Amanda Knapp
The service in badminton is a crucial part of the game. While it may not be as decisive as a serve in lawn tennis, it forms an important part of a player's gameplay. According to the Badminton World Federation (BWF), 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, and with some part of their feet in contact with the court surface. The shuttlecock should also be below the waist of the server when struck. So, do you have to serve underhand in badminton?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Serving rules | The player must serve the shuttlecock with their racket over the net to the opponent's side without touching the net or going out of bounds. |
| Foot placement | The player must keep some part of both feet on the ground while serving, with no part touching any lines on the court. |
| Waist height | The shuttlecock must be hit below the server's waist, which is considered an imaginary line at the server's lowest rib. |
| Service side | The player serves from the right side of the service court if they have an even number of points and from the left side if they have an odd number of points. |
| Serve type | Common serve types include the backhand, high-toss, and forehand serve. Players can use different techniques, such as high and low serves, to vary their gameplay. |
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What You'll Learn
The rules of serving in badminton
Serving correctly is an important part of a badminton player's gameplay. The rules of serving in badminton are as follows:
To begin, the server 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, they serve from the left side of the service court for the subsequent point. If they have won an even number of points, they serve from the right side.
The service must be hit diagonally to the opponent's half-court and over their front service line, which is the first horizontal line on each side of the court, closest to the net. The entire shuttlecock should be below the waist of the server at the instant of being hit. The waist is considered to be an imaginary line coinciding with the server's lowest rib. The serve must also be delivered in a forward continuous motion, without stopping or moving back and forth multiple times before striking the shuttlecock.
During the serve, part of both feet must be in contact with the ground and the player must be standing within the boundaries of the court. The serve must not exceed the boundaries of the badminton court. Once the service is returned, the whole of the court becomes 'in'. If the shuttle lands on a line, it is considered 'in'.
In elite BWF competitions, where there are service judges and service height-measuring devices, the shuttle must be below 1.15 metres from the floor when struck. This rule was brought in by the BWF in March 2018 to improve the application of the service laws at BWF tournaments.
It is important to note that there is no specific rule stating that a player must serve underhand in badminton. However, the serve must be hit underarm, meaning the racket head and shaft must be angled in a downward direction.
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The footwork required for different serves
While there are no specific rules in badminton that dictate the serving technique, such as whether it must be underhand or overhand, the serve is an important part of the game. The footwork required for different serves is an essential aspect of the game, as it determines the player's positioning and ability to react to the opponent's shots.
The footwork for different serves can vary depending on the player's style and strategy. Here are some general guidelines and techniques for the footwork required for different types of serves:
Underhand Serve Footwork
The underhand serve is a common serving technique in badminton, and it requires good footwork to be effective. When performing an underhand serve, players should aim to get as close to the baseline as possible. This requires practising footwork to find the optimal service positioning. After the serve, it is important to immediately position yourself to return the shot rather than staying put and watching the shuttlecock.
Backhand Serve Footwork
The backhand serve is often used by advanced players and requires superb footwork. When performing a backhand serve, players should focus on their footwork patterns to effectively cover the possible returns. For a low backhand serve, mimicking the men's game, players stand closer to the 'T' and need to practise their footwork to find the right service positioning.
Forehand Serve Footwork
The forehand serve is another option in badminton, and players like Olympic medallist PV Sindhu prefer to go long with their forehand serves. For this type of serve, footwork is crucial to effectively push your opponent to the baseline and then stretch the play.
General Footwork Techniques
In addition to the footwork specific to each serve type, there are some general footwork techniques that can improve your badminton game:
- Return to the Centre: Your base starting point should be the centre of the court, and you should return to this position after each shot. This central position allows you to quickly react to your opponent's shots on either side of the court.
- Get Behind the Shuttlecock: Positioning yourself behind the shuttlecock gives you more stability and options for your shots.
- Quick Reactions: Badminton is a fast-paced game, and quick movements are essential. Watch the shuttlecock as it leaves your opponent's racket and push off with the foot that is away from your desired direction of movement.
- Structured Footwork: Having a structured and well-thought-out movement strategy before the match can give you an advantage and improve your footwork during the game.
Remember, the footwork for different serves in badminton can vary depending on personal style and preferences. Practising and finding the optimal footwork patterns for your serves will help you improve your game and react effectively to your opponent's shots.
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The pros and cons of different types of serves
Serving forms a crucial part of a badminton player's gameplay. While there are no rules in badminton that require you to serve underhand, most professionals prefer a short backhand serve to initiate play. The service rules laid down by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) state that a correct service is when a player hits the shuttlecock with their racket over the net to the opponent's side without the shuttlecock getting stuck in the net or going out of bounds, and with some part of their feet in contact with the court surface. The entire shuttlecock should be below the server's waist when hit.
The Low Serve
The low serve is a gentle tap over the net, aiming to fall just over the front line of the service court. The low serve is flexible, as it can be executed with either a forehand or backhand. It is most effective when the shuttlecock is allowed to float just over the net, requiring the opponent to run forward. However, if the low serve is too high or predictable, the opponent can easily smash or net kill.
The High Serve
The high serve is a powerful strike upwards, aiming to travel a great distance and fall deep at the rear end of the court. It is a popular choice for beginner players as it is a strong serve. However, it is not easy to disguise, and your opponent will expect the shuttlecock to land at the back of the court.
