Helena Frye
The service is an important part of a badminton player's gameplay. While it may not be as decisive as a serve in lawn tennis, it can still give a player an advantage from the start of the rally. The rules of serving in badminton are laid down by the Badminton World Federation (BWF). According to these rules, a correct service is when a player hits the shuttlecock with their racket over the net to the opponent's side without the shuttlecock touching the net or going out of bounds. The serve in badminton can be a backhand serve, a high-toss serve, or a forehand serve, depending on the player's preference. Many professionals prefer a short backhand serve to initiate proceedings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Grip | Backhand grip with the racket held slightly higher |
| Racket angle | 45 degrees |
| Stance | Racket leg in front or feet side by side |
| Distance from service line | Close to the service line |
| Shuttlecock position | Touching the racket strings |
| Wrist movement | Controls power and accuracy |
| Opponent's position | Aim for their backhand side |
| Deception | Use sparingly to catch the opponent off guard |
| Scoring | A point is scored when the shuttlecock touches the ground, hits the net, or goes out of bounds |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Backhand grip and stance
To perform a backhand grip, you should hold the racket slightly higher up on the grip, with your thumb on top of the wider section of the grip. The strings should be facing the floor and ceiling, and your fingers should be relaxed around the side. This will give you more control over the serve. When holding the shuttlecock, your thumb and index finger should be about halfway down the feather, allowing for a good grip.
The backhand grip is used for some forehand and backhand net shots, depending on your positioning. It is also used for some singles defence if you are stretched. The type of grip you use will depend on where you are making contact with the shuttle on your backhand side. If the shuttle is level with you or in front, you would use a standard backhand grip with your thumb on top. If the shuttle is behind you, you should use a bevel grip with your thumb further round, allowing you to play an accurate and powerful shot. If the shuttle is really far behind you, you should use a panhandle grip, with your thumb on the side of the racket, pinching the sides with your thumb and fingers.
The stance you take will depend on the type of shot you are playing. To be ready for your opponent's return after playing a net shot, place your foot on the racket side forward, keeping your non-racket foot at the back. Raise your non-racket arm and shift your body weight slightly forward so you are ready to pounce. If you are playing an overhead forehand stroke, turn your body to face the sidelines with the racket leg behind and both legs shoulder-width apart. Raise both your racket and non-racket arms to generate power to attack the shuttle on its downward trajectory.
Hazel Renee's Appearance on Basketball Wives: What You Need Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
How to hold the shuttlecock
Holding the shuttlecock correctly is an important part of playing badminton. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
First, start by holding the badminton racket with a backhand grip, slightly higher up on the grip for better control over the serve. The racket should be at a 45-degree angle, with some space between your body and the racket for a backswing. This can vary depending on your preference and playing style.
Next, hold the shuttlecock with your thumb and index finger, about halfway down the feather. This grip gives you control over the shuttlecock while also allowing you to quickly move your fingers out of the way when striking it. The angle at which you hold the shuttlecock is also important, but this will depend on your playing style and stroke.
When performing the backhand serve, you can stand with your racket leg in front or with your feet side by side. It is recommended to stand close to the service line, as this gives your opponent less time to react and allows you to quickly move forward to cover the net.
To generate power in your stroke, use your fingers and thumb to squeeze the grip firmly. Avoid trying to create power solely by bending your wrist, as this will reduce the control and power of your stroke. Instead, focus on using a short backswing and follow-through to make your stroke deceptive and effective.
Practising how to hold the shuttlecock and the correct racket movement is essential for beginners to develop their hand-eye coordination and understand the weight and flight pattern of the shuttlecock. This can be done by throwing shuttles across the net or practising with a partner.
The Science Behind Basketball Bounces: Height and Factors
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The angle of the racket
A backhand drive swing, on the other hand, involves a sharp, abrupt forward swing of the racket, followed by a sudden stop after making contact with the shuttlecock. This type of serve is characterised by its speed and power and can be advantageous when used to catch the opponent unprepared.
Additionally, the angle of the racket during the serve can be manipulated to introduce deception and unpredictability into the game. Advanced players can vary the angle and wrist movement to make it challenging for their opponents to anticipate the shuttlecock's trajectory. This strategic element of the game adds another layer of complexity and requires a deep understanding of the various serving techniques.
Mastering the Skyhook: A Guide to Shooting Secrets
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Rules of serving
Serving plays a significant role in badminton, especially in doubles. Here are the rules for serving in badminton:
Choosing the Server
The server in a badminton match is determined by a coin toss. The player who serves first in any game shall do so from the right side of the service court on which they begin the match. If the server has won an odd number of points during a game, they serve from the left side of the service court for the subsequent point.
