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The clear is a fundamental shot in badminton, and mastering it can significantly improve your game. The shot is used to force your opponent as far back as possible, and it can be played in a variety of ways depending on the situation. For example, you can play a standard clear, a defensive clear, or an offensive punch clear. The technique involves a loose forehand grip with a 'V' shape and a little space between the index finger and middle finger. You should also avoid a panhandle grip, as this reduces power and control. The forehand clear is considered one of the most basic shots, but it is important to get the height right—too flat and your opponent can intercept it, too high and they'll have plenty of time to play their shot.
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What You'll Learn
- Forehand grip: V-shape with space between index and middle fingers
- Footwork: split step, chassee, then position slightly behind the shuttle
- Backhand clear: used when unable to play a forehand shot
- High clear: gives you and your partner time to recover
- Common errors: poor contact, incorrect grip, and lack of strength
Forehand grip: V-shape with space between index and middle fingers
To perform a clear in badminton, one of the most important aspects is the grip. For a forehand grip, the recommended way to hold the racket is to create a V-shape with your thumb and fingers, leaving a small space between your index and middle fingers.
This grip is often referred to as the "thumb grip" or the "V-grip." It is a very common grip used by many badminton players, especially for performing clears and smashes. The grip provides a good balance of control and power, making it a versatile option for many shots.
To execute this grip effectively, start by placing your racket in front of you with the face of the racket head pointing towards you. Then, simply wrap your fingers around the grip, ensuring that your thumb is placed underneath, creating the aforementioned V-shape. The space between your index and middle fingers should be just enough for the grip to sit comfortably, with the base of your thumb resting on the flat part of the grip.
This grip is ideal for generating power in your shots as it provides a firm hold on the racket. The V-shape allows you to snap your wrist and arm with more force, transferring more energy into the shuttlecock during impact. This is especially useful for clears, where the goal is to send the shuttlecock high and deep into your opponent's court.
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Footwork: split step, chassee, then position slightly behind the shuttle
Footwork is an important aspect of badminton, and it plays a crucial role in performing a clear shot effectively. Here's a detailed breakdown of the footwork technique: "split step, chasse, then position slightly behind the shuttle."
The first step is to perform a split step. This involves bending your knees slightly and adopting a stance that's comfortable and allows you to move in any direction with ease. This step provides a good foundation for the subsequent footwork and helps you react quickly to your opponent's moves.
Next is the chasse step, which is a side-to-side movement. From your split step position, you'll take a small step to the side, crossing one leg over the other, and then repeating in the opposite direction if needed. This movement helps you cover a larger distance quickly while maintaining your balance.
Finally, you want to position yourself slightly behind the shuttle. This positioning allows you to transfer power more effectively when you swing. It gives you a better angle to hit the shuttle with force and accuracy, helping you clear it to the back of your opponent's court.
The footwork for a clear shot in badminton involves a combination of the split step, chasse step, and positioning behind the shuttle. This sequence of movements helps you react quickly, cover distance efficiently, and ultimately, execute a powerful and well-placed clear.
Additionally, the type of clear you choose to play will also determine your footwork to some extent. For example, if you opt for a high clear to buy yourself some time, your positioning and footwork may vary slightly to accommodate the increased height of your shot.
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Backhand clear: used when unable to play a forehand shot
A backhand clear is a defensive shot in badminton, used when a player is unable to play a forehand shot. It is considered one of the toughest shots to play in the game.
To perform a backhand clear, the player should start by doing a split step, then chassé towards the corner, before pivoting to face backwards. The elbow should be kept low, in line with the bottom rib, to enable the player to ''wind-up' their arm and body, generating more power. The player should then lunge, ensuring their racket leg makes contact with the ground just before striking the shuttle, allowing them to alter their position until the last second. The player should also ensure they have enough room between themselves and the shuttle to rotate.
The grip is also important for a backhand clear. The ''thumb' grip, often referred to as a backhand grip, should not be used when playing a backhand clear. Instead, the grip should be squeezed more tightly when striking the shuttle to generate more power. The player should also ensure they are holding the racket gently, only tightening their grip a fraction before impact.
The backhand clear is a useful shot to play when the opponent has pushed up to the front of the court, anticipating a drop shot. It can also be used to get the player out of trouble and reset the rally.
