Badminton ranks among the fastest sports globally, often leading people to perceive it as challenging. However, by mastering fundamental rules and techniques, you can start playing this sport. For beginners, we’d like to introduce seven basic badminton techniques to help you become acquainted with the game.
1. The first fundamental badminton technique to grasp is how to properly hold the racket
The essential badminton technique you must familiarize yourself with is the racket grip. A correct grip significantly influences shot control and helps reduce the risk of wrist injuries, enabling proficient performance on both forehand and backhand shots.
Holding the racket correctly will assist you in controlling the shuttlecock and reducing the risk of wrist injuries.
The proper way to grip the racket resembles a handshake, with your thumb comfortably resting on the wider part of the handle. The other fingers should be positioned as they would in a handshake.
Ensure a relaxed grip on the racket, avoiding excessive tightness. Holding the racket too firmly can limit your flexibility in movements and may lead to wrist injuries during extended play.
In badminton, there are two grip techniques: forehand and backhand. The key difference between these grips is finger placement:
- For forehand strokes, extend your index finger forward parallel to the racket handle.
- For backhand swings, move your thumb forward parallel to the racket handle.
2. Footwork Technique
Despite the limited area of the badminton court, efficient movement from one part to another is essential. Footwork techniques are pivotal for organized and effective court coverage.
In fact, many coaches emphasize the significance of footwork above all else. To move your legs effectively, keep in mind:
- Always start from a ready position.
- Sidestep with a single step.
- Move forward or backward with only 2-3 steps.
3. Service Technique
Mastering the service is fundamental in badminton. Beyond executing challenging serve techniques, understanding the service rules is crucial to ensure a valid serve and avoid potential errors. There are two common serve techniques in badminton, determined by the flight path and shuttlecock placement.
High Serve
High serves are employed to send the shuttlecock towards the opponent’s backcourt. This type of serve is useful when your opponent possesses a strong smashing capability. The high serve can force your opponent into making tired shots or minor net errors.
Typically, it’s advisable to aim your serve at your opponent’s backhand court, as it’s often considered the weak spot for most badminton players.
Low Serve
In contrast, the low serve is designed to place the shuttlecock in the upper part of the court. The objective of the low serve is to have the shuttle fly just above the net and land in the top corner of the court. If the serve is executed poorly, it provides your opponent with an opportunity to execute a smash in return.
4. Smash Technique
Smashing the shuttlecock ranks among the most potent and forceful maneuvers in badminton. This technique involves delivering a powerful strike aimed at the opponent or a specific spot on the court. A well-executed smash can leave your opponent unable to return the shot. There are three common smash techniques in badminton:
Forehand Smash
The forehand smash is an overhead smash, akin to a pitching motion. If you can throw accurately, executing a forehand smash shouldn’t pose too much difficulty.
Backhand Smash
The backhand smash is one of the more challenging fundamental badminton techniques. Even seasoned athletes may find it demanding. However, achieving a perfect backhand smash requires consistent practice and precise technique. To perform a backhand smash, you must master the grip and technique of holding the racket correctly.
Jump Smash
The jump smash combines jumping and the forehand smash technique. Essentially, you execute a jump before transitioning into a forehand smash.
To enhance the power of their attacks, players can utilize the technique of jumping and executing a smash.
5. Drop Shot Technique
The drop shot technique is considered a fundamental yet highly precise skill in badminton, allowing you to score points strategically. You can execute drop shots with both forehand and backhand strokes. This technique compels your opponent to move towards the front of the court, creating openings in the middle and rear. Depending on the situation, you can employ drop shots with varying speeds, both fast and slow.
6. Net Shot Technique
In badminton, the net shot technique involves guiding the shuttlecock over the net in an inverted U-shaped trajectory. Net shots are executed close to the net’s edge, making it challenging for your opponent to counter effectively.
Unlike drop shots, the net shot technique forces your opponent to focus on returning the shuttlecock near the backcourt, thereby creating opportunities in the front and middle of the court for your attacks.
7. Netting Technique
Netting is a technique employed when standing very close to the net, hitting the shuttlecock in a way that sends it directly to the floor, akin to a gentle tap over the net. However, instead of positioning yourself at the back of the court, you execute the shot right in front of the net. There are two variations: forehand netting and backhand netting.
The backhand netting technique involves using a backhand grip, causing the shuttlecock to travel towards your non-forehand court. For instance, if you’re right-handed, any shot played on the left side of the court constitutes a backhand shot.
In contrast, the forehand netting technique utilizes a forehand grip and is executed on the same side of the court as the racket handle.
Stance
Your stance in badminton is critical for both your shots and serves. Proper positioning ensures easier movement and improved performance. In badminton, there are three primary stances: the attacking stance, defensive stance, and support stance.
Attacking Stance
This position is adopted before executing overhead forehand shots. To assume the attacking stance, orient your body towards the vertical lines, maintain shoulder-width spacing between your feet, and hold the racket with your dominant hand at your side. Raise both hands to generate power for your attack, aiding the shuttle’s downward trajectory.
Defensive Stance
The defensive stance is employed to counter your opponent’s smashes. In this stance, face the net, position your dominant hand in front of you at waist level, and lean slightly forward. Your non-racket hand can relax, but it’s essential to maintain balance.
Support Stance
The support stance is used to prepare for your opponent’s return after sending the shuttle over the net. To assume this stance, place your foot on the same side as the racket handle forward, with the other foot behind. Your racket handle should be raised in front of your face, slightly above waist level. In readiness for the return, elevate your non-racket hand and lean forward slightly.
We hope this article has simplified your badminton practice. So, don’t hesitate; try applying these seven basic badminton techniques and enjoy some quality time with your friends.
To delve deeper into badminton and other sports that promote good health, download the We Smart Training app today.
Johnny Jacks was born in 1985 in Texas, USA. He is the founder of Good Health Plan and is passionate about helping people improve their health and physical well-being. With over a decade of experience working in the healthcare industry, he currently works at Goodheathplan.com – a blog that shares knowledge on beauty and health.