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Serving is an important aspect of badminton as it is the one shot that is used in every single rally. There are several types of serves, including the high serve, low serve, flick serve, and drive serve. Each serve has its own advantages and is used differently depending on whether the game is singles or doubles. To execute a good serve, players must follow certain rules, such as ensuring that part of both feet are in contact with the ground during the serve and using a continuous motion without pausing. The choice of serve depends on the player's strategy and the game format, with the aim of putting pressure on the opponent.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types of serves | High, low, flick, and drive |
| High serve | Used in singles only; forehand underarm serve with lots of follow-through |
| Low serve | Used in both singles and doubles |
| Flick serve | Used in doubles; a "fake-out" serve that looks like a low serve but with a sudden flick at the last minute |
| Drive serve | Low but quick; requires a sharp, forward swing |
| Serving rules | Both feet must be in contact with the ground when striking the shuttle; the serve must be one continuous motion without pausing |
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What You'll Learn
- Foot placement: Both feet must be in contact with the ground when serving
- Body weight: Dominant foot takes most weight for drive serves, non-dominant for flick serves
- Grip: A ''handshake grip' is used for drive and flick serves
- Swing: A sharp, forward swing is used for backhand drive swings
- Follow-through: The racket should follow through in an upward direction for drive serves
Foot placement: Both feet must be in contact with the ground when serving
Foot placement is a crucial aspect of serving in badminton. To execute a legal serve, both feet must be in contact with the ground when striking the shuttle. This rule applies equally to both the server and the receiver, ensuring fairness and consistency in the game. It is important to note that you cannot lift or move either foot off the ground until the shuttle has been struck. Additionally, your feet should not be touching any of the court lines during the serve or receive. You have the freedom to stand anywhere within your half of the court, even in the tramlines, as long as you adhere to the rule of not touching the lines.
The foot placement for the serve can vary depending on the type of serve being executed. For a drive serve, also known as a low serve, the non-dominant foot should be placed in front of the dominant foot. This stance allows for a smooth transfer of body weight during the serve. On the other hand, for a flick serve, the dominant foot takes the front position, with the body weight initially placed on it, and then shifted to the non-dominant foot during the serve.
It is important to maintain a stable base with your feet firmly planted on the ground during the serve. This stability helps generate power and accuracy in your shots. By following these foot placement guidelines, you can ensure that your serve adheres to the rules and gives you a solid foundation to execute different types of serves effectively.
Additionally, it is worth noting that there should be no pausing or multiple forward and backward movements during the serving action. This means that once you begin your backswing, the serve must be one continuous motion. Failing to comply with these rules will result in a fault being called during a match with a service judge. Understanding and adhering to these foot placement rules will help improve your serving technique and ensure that your serves are legal during gameplay.
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Body weight: Dominant foot takes most weight for drive serves, non-dominant for flick serves
Serving is a critical aspect of badminton, as it is the one shot that occurs in every single rally. There are several types of serves, including high, low, flick, and drive. The high serve is a forehand underarm serve with lots of follow-through, while the drive serve is a powerful shot that is performed with a short, sharp swing. The low serve is used more often in doubles matches, and the flick serve is a ""fake-out" move that starts like a low serve but with a sudden flick of the wrist at the last minute, sending the birdie deep into the court.
The drive serve is executed with the body weight predominantly on the dominant (rear) foot. The non-dominant foot is placed in front of the other, and the shuttle is held in the non-racket hand at waist level. The player then shifts their body weight onto the non-dominant (front) foot while utilising quick wrist action and forearm rotation to generate pace. This serves to catch the opponent off guard.
For the flick serve, the body weight is initially placed on the dominant foot, similar to the low serve. The player then shifts their weight onto the non-dominant foot, employing wrist and forearm movements to generate power and snapping the wrist to lift the shuttle above the opponent. This deceptive motion aims to reduce the receiver's reaction time.
It is important to note that during the serve, both feet must remain in contact with the ground, and the player cannot move or lift either foot until the shuttle is struck. This rule applies to both the server and the receiver. Additionally, the feet should not touch any lines on the court, and the serve must be one continuous motion without pausing.
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Grip: A ''handshake grip' is used for drive and flick serves
Serving in badminton is a crucial skill to master, as it is used at the start of every rally and can set the tone for the entire game. One such serve is the flick serve, an advanced technique that can catch your opponent off-guard. To perform a flick serve, you must first understand the grip required to execute it effectively: the handshake grip.
The handshake grip, also known as the basic badminton grip, is essential for executing the flick serve. This grip is so named because you hold the racket as if you are shaking hands with it. To achieve this grip, place your playing hand on the handle of the racket, creating a ''V' shape between your thumb and index finger. Ensure that your fingers are loosely wrapped around the grip, as a tight grip will limit your control and power. Specifically, your thumb and forefinger should form a 'V' shape around the handle, with your thumb pressing against the back of the handle to ensure a secure hold.
