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Holding a badminton racket correctly is essential to advancing in the sport. There are four basic grips in badminton: the forehand grip, the backhand grip, the bevel grip, and the panhandle grip. The grip used depends on the shot being played and the player's position on the court. For example, the forehand grip is used for most general shots, while the backhand grip is used for shots played to the backhand side or non-dominant side. The panhandle grip is used for late backhand rear-court shots, and the bevel grip is used when the shuttle is behind the player. The grip on the handle can also vary depending on the player's comfort and the type of game being played. For instance, a shorter grip is used for backhand serving and playing front court shots, while a longer grip provides more reach for smashes and clears near the rear court.
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What You'll Learn
The forehand grip
Holding the badminton handle is a very personal and game-specific decision. The forehand grip is the most basic grip in badminton and is the grip that all players should learn first. It is mainly used for forehand overhead shots. It is also a useful reference point for learning the other grips.
To get into the forehand grip, position the racket head so that it is at 90 degrees to the floor (not parallel). Grab the racket as if performing a handshake. Your pointer finger will be leveraged on top to give your wrist more flexibility and power. This grip allows you to snap your wrist to generate power properly. It should be used for any shot on your forehand side.
To transition from a forehand grip to a backhand grip, loosen your grip while maintaining a secure hold on the racket. Rotate the racket by turning your wrist slightly to the left. This turns the forehand position into a backhand position. Place your thumb against the back of the handle for support. With enough practice, this grip switch should take less than half a second.
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The backhand grip
When using the backhand grip, your thumb will be generating most of the power in this shot. The thumb is placed on the flat side of the racket grip, similar to holding a frying pan. This gives you more leverage, allowing you to generate more power by pressing down on the racket grip and "pushing through" the racket. You can also push down on the other side of the racket handle with your thumb to generate even more force.
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The bevel grip
To learn the bevel grip, you can start in a backhand grip and move your racket head in an anti-clockwise direction if you are right-handed, and in a clockwise direction if you are left-handed. This will bring your racket head further around, back towards the court, making it easier for you to play the backhand shot from behind you. When using the bevel grip, your thumb will be placed on the ridge or bevel of the racket, between the two larger flat edges. This grip can be useful for applying defensive and deceptive shots, and it can also help you execute a high backhand clear effectively.
It is important to hold the badminton racket loosely and only tighten your grip when you hit the shuttle. This will help prevent injuries such as hand and wrist strain, tennis elbow, and shoulder pain.
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The panhandle grip
To perform the panhandle grip, place your racket flat on the ground. Pick it up without turning the handle. Wrap your fingers around the racket. To switch from the neutral grip to the panhandle grip, rotate the racket to the left if you are right-handed. There should be a V' between your thumb and index finger. There should also be a gap between the index and middle finger, and the palm should be flat on the front of the racket. Your grip should be relaxed and tightened only on impact.
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Holding for comfort and flexibility
Holding a badminton racket comfortably and with flexibility is key to playing the game well. There are four basic grips in badminton, and the right grip method can significantly increase the power you can generate with each shot.
The forehand grip is the most basic grip and the one all players should learn first. To achieve this grip, turn the racket so the racket head is at 90 degrees to the floor and grab the racket as if performing a handshake. Your pointer finger will be leveraged on top to give your wrist flexibility and power, and you can snap your wrist to generate more power. This grip is used for any shot on your forehand side.
The backhand grip is similar to holding a frying pan. Your thumb will be on the flat side of the racket grip, and this grip gives you more leverage, allowing you to generate more power by pressing down on the racket grip and 'pushing through' the racket. This grip is used when any shot is played to your backhand side or non-dominant side.
The bevel grip is similar to the backhand grip, but with your thumb positioned further around the grip. This grip is used when the shuttle flies behind you, such as when taking a rear-court backhand shot.
The panhandle grip is the most natural grip for beginners as it is easy to hit overhead shots with. To achieve this grip, lay your racket flat on a table and then pick it up by the handle as if it were a frying pan. Your thumb and fingers should naturally wrap around the grip. This grip is used for late backhand rear-court shots, retrieving a net cord on the backhand side, and some net kills or drives.
When holding the racket, it is important to remember that the racket is an extension of your arm. You should get comfortable first and adjust your grip according to what feels right for you. A tight grip will limit your ability to generate control and power in your shots. Hold the racket in your hand loosely, as if you were shaking someone's hand. Your palm should be a little lower than the centre of the handle, and during a backhand, you need to support the racket with your thumb.
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Frequently asked questions
When playing singles, you should hold the badminton racket at the bottom or bottom half of the handle.
For a backhand shot, use a backhand grip. Set up with your thumb on top of the wider section of the grip, with your strings facing the floor and ceiling. Your fingers should be relaxed around the side.
The forehand grip is the most basic grip and the one all players should learn first. Hold the racket as if performing a handshake, with your pointer finger leveraged on top for more wrist flexibility and power.
The grip depends on the shots you're aiming to hit or that your opponent hits you with. For example, use a shorter grip (nearer the cone) for backhand serving and playing front court shots. Use a mid to longer grip (bottom of the handle) for more reach and power when playing near the rear court.
Yes, start with a conditioned routine where you switch grips after every shot. For example, practice a backhand defensive shot followed by a forehand defensive shot, or a backhand drive followed by a forehand drive. You can do these against a wall if you don't have a partner.
