Badminton Gripping: A Beginner's Guide To Holding The Racket

how to badminton racket grip

Holding a badminton racket correctly is an important basic step to playing a good game of badminton. A good grip can reduce injuries, increase the range of shots, and produce more efficient hits. There are several types of grips, including the thumb grip, bevel grip, hammer grip, and pan handle grip. The thumb grip is useful for backhand shots, while the bevel grip is better for defensive and deceptive shots. The hammer grip is useful for executing jumping smashes, and the pan handle grip is used for shots near the net.

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Thumb placement

For the forehand grip, the thumb and index finger should form a "V" shape on opposing sides of the handle. This is similar to a handshake, with the racket handle resting in the palm and the index finger extended for support.

For the backhand grip, the thumb is placed on the flat side of the racket grip, resembling how one might hold a frying pan. This placement provides more leverage, allowing for greater power generation by pressing down on the racket grip.

The bevel grip, used when the shuttlecock flies over your head, is similar to the backhand grip. However, the thumb is now pressed onto the smallest edge of the racket, between the two larger flat edges, also known as the bevel.

The panhandle grip, also known as the hammer grip, is executed by pinching the sides of the racket grip with the thumb and pointer fingers. This grip is natural for beginners as it is easy to hit overhead shots with, but it may limit forearm rotation.

It is important to note that the grip should be loose, and only tightened when hitting the shuttlecock, to allow for flexibility and ease of movement.

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Forehand grip

The forehand grip is one of the fundamental grips in badminton, and it is important to master it to improve your game and take it to the next level. A good grip can increase your range of shots, improve accuracy and power, and even reduce injuries.

To begin, hold the racket as if you are shaking someone's hand. This is a simple and effective way to get the right grip. Your thumb and index finger should be on opposing sides of the handle, forming a "'V' shape". You can adjust the thumb position to get comfortable, but the index finger should be in a controlling position to push the racket. The racket handle should rest loosely in your fingers, allowing for greater flexibility and movement. This is important, as a tight grip will make it difficult to change grip quickly and limit your ability to generate power and control.

The forehand grip is used for overhead strokes that land on your forehand side. The racket should be perpendicular to the ground, with the racket head higher than the net when hitting a kill shot. To change from a forehand to a backhand grip, simply rotate your wrist to the left slightly. This is an essential skill to master, and you can practice switching grips with a routine of different shots.

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Backhand grip

The backhand grip is one of the four essential badminton grips, along with the forehand grip, the bevel grip, and the panhandle grip. Each grip is used for specific shots and can significantly affect a player's performance.

To execute the backhand grip, start by rotating the racket by turning your wrist to the left slightly. This will turn the forehand position into a backhand position. Place your thumb against the back of the handle for support, with the strings parallel to the ceiling and floor. The thumb should be placed on top of the grip, with the other fingers wrapped around the handle. The fingers should be loose, not gripping the racket too tightly. The backhand grip can limit your arm rotation, so it is not used for backhand shots from the rear of the court. It is used for some net shots, depending on your positioning, and some singles defence.

The thumb position for the backhand grip is similar to that of a frying pan, rather than a 'V' shape. The thumb placement 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, use a standard backhand grip with the thumb on top. If the shuttle is behind you, use a bevel grip with your thumb further around the handle. This allows you to play an accurate and powerful shot from this position. If the shuttle is very far behind you, move to a panhandle grip, with your thumb on the side of the racket, pinching the sides with your thumb and fingers.

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Bevel grip

The bevel grip is one of the four basic grips in badminton, alongside the forehand grip, the backhand grip, and the pan handle grip. Each grip is used for specific shots and can greatly affect a player's performance.

The bevel grip is used when the shuttlecock flies over your head, requiring you to turn your body and face your opponent. It is very similar to the backhand grip, with the only difference being that the backhand grip is used for shorter shots that land in front of you. To switch into a bevel grip, start with a backhand grip, and then twist your racket so the outside edge turns up at about a 45-degree angle. Your thumb will be pressed onto the smallest edge of the racket, between the two larger flat edges (the beveled part).

The bevel grip is particularly useful for backhand clear shots. When the shuttlecock is behind you, it is not possible to bend your wrist enough to play the shot with a regular backhand grip. The bevel grip allows you to play an accurate and powerful shot from this position.

It is important to keep your hold loose when switching grip positions. An excessively tight grip will prevent you from moving your muscles swiftly.

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Hammer grip

The hammer grip is one of the four basic grips in badminton, the others being the forehand grip, the thumb grip, and the bevel grip. It is also known as the panhandle grip.

The hammer grip is used in many places on the court, but one should be careful not to use it too much as the forearm cannot be rotated, and one can get locked in that position. It is the most natural grip for beginners as they think the strings need to be parallel to the shuttle, but this is not true. The hammer grip is also said to have decreased control of torque.

To execute the hammer grip, the index finger and thumb are on the same level, with only the thumb and index finger holding the racket. The other three fingers are loose and only squeeze at the last moment for additional speed for a hard smash.

To practice the hammer grip, it is recommended to get comfortable changing grips without a shuttle first. Visualize certain shots you are playing and what grip you should be in to perform this shot. Once you have done this, add in some movement, again without hitting a shuttle. This will help you get used to changing your grip and become more comfortable knowing which grip to use for each shot.

Frequently asked questions

The four basic grips in badminton are the forehand, backhand, bevel, and hammer grips.

For a forehand grip, you want to have a ''V shape' with your thumb and fingers. Your thumb should be placed on the wider section of the grip, with your strings facing the floor or ceiling. Your fingers should be relaxed and loosely around the side of the grip.

Your grip on the racket should be loose and relaxed. A tight grip will limit your ability to control and generate power in your shots.

The hammer grip is useful when executing jumping smashes. It starts with a forehand grip and then rotates swiftly to a hammer grip as you swing your arm during the jump.

The panhandle grip is when you have your thumb on the side of the racket, pinching the sides with your thumb and fingers. This grip is most common among beginners as it is easy to hit overhead shots with.

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