Positioning
The server must stand close to the service line. This reduces the distance for the shuttle to travel, giving the opponent less time to react. However, in singles or mixed doubles, the server may stand further back. The server can stand anywhere in their half, even on the tramlines, as long as they are not touching any lines or are outside the playing court.
Footwork
Both feet must be in contact with the ground when striking the shuttle. Neither can be lifted off the ground until the shuttle is struck. The feet also cannot touch any of the court lines during the serve.
Direction
The serve must be hit diagonally to the opponent's half court and over their front service line. This is the first horizontal line on each side of the court, closest to the net.
Height
The whole shuttle must be below 1.15 metres from the surface of the court when hit by the server's racket. This rule was introduced by the BWF in 2018 to improve the application of service laws at tournaments.
Motion
The serve must be delivered in a forward continuous motion. It is illegal to stop at the backswing and then move forward or to move back and forth multiple times before striking the shuttle.
Grip
For a backhand serve, use a backhand grip, holding the racket slightly higher up for better control. The racket should be at a 45-degree angle, with some space between it and the body for a short backswing.
Shuttlecock Hold
Hold the shuttlecock with the thumb and index finger halfway down the feather. This allows for a good grip without obstructing the strike.
Follow-Through
A short backswing and short follow-through help to deceive the opponent and catch them off guard.
Power
Generate power by using your fingers and thumb to squeeze the grip firmly. Avoid trying to create power solely by bending the wrist, as this reduces control and power.
Consistency
Keep the serving action simple and short so that it can be repeated consistently throughout the game.
Etiquette
According to the BWF Laws of the Game, neither side should cause undue delay in delivering the service once both the server and receiver are ready. While there is no time limit, players may be faulted for taking too long.
Faults
If the shuttlecock strikes any fixtures above the court, such as lights or beams, it is up to the home club or tournament director to determine whether it is a let or a fault. It is good practice to clarify these rules with an official or the opponent before the game.
Texas Tech Men's Basketball: National Championship Dreams
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Variations of the backhand serve
The backhand serve is a crucial skill in badminton, often used in doubles matches but also seen in singles play. It offers a strategic advantage by setting up the next strike and helping to control the pace of the game. Here are some variations of the backhand serve that can be employed to keep your opponent guessing and gain the upper hand:
- The Drive Serve: This variation is executed similarly to a drive shot. The shuttle is struck with a tight wrist, sending it longer and more directly, typically at the opponent's backhand side. This variation can be mixed with lower and shorter backhand serves to confuse opponents.
- The Low Serve: This serve aims to control and manipulate the shuttle's trajectory to gain an advantage. It is performed by serving close to the cord without hitting the net, landing the shuttle at the front of the opponent's service box.
- The Flick Serve: This variation involves a short swing, generating power through finger and thumb grip rather than wrist movement. The shuttle is hit flat across the net with a short backswing and follow-through to deceive opponents.
- The Deceptive Serve: While not a specific type of serve, deception is a critical aspect of serving. Varying the serve's pace, trajectory, and placement can keep your opponent guessing and set up opportunities for the next strike.
The backhand serve is a versatile tool in badminton, and mastering its variations can provide a strategic edge in both singles and doubles matches.
Basketball Skins: When Will They Return?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
To serve in badminton, you must stand inside the service court without touching any of the lines. The first forward movement of the server's racket should initiate the service, and the entire shuttlecock should be below the waist of the server when hit. The shuttlecock must go over the net and land inside the boundaries of the badminton court, with some part of the server's feet remaining in contact with the court surface.
The backhand serve is commonly used in doubles matches, but it is also seen in singles matches. It offers high control and precision, allowing you to direct the shuttlecock to different parts of the court and exploit your opponent's weaker arm. It can also be used to deceive your opponent and set up the next strike.
First, use a backhand grip and hold the racket slightly higher up with a 45-degree angle. Leave some space between your body and the racket for the backswing. Hold the shuttlecock with your thumb and index finger and stand close to the service line. Finally, move your racket backward and forward in a short, sharp motion to hit the shuttlecock.
The backhand flick serve involves increasing the speed at the last moment to send the shuttlecock high and then dropping it vertically in the opponent's backfield. The backhand drive swing is a fast and powerful shot where you abruptly stop the swing after hitting the shuttlecock.
