hitting the shuttle flat down the line. Always use the weight of your body to maximise power transfer.

      6. Smashing:

         Smashing is a low percentage shot that should only really be attempted if your opponent has hit a weak shot to the middle of the court.
         The action is essentially the same as for forehand clearing shots. Turning your body and moving into the shot is more important here to get that additional bit of power. Jump for extra height, to achieve the steepest possible angle on the shuttle.
         Aiming the smash is important - you are most vulnerable right after smashing. You'll be off balance and out of position after having put everything into your shot. The best place to aim is down the sides, where your opponent will have to stretch to reach. However, this is low percentage as you can easily hit it out. To increase your chances aim at your opponent's non-racket hand, or at their body to put them out of balance. Give them as little space as possible

         
          

      7. Drop shots:

         There are two types of dropshot you can attempt: the fast drop and the slow drop. First we'll discuss the slow drop, which is likely to be the type of drop you've been doing. Slow drops should be hit to land as close to the net as possible. The blue areas of the diagram show where to aim for.
         You need to hit the shuttle softly, but using the same action as for normal overhead clears or smashes. Again, practice will get you hitting the spot consistently.

         
          

         A well-placed fast drop is usually more effective than a well-placed slow drop. This is because your opponent has much less time to get to the drop, putting them under pressure. Fast drops can be difficult to execute, as you're effectively hitting a gentle smash. Try to get up as high as possible - the higher you get the steeper the angle you can get. The green areas of the diagram indicate where to aim for.

         
          

         Be warned that doing a drop shot from the back of the court, fast or slow, can get you into a lot of trouble. If you're not accurate, your opponent can easily drop it back over the net putting you under pressure. As a general rule, don't drop diagonally across the court. It's the furthest distance to run!
         Often you'll be forced to drop because you're under pressure, or in a position where you can't clear it. In this case, use your peripheral vision to see where your opponent is, and try to keep it away from them. If that's not possible, hit a slow floating drop - that way you'll have time to position yourself for the return.
         Drop shots are easy to practice - all you need is someone at the front hitting the shuttle up for you while you run them left and right. You'll know if your accuracy is good simply by observation.

   2. Court Techniques

      1. Getting around the court:

         Footwork, footwork, footwork. Any coach will tell you that it is a vital part of your game. Anyone can hit the shuttle, but if you can't get into position you don't have a hope in hell of winning points.
         The game of badminton, unlike other racket sports, consists mostly of forward and backward movement. You need to be able to cover all four corners of the court, taking the fewest possible steps.
         From the middle of the court, or the 'base' (area where you should return to after each shot), side-slip toward the front corners. When you're close to the corner, stretch out with your leg (right leg for right-handed players, vice versa for left-handers) and reach out with your arm. Try to keep your back leg as close to the middle of the court as possible. After playing the shot, bounce back towards the middle.
         To get to the back corners, again side-slip. Right-handed players will lead the side-slip with their right leg, for both forehand and backhand corners. The idea is to get into the side-on position before the shuttle arrives, and to force you to play overhead backhand shots around the head.

         
          

         The footprints show where you should place your left (hollow) and right (filled) feet. This is for a right-handed players point of view, where you lead with the right foot. Left- handed players take a mirror image.
         The red circle indicates the base, or area which you should return to after playing any shot.
         Remember: you should side-slip to each corner, and jog back to the base area.

         
          

         See the Expert page for help on how to get around the court in doubles and mixed doubles

      2. Exercises:

         Physical fitness is a good start. If you're always out of breath during a game you need to increase basic fitness by going for short runs. Another very good exercise is to buy a skipping rope, and do 50 skips with 3-4 reps.
         You also need both agility and speed to get around the court quickly. Speed drills will help improve your court speed. Run back and forth across the width of court as many times as you can in 1 minute intervals, stretching out to touch the line with your fingertips.
         If you have access to a court, the best exercise is to get on it with a racket. Practice side-slipping to each corner, returning to the middle each time. Mix it up. Have someone stand on the front T bar of your side of the court, pointing at random to each corner.