The Flick Serve
The flick serve is executed by flicking your wrist to bring the shuttlecock unexpectedly into the opponent's backcourt. It is a relatively easy serve to play when expected, so it should be used sparingly, no more than once every five serves, to keep the opponent guessing.
The Drive Serve
The drive serve is considered the riskiest serve but is favoured by many expert players due to its high reward potential. It is executed with an underarm action using the forehand. The serve must be quick enough for the shuttlecock to go low over the net and deep into the opponent's court. However, if the opponent is able to play the shot, the shuttlecock will come back to your court very quickly.
The Attacking Serve
The attacking serve is used by top players like Lin Dan. It involves hitting the shuttlecock directly at the opponent, limiting their return options and catching them off guard. However, if the opponent is prepared, they may smash the shuttlecock back at you.
In conclusion, while there is no requirement to serve underhand in badminton, players should aim to master a variety of serves to keep their opponents guessing and ensure victory. Different serves require different skills and demand a lot of practice to execute properly.
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The correct technique for a backhand serve
The backhand serve is a complex but important technique in badminton. It is commonly used in doubles matches but is also seen in singles matches. The backhand serve is a great way to provoke weak returns from your opponent and gain an advantage from the start of the rally.
Step 1: The Grip
Start by holding the racket with a backhand grip, slightly higher up on the grip. This will give you more control over the serve. Hold the shuttlecock with your thumb and index finger about halfway down the feather. This will give you a good grip while also allowing you to move your fingers out of the way quickly.
Step 2: The Racket Angle
Position your racket at around a 45-degree angle. You can experiment with the space between your racket and body to find the right distance for your backswing. Some players prefer to be almost entirely outstretched, while others stay more tucked in.
Step 3: The Weight Distribution
For a consistent and powerful backhand serve, start with your weight on the back foot and shift towards the front foot during the serving motion. This will generate momentum and a more fluid movement.
Step 4: The Wrist Movement
The wrist should be pulled back and then flicked gently to push the shuttle forward. Control the power of your shot with your wrist movement. Striking with too much power can lead to inaccurate shots, while being too hesitant can result in hitting the net.
Step 5: The Striking Spot
Instead of aiming for the "sweet spot," try to hit towards the edge of your racket strings. This will give you better control and help you avoid hitting your fingers.
Step 6: The Follow-Through
For a low backhand serve, the follow-through should be very gentle to keep the shuttle low. If you follow through too aggressively, the shuttle will fly higher, giving your opponent an opportunity for a quick net kill or smash.
Remember that practice is key to mastering the backhand serve. Experiment with different techniques and distances to find what works best for you. You can also try serving to different areas of the court to keep your opponent guessing.
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The importance of varying your serves
While serving in badminton, the player must hit 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 shuttlecock must be struck below the waist, and the server's feet must be in contact with the court surface.
Now, let's discuss the importance of varying your serves:
The service forms a crucial part of a badminton player's gameplay. It is the starting point of any badminton match and can set the tone for the rest of the game. A good serve is one that has a clear objective and is a strategy for the next shot. For example, serving to the back of the court can be a simple serve, but a good serve would be adjusting the height so that the shuttle is just out of your opponent's reach, forcing them to move to the baseline to return it and giving them less time for a full smash.
Varying your serves is essential in badminton as it keeps your opponent guessing and prevents them from anticipating your moves. If you serve the same way every time, your opponent will learn your pattern and be better prepared to return your serve effectively. By mixing up your serves, you can catch your opponent off guard and increase your chances of winning the point. Service variations can include different angles, lengths, and grips (forehand and backhand).
Additionally, varying your serves can help you develop a more well-rounded skillset. By practicing different types of serves, you can improve your footwork, positioning, and overall technique. It can also help you analyze your opponent's patterns and habits, allowing you to counter their moves more effectively.
For instance, if you've perfected the forehand high serve, you can start varying it by doing a forehand low serve. This will keep your opponent guessing as they have to be ready for both types of serves. The backhand service is another variation that can be tricky but effective. It requires good footwork and precision in your grip and swing force.
In conclusion, varying your serves in badminton is crucial to keep your opponent on their toes and improve your overall gameplay. By mixing up your serves with different angles, heights, and types, you can improve your skills and increase your chances of winning. Practice and consistency are key to mastering these variations and becoming a more versatile badminton player.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you don't have to serve underhand in badminton. While underhand serves are common, there are other types of serves, such as backhand serves and high serves.
Here are some basic rules for serving in badminton:
- The shuttlecock must be hit below the waist.
- At least some part of both feet must be in contact with the ground during the serve.
- The serve must be one continuous motion without any pauses.
- The shuttlecock should be hit over the net to the opponent's side without touching the net or going out of bounds.
Underhand serves are a good option for beginners or recreational players as they are relatively simple to execute and can be effective in throwing off your opponent's timing. Underhand serves can also help you develop a feel for the shuttlecock and improve your accuracy.
To perform an underhand serve in badminton, stand inside the service court without touching any boundary lines. Keep your feet planted on the ground and swing the racket in an upward motion to hit the shuttlecock below your waist. Aim to push the shuttlecock gently rather than hitting it hard, and vary the placement of your serves to keep your opponent guessing.
