Amanda Knapp
Badminton is a sport that requires a lot of skill and technique, and one of the most important skills to master is the serve. A good serve can give you an advantage over your opponent and help you win the game. The service rules in badminton are quite specific and are determined by the Badminton World Federation (BWF). The direction of the serve depends on the player's score, and it's important to keep your feet on the ground while serving. There are different types of serves, such as the short backhand serve, the high-toss serve, and the low serve, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Mastering these serves can help you become a better player and give you an edge in competitions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Starting position | The server and receiver stand on diagonally opposite sides of the court without touching the boundary lines. |
| Serving side | If the server's score is an even number, they serve from the right service court; if odd, they serve from the left service court. |
| Footwork | Keep at least some part of both feet on the ground. The back left foot will naturally lift as you swing the racket, but keep your toes on the ground. |
| Racket movement | Bring the racket back to about your shoulder, then drop the shuttle and swing the racket forward. |
| Timing | The first forward movement of the racket head signals the start of the service. |
| Shuttlecock release | Release the shuttle just before you swing the racket in a forehand swing. |
| Wrist position | Bend your wrist back and push gently for a forehand low serve. |
| Service type | A short or low serve is used to aim for the short service line and prevent the opponent from making an offensive shot. A deep or high serve is used when you want the shuttlecock to land at the back of the court. |
| Service variety | Mix up your serves to keep your opponent guessing. For example, use a high serve followed by a low hit. |
| Pre-service routine | Do something that eases your nerves pre-service, such as throwing a tennis ball to the ground and catching it a few times. |
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What You'll Learn
- Footwork: Keep part of both feet on the ground, don't drag them
- Toss and swing: Toss the shuttle gently, swing in a wide arc for high serves
- Forehand vs backhand: Use backhand for short serves, forehand for long serves
- Direction: Serve right-to-left for even scores, left-to-right for odd scores
- Consistency: Develop a pre-serve routine to help you feel comfortable and consistent
Footwork: Keep part of both feet on the ground, don't drag them
When preparing to serve in badminton, it's important to maintain good footwork and a stable base. This means keeping part of both feet in contact with the ground at all times and avoiding any dragging motions. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve this:
Begin by standing behind the service line, facing the net. Position your feet comfortably apart, with your weight distributed evenly on both sides. This provides a solid foundation for your serve and helps you maintain balance. Keep your toes pointed forward or slightly outward; avoid turning your feet too far inward or outward as it may restrict your movement.
As you hold the shuttlecock in your dominant hand, ready to serve, make sure that your feet are still firmly planted. Some players find it helpful to have the non-racket foot slightly in front, with the heel of that foot touching the ground, while the racket foot is positioned slightly behind, with the toes touching the ground. This staggered stance provides stability and allows for a smooth transfer of weight during the serve.
When you execute the serve, focus on keeping your feet steady and maintaining contact with the ground. Avoid lifting your feet entirely off the ground or dragging them along as you swing your racket. The key is to have a solid base from which you can generate power and control the direction of your serve. Think of your feet as anchors that provide stability and allow you to transfer your weight efficiently during the serving motion.
Practicing this footwork technique will ensure you maintain a steady and controlled serving action. It may feel unnatural at first, but with repetition, it will become second nature. Remember, the goal is to keep your feet planted and avoid any unnecessary movement that may cause you to lose balance or stability during the serve.
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Toss and swing: Toss the shuttle gently, swing in a wide arc for high serves
To perform a high serve in badminton, the first step is to gently toss the shuttle into the air. This is done by holding the racket level with your shoulder, dropping the shuttle from your free hand, and then swinging the racket forward. The timing here is crucial: you want to release the shuttle just before you swing the racket, so that the racket meets the shuttle below your waist.
When performing a high serve, the racket is swung in a wide arc. To do this, bring the racket high over your shoulder, then drop it down toward your knees as you swing forward. As the racket moves forward, bring it up and around your shoulder. This technique will give the shuttle height so that it drops vertically near the back of your opponent's court.
It can be tricky to get the timing right for a high serve, so it's important to practise. A useful tip is to aim for the ceiling rather than the back of the court, as this will help keep your serve within the court boundaries.
Remember to keep your feet planted on the ground during the serve. According to badminton rules, you must keep at least some part of both feet on the ground. Your back left foot will naturally lift as you swing the racket, but be sure to keep your toes on the ground.
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Forehand vs backhand: Use backhand for short serves, forehand for long serves
Serving in badminton is a crucial skill to master, as it is used to start every rally. There are different types of serves, such as the forehand and backhand, that can be utilised to gain an advantage over your opponent.