         
          

         It's also important to warm up. Stretch your calves and groin. You'll be reaching out for shots, and the last thing you want is to pull a muscle (especially if you pull your groin, you'll be walking around like a cowboy with a broken saddle).
         Do some stretches on your arms, especially your shoulder and forearm. Get someone to give you a gentle hit-up before you start the game.

   3. Shot Placement

      1. Shot Selection:

         Deciding what shot to play depends on the position of yourself, your opponent, and how much time you have. In general, aim for the far backhand corner of the court, or away from your player. If they're lingering around the back tramlines, drop one in short. If they're at the front knock one down the back. Make them run, put them under pressure. The longest distance is between opposite corners. Send your opponent back and forth.
         If you want to get the upper-hand, analyse what your opponent does. If you notice they always clear twice then drop, you'll be prepared. Or you might notice they return backhand smashes poorly, slow to the net, etc. Play to your strengths and their weaknesses.

      2. Long Rallying:

         If you know your fitness is superior to your opponent's, you should try to extend the rallies. Keep the shuttle high and to the back of the court. This gives you time to get to the net when your opponent becomes tired and plays a dropshot. Note that your opponent may attempt to counter you by shortening the rallies.
         The advantage of playing this game is the low risk. However, you are not really controlling the outcome of the game, instead relying on your opponent to make the mistake.

      3. Short Rallying:

         If your fitness is lagging in comparison to your opponent's, you will want to shorten the rallies. You will have to play a low percentage game, mixing drops and smashes with clears. Hopefully your accuracy and consistency are good enough to beat down your opponent.
         The advantage of this type of game is that you control the pace, and possibly the outcome. However, if your opponent is able to return your low percentage shots you will tire more quickly, as you'll have to do a lot more running.

      4. Timing:

         Timing is everything. It's the difference between making and missing the smash, the drop, the smash-return. If you're not hitting the shuttle in the sweet spot of your racket (the red circle below), you end up using more energy to clear, and will get less power out of your smashes.

         
          

         Improvement of timing will come with experience and practice. One way to tell whether you're hitting the sweet spot is to check the wear on your strings - they should be fraying the most around the center of the rackethead.

   
   
    

   Points to Remember

   1. Master the forearm technique

   2. Don't play the backhand, play a forehand around your head

   3. Practice your serves, drops, backhand, and smashing to a consistent level

   4. Sideslip around the court, taking big steps and returning your 'base' afterwards

   5. Play to your strengths, exploit your opponent's weaknesses

    

   experts skills:
    

   You should be fairly well versed with the Intermediate technique before attempting anything in this section.
   
   This page is intended for those who want to increase their ability to competition level, or for those already playing at competition to refresh their memory.

   1. Shot Technique:

      1. Doubles Service:

         Using the backhand to serve short was pioneered by Thai badminton players. These days, everyone uses it. Holding your racket out in front of your stomach, with your right leg forward, hold the shuttle just in front of the racket and sweep through. You may find you achieve more consistency with a forehand serve, so by all means use whatever you feel comfortable with.
         
         Just remember the rules of service when attempting the backhand serve; it's easy to break them.

         
          

         

         
          

      2. Backhand clearing:

         Backhand clearing is probably the most difficult shot in the game (next to the backhand smash). Many players are unable to backhand-clear, relying on their speed to play around-the-head or rush to the net. The difficulty is in generating enough racket-head speed. Here's the technique (I won't guarantee you'll be able to clear it after reading it, though!):
         First you need to position yourself correctly. Stand with your back facing the net; this is important as you need to gear up like a coiled spring, turning your body around quickly to maximise energy transfer. When in position, point your elbow in the air at the shuttle, and cock your wrist. In the next step, timing is crucial. You have to turn your body around till you face the net again, using the forearm technique in reverse to send that shuttle flying. When you make contact the shuttle should be above your right shoulder.
         Still can't get any distance? It's because you really only have two sources of power to put into the shot - your forearm/wrist, and your arm. Not to mention the fact that you can't swing your arm back as quickly as you can forward. It's a bit like when you first started out playing, and weren't able to clear the shuttle from one end to the other. By practicing, and perhaps even doing a bit of weight training, you'll eventually get it.