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High clear: gives you and your partner time to recover
A high clear in badminton is a strategic shot that can give you and your doubles partner valuable time to recover and regain position on the court. Here's a detailed guide on how to effectively execute and utilise the high clear:
The primary objective of the high clear is to lift the shuttlecock high and deep into your opponent's court, ideally close to the back boundary line. This forces your opponents to lift the shuttlecock back to you, allowing you and your partner time to move back to your base positions and prepare for the next shot. To execute a high clear effectively, the racket needs to contact the shuttlecock at a higher point than in a regular clear. This means you'll need to time your jump and swing to reach the shuttlecock at its apex. The ideal stroke for a high clear is a full overhead swing, with a smooth and complete follow-through. Ensure that you transfer your weight and use your entire body to generate power. The shuttlecock should be hit in front of you, and the follow-through should continue smoothly behind you.
The high clear is particularly effective when you and your partner are caught out of position, as it buys you time to get back into a defensive formation. It's also a good shot to use when you want to change the pace or direction of the rally. For instance, if your opponents have been playing quick, flat shots, a high clear can disrupt their rhythm and force them to lift the shuttlecock, giving you the opportunity to take control of the exchange. When executing a high clear, it's crucial to aim for accuracy as well as height and depth. Aim for the centre line or the back corners of your opponent's court. Avoid hitting the sides or hitting directly at your opponents, as this may present them with an attacking opportunity.
Communication with your partner is vital. You should both be aware of each other's positions and coordinate your movements to ensure that you don't leave any areas of the court exposed. Practise different scenarios and develop a sense of anticipation to predict where to move and when to cover for each other. The high clear is a valuable tool for any doubles pair, providing a defensive option to relieve pressure and create opportunities for counter-attacks. By mastering this shot and understanding when to use it, you and your partner can effectively control the pace and flow of the game.
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Common errors: poor contact, incorrect grip, and lack of strength
Poor contact, incorrect grip, and lack of strength are common errors that can hinder your badminton clear technique. Here are some detailed insights to help you address these issues:
Poor Contact
Poor contact with the shuttlecock during a clear shot can result from incorrect body positioning and timing. To improve contact, focus on adjusting your body position to consistently hit the shuttlecock at the same contact point. Start by learning the full swing, and gradually shorten your swing as you become more comfortable. Additionally, pay attention to your arm rotation, as it plays a crucial role in achieving accurate and powerful clears.
Incorrect Grip
Using the wrong grip is a common mistake in badminton. It's important to learn the four essential grips: forehand, backhand, bevel grip, and thumb position variation. For the forehand grip, imagine shaking someone's hand, creating a 'V shape' with your index and middle fingers. For the backhand grip, place your thumb on top of the wider section of the grip, with the strings facing the floor or ceiling. The bevel grip is a variation of the backhand grip, where you rotate the racket so that the strings are diagonal, and your thumb rests on the bevel or ridge. The correct grip depends on the shot you're playing. For example, avoid using the backhand grip for backhand rear-court shots.
Lack of Strength
While strength is important in badminton, relying solely on power can lead to mistakes and missed opportunities. Focus on developing your technique, footwork, and timing. Practice generating power with controlled movements and the right amount of strength for each shot. This will allow you to hit the shuttlecock accurately and with more control. Additionally, work on your physical conditioning and overall fitness to improve your strength and endurance during gameplay.
Remember, improving your clear technique requires a combination of practice, technique refinement, and physical conditioning. By addressing these common errors and seeking guidance from coaches or experienced players, you can enhance your badminton skills and take your game to the next level.
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Frequently asked questions
A clear is a type of shot in badminton where the shuttle is hit from the rear court on one side to the rear court on the other side of the court.
Depending on the situation, you can play different types of clears, including a standard clear, defensive clear, or offensive punch clear.
For a forehand clear, you should have a loose forehand grip with a ''V' shape and a little space between your index finger and middle finger. Your body should be facing sideways, and your non-racket arm should be up. As you rotate your torso, keep your elbow back and then bring your wrist through to rotate your forearm and hit the shuttle.
Some tips for improving your clears include:
- Avoid a panhandle grip as it limits your ability to rotate properly and reduces power and control.
- Take a high position and be slightly behind the shuttle before you swing to transfer power more effectively.
- Press down with your fingers right before hitting to create more power.