When using the handshake grip for a flick serve, it is crucial to hold the racket near the bottom of the handle. Hold the racket in front of you with your non-playing hand. For example, if you are right-handed, hold the racket with your left hand, ensuring the racket strings face sideways. This grip allows for a relaxed and loose hold on the racket, providing greater flexibility and the ability to quickly change grips during a rally.
The flick serve is a deceptive serve that appears to be a low serve but, with a sudden flick of the wrist at the last moment, sends the birdie deep into the court. To generate power for the serve, shift your weight to your dominant foot and bring the racket back in a slow, steady motion, disguising your intention from your opponent. As you bring the racket forward, increase the speed abruptly, ensuring your opponent is unaware of the flick until the last moment.
Practising the flick serve in front of a teammate or coach can help identify any tells that might give away your serve. Additionally, mastering the handshake grip for the flick serve is just one aspect of serving in badminton. Other serves, such as high and low serves, also come into play, each requiring a different technique and strategy to keep your opponent guessing.
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Swing: A sharp, forward swing is used for backhand drive swings
Serving in badminton is an important skill to master, as it is used at the start of every rally. There are different types of serves, such as low, high, flick, and drive, each with its own strategic advantage. The drive serve, in particular, is a powerful and fast shot that can catch your opponent off guard.
To execute a backhand drive swing, which is a more advanced shot, you must focus on your grip, footwork, and swing.
For the grip, hold the racket with a loose backhand grip, allowing you to use your thumb to generate extra power when swinging.
As for footwork, start with fast, explosive movements to the backhand side of your midcourt. As you step toward the shuttle, rotate your torso, shoulder, and arm to bring the racket into the backhand position.
Now, let's focus on the swing itself, which is a sharp, forward action. Keep the swing relatively short to better control the shuttle. Use your wrist and forearm strength to rotate the racket outward, so the face turns horizontally toward the net. You want to hit the shuttle slightly in front of your body. As you make contact, tighten your grip and push your thumb forward to hit the shuttle in a fast, straight motion over the net.
Remember, the backhand drive is a powerful and fast-paced shot, but it requires practice to master. It's normal to miss-hit several times when learning this advanced technique, so keep at it, and you'll soon see improvements in your game.
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Follow-through: The racket should follow through in an upward direction for drive serves
To perform a drive serve in badminton, the follow-through is a critical component of the technique. Here are some detailed instructions and considerations for executing the upward follow-through of a drive serve:
The upward follow-through of the racket during a drive serve is essential to generating power and accuracy. After making contact with the shuttle at thigh level, the racket should continue its forward momentum in a smooth, upward direction. This upward motion should follow the same line as the shuttle, ensuring a straight and controlled shot.
The finish position of the racket is crucial. It should end its upward trajectory above the non-dominant shoulder. This finish position helps to maximise the power and speed of the shot while also providing an opportunity to quickly return to a ready position. It is important to note that the follow-through should be a natural continuation of the forward swing without any abrupt pauses or changes in direction.
The upward follow-through also helps to disguise the power of the shot from your opponent. By maintaining a smooth and fluid motion, you can deceive your opponent about the speed and force of the drive serve. This element of surprise can catch them off guard and make it challenging for them to return the serve effectively.
Additionally, the upward follow-through helps to prevent injuries and maintain control. A smooth and continuous follow-through reduces the risk of straining your wrist or elbow. It also allows you to maintain better control over the direction and placement of the shuttle, ensuring that it lands within the boundaries of the court.
It is important to remember that the drive serve should be executed as one continuous motion, as per badminton's serving rules. Refrain from pausing or making multiple forward and backward movements during the serving action. Practice the upward follow-through to develop a consistent and seamless drive serve that adheres to the rules and improves your performance on the court.
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Frequently asked questions
The three basic types of serves are high, low, and flick. The high serve is a forehand underarm serve with lots of follow-through. The low serve is used in both singles and doubles matches and is performed by standing at the very front of the court and using a short, sharp swing. The flick serve is a "fake-out" serve that starts like a low serve but with a sudden flick of the wrist at the last minute, sending the birdie to the back of the court.
To perform a drive serve, start by holding the racket in a handshake grip with your non-dominant foot in front. Hold the shuttle at waist level with most of your body weight on your dominant (rear) foot. Take the arm back into the backswing position, then shift your weight to the non-dominant foot. Use quick wrist action and forearm rotation to produce pace and make contact with the shuttle at thigh level.
Yes, there are a few rules to ensure a legal serve. First, both feet must be in contact with the ground when striking the shuttle, and you cannot move or lift either foot until the serve is struck. Second, the racket shaft must be pointing downwards, with the head of the racket below the racket hand before making contact with the shuttle. Third, the serve must be one continuous motion without any pauses.
The high serve is typically used in singles matches as it is harder for the opponent to return effectively. The low serve is more common in doubles, as the shorter and wider court may make the high serve less effective.