      3. Net shots:

         Net shots should be hit as early as possible, close to the top of the net. Force yourself to play the net shot early, by keeping your racket up around net height and bringing your racket down to take the shot. A great many lazy players come into the net with their racket around their ankles, making contact later than they should. Playing it a split second earlier will pressure your opponent into making a mistake more often than not.
         There are in fact, two ways to play net shots. You can hit the shuttle with a low trajectory and slightly higher horizontal speed, which gives your opponent less time but they don't have to run quite as far. The other way is to give the shuttle a higher trajectory, so it lands very close to the net. This is harder to consistently execute, but makes it very difficult for your opponent to return a good shot.

      4. Smash returning:

         When you've hit a poor half-court shot, and it looks like you're about to get hammered, stand in the center of the court, a little closer than halfway from the front, with legs shoulder width apart and knees bent. Hold your racket at waist height, at 10 o'clock. Now when the smash comes in, pull your wrist back, and flick turn your forearm, as you return with your backhand.
         In some cases you will have to switch to a forehand for the return. The range of your backhand is higher than you probably think. You should use backhand to return smashes from anywhere on the left to under your right arm.
         As a general rule, return to the back of the court if you can manage, otherwise play safe and drop it short. The last thing you want to do is return half-court and give your opponent another chance to hammer you.

      5. Slicing:

         For those who don't know what slicing is, it refers to hitting the shuttle with an angled racket head such that the speed is taken off the shot. It's not as hard as it might seem, it just involves a bit of practice. Slicing is a great way to play fast and slow drops, especially from a forehand cross-court overhead position.

      6. Backhand Smashing:

         Smashing with the backhand is not really advisable. If the shuttle is up at half-court, you might as well play around the head. Playing a backhand will only increase your recovery time and reduce your power.
         If you absolutely must learn it (probably for the purpose of showing off!), read the backhand clearing section, if you haven't already. If you can clear with your backhand, smashing should be relatively easy to pick up. Jump to get a steeper angle.

      
       

   2. Court Techniques

      1. Getting around the court in singles:

         This tutorial expands slightly on the Intermediate tutorial. I've mentioned large steps to the shuttle, and a big stretch. Now instead of leaping back quickly to the middle, take slower, smaller 'jogging' steps. This saves you energy in case your opponent returns to the same area. It does mean you have less margin for error, and should avoid cross-court drops. A combination of both is obviously the best method; you'll have to make your own judgements.
         The idea is to get to the shuttle as early as possible. Fitness and speed drills will help you achieve this. Anticipating your opponent's next move also helps. Sometimes you can work out when your opponent is about to drop, because their arm action is different from their clear.

      2. Getting around the court in doubles:

         There are a few basic rules for positioning in doubles. If your side is serving, you begin playing front & back (picture #3 below). If your side's serve is short, you remain front & back; if it's up (served to the back) you play sides. You could possibly make up a 'signal' with your partner to indicate you're hitting it up, and get prepared for a smash.
         If your side is receiving the shuttle, and your side returns short, get into a front & back formation. If your side returns high, play sides. If the service is high and your side returns a drop or smash, the other player must come forward to cover the net. Thus, when receiving service, both players should stand close to the front.
         During general play, if you are playing front & back, and your side smashes from the back, the net player should come back a little to put away a weak return. If your opponents return high to the backhand corner, usually the player at the front will move back to take the shot (and the player at the back moves to the front). This 'cycling' of play prevents one player from getting too tired. Most importantly, call for the shot - loud and clear. That way you'll avoid collisions and misunderstandings.
         If, during general play, you are playing sides (probably returning smashes) and one of you returns it short, the player who made the drop must cover the net. If you return it high continue playing sides.
         If the two sides get into a clearing 'contest', there's no point in coming back and forth from sides - front & back. As long as the clear is to the back of the court you only need to move back a step or so (see the guy on the left, picture #1 below).
         It's quite intuitive; once you practice it should be easy enough to pick up.