The forehand serve is a powerful option that is often used to hit the shuttle high and deep into the opponent's court. It is executed by standing in a forward stride position behind the baseline, with your left shoulder pointing towards the target and your weight on your back foot. The shuttlecock is held in the left hand, with that arm extended towards the net. To perform the serve, bend at the waist, take your paddle arm back, drop or toss the shuttlecock, and swing the paddle arm forward in an underhand motion, making contact with the shuttlecock below your waist. A high forehand serve is achieved by swinging the racket in a wide arc. This type of serve is particularly effective with heavier rackets and slower opponents, as it can create pressure on your opponent from the start of the rally.
On the other hand, the backhand serve is a versatile option that can be used for both short and long serves. For a short backhand serve, the shuttlecock is hit with a pushing motion, and it is relatively easier to execute than a short forehand serve. The backhand serve allows you to hit the shuttlecock closer to the net, reducing your opponent's reaction time. This serve is performed by assuming a side-stride position behind the baseline, with the right side towards the net and the right foot pointing towards a spot between the net and the left sideline. The shuttlecock is held in the left hand, with the arms crossed in front of the body. The shuttlecock is then dropped towards the intended target, and the paddle arm swings forward to make contact as it travels downward.
In general, the choice between a forehand and backhand serve depends on your playing style and strategy. The forehand serve is often used for long serves, especially when playing against slower opponents or using heavier rackets. It allows you to hit the shuttlecock high and deep into your opponent's court, creating pressure. However, it can be more challenging to execute consistently. The backhand serve, particularly the short variation, is easier to perform and can catch your opponent off-guard, reducing their reaction time. It is a good option when playing against faster opponents or when you want to mix up your serves to keep your opponent guessing.
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Direction: Serve right-to-left for even scores, left-to-right for odd scores
Serving in badminton is an art in itself. 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. The direction of the serve depends on the score.
If your score is even, you will serve from the right service court, and you should hit the ball towards your left. Your serve will only be in if it lands in the diagonally opposite side of the court. Keep in mind that you should not drag your foot along the ground during the serve, although you can pivot, and at least some part of both feet must be in contact with the ground.
If your score is odd, you will serve from the left service court and hit the shuttlecock towards the right. Again, ensure that your serve lands in the diagonally opposite side of the court. The same rules apply to the feet during the serve.
Most serves in badminton are about pushing the shuttle gently rather than hitting it hard. A low serve is the most common type, hitting just over the net, limiting your opponent's swing, and increasing your chances of scoring. While most of your serves will probably be low serves, remember to mix them up so your opponent doesn't know what to expect.
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Consistency: Develop a pre-serve routine to help you feel comfortable and consistent
Consistency in badminton serving comes with practice and the development of a pre-serve routine. This will help you feel comfortable and confident in your serves. Here are some tips to help you develop such a routine:
Firstly, before stepping onto the court, ensure you are physically warmed up. Engage in light cardio exercises like jogging or jumping jacks to get your blood flowing. Follow this with dynamic stretches, focusing on your arms, shoulders, and wrists. Warming up not only helps prevent injuries but also prepares your muscles for the explosive movements involved in serving.
Next, focus on your grip and hand position. The backhand grip is commonly used for serving in badminton. Ensure your grip is comfortable, and if you have weaker wrists, consider a badminton racket with a flexible shaft.
Now, visualise yourself executing flawless serves and imagine the desired outcome. Develop a pre-serve routine that helps you relax and focus. This could include taking a few deep breaths, bouncing the shuttlecock on your racket, or any other unique actions that help you concentrate.
When you are ready to serve, ensure you are in the correct stance and footwork position. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, placing your non-racket foot slightly forward. Distribute your weight evenly, with your knees slightly bent, and initiate a quick push-off from your non-racket foot to generate momentum.
Finally, remember the technical aspects of serving. Keep your feet planted on the ground, and ensure the shuttle is struck below your waist. Focus on your technique and the type of serve you want to execute. With practice, you will develop muscle memory, and your serves will become more consistent.
By following these steps and creating a personalised pre-serve routine, you will feel more comfortable and consistent in your badminton serves.
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Frequently asked questions
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. The entire shuttlecock should be below the server's waist when hit. The server must also have some part of both feet in contact with the court surface.
Most serves in badminton are about pushing the shuttle gently rather than hitting it hard. A low serve is the most common type of serve as it prevents your opponent from making a strong offensive shot. You can also mix up your serves, such as using a high serve followed by a low hit, to keep your opponent guessing.
The player who serves first in a game is determined by a coin toss. For subsequent points, if the server has an even number of points, they serve from the right service court. If they have an odd number of points, they serve from the left service court.
Practicing serves on your own is a great way to improve. You can also try visualising an opponent to add pressure and do something to ease your nerves pre-service, such as a routine like bouncing the ball a few times.
You can try a high-toss serve or a long forehand serve to push your opponent to the baseline and stretch the play. You can also use a short backhand serve to initiate proceedings.