         
          

      3. Getting around the court in mixed doubles:

         In mixed doubles, the female plays at the front and the male plays at the back. This is only true if the male is stronger, of course (in which case the game will be played like a doubles match). The rules for switching between front & back and sides is the same as for doubles; the female should come back to return smashes if the shuttle is hit up. However, she should come back to the diagonally opposite side to where the shuttle was lifted - this will make it easier for her to return the opposing male's smash. The woman whose partner is smashing should stand at the front, slightly back to put away weak returns (see picture #2).
         If the female is especially weak, the players will probably wish to stay front & back for the whole game

         
          

   3. Shot Placement

      1. Singles:

         To prevent your opponent from guessing what you're going to do, you need to use deception. Delay your stroke until the last moment - the forearm technique should allow you to do this. By lifting your elbow and waiting for the shuttle, you can use your peripheral vision to watch your opponent before snapping a clear or fast drop. Do the same when at the net - hold your racket in front, feigning a drop. When your opponent runs in, snap it over their head.
         If you want to go a step further, study your opponent before the match. Watch some of their other matches and observe their weakness and strengths. Draw out a game plan, and stick to it.
         Sometimes you can gain a psychological victory over your opponent, by frustrating them. Take advantage of their lack of patience, break their spirit and the game will get a lot easier.

      2. Doubles:

         Strictly speaking, a perfect game in doubles would result in no lifting by your side. Every shot you made would either be a drop, smash, or sideline drive. You'd never give your opponents anything. Of course in reality, your placement probably won't be quite so perfect. However, you should try to play the perfect game.
         When receiving service, attack the low serve. Aim at the back player's body, or towards the sidelines at half-court. Do this for both doubles and mixed doubles. This area is between both front and rear player, and will cause confusion.
         In mixed, if the woman is weak you should serve it high to get the man at the front, or force her to return it high.
         If your opponents are playing sides (because they've just hit it up), smash it between them. If one is left-handed, it's a great cause for mixup. You could also try dropping it dead centre at the net.
         If you're playing people who don't know the doubles technique, when they hit it up smash it down the sidelines (wide court makes it hard to return) or straight down the middle. Chances are they will still be playing front & back. Hitting it down the middle may 'blind' the back player (he can't see through his front player).

         
          

   4. Tricks

      1. Behind the back:

         This is done by playing what normally be a low backhand shot, with your forehand. This is a pretty easy shot, it just takes a bit of practice to work out where the shuttle should be so you can make contact. It is actually useful in a game, when you're defending smashes and expecting a forehand.

      2. Between the legs:

         This is good if you're defending smashes and expecting a forehand smash, but it comes down in front of you. You should really only attempt it if you're tall enough or you could end up with sore some legs. Be careful not to misjudge the height of the smash too - the last thing you want is a crippling injury that could end your badminton career (ok, so I exaggerate slightly).

      3. Backward shot:

         To do this, run with your back to the net. Chase the shuttle so it falls over your right shoulder (right-handers). When it falls below knee-height swing, back. Hopefully you'll get it over the net! Sometimes useful if you're stuck at the net and your opponent hits a low drive over your head.

      
      
       

      Points to Remember

      1. Try to use the weight of your body to get more power in your backhands

      2. Use the 'loop' to return smashes with your backhand

      3. Get to the shuttle as early as possible

      4. In singles, return to your base by jogging back

      5. Practice and remember the doubles formations

      6. Use deception in all your shots to keep your opponent guessing

      7. Avoid hitting the shuttle up in doubles or mixed doubles