Andrew Pace
The underarm serve, or forehand underarm lift serve, is a common and effective serve in badminton. It is suitable for singles play, as in doubles, the serve court area is smaller, leaving the server more exposed to being smashed at. To perform an underarm serve, the player must stand within their service court area with their feet shoulder-width apart, holding the shuttle in their non-racket hand. The shuttle should be hit with an underarm swinging motion, below waist height, and it must pass over the short service line on the opponent's side. The serve must be made diagonally across the net, into the opposing angled box on the court.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Racket head position | Below the vertical height of the handle |
| Foot placement | Within the lines of the relevant serving box |
| Hit motion | One clean hit with no double hit or changes of direction |
| Opponent readiness | Ensure opponent is ready to receive the serve |
| Shuttlecock position | Hit over the net and into the opposing angled box |
| Server's feet | Should not lift off the ground until the shuttlecock is served |
| Serve direction | Made diagonally across the net |
| Shuttlecock height | Should be below the server's waist at the moment of impact |
| Fault | Opponent gains a point if the serve violates any rules |
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What You'll Learn
Foot placement and body stance
The first thing to remember is that your foot placement must be within the lines of the relevant serving box. Both feet should be placed within this area, and you must not lift your feet off the ground until you have served the shuttle. This rule is important because if your feet move prematurely, it is considered a fault, and your opponent will gain a point.
When preparing for your underarm serve, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. This stance provides a stable base and allows you to generate power from your lower body. Keep your body relaxed and slightly bent forward at the waist, with your non-racket hand holding the shuttlecock.
As you initiate the serving motion, your body weight should be distributed evenly on both feet. This balanced stance ensures you can transfer your weight effectively during the serve, generating power and control. Your feet should be firmly planted on the ground, providing a stable platform from which to execute the underarm swinging motion.
During the actual serve, your body stance should remain low, with your racket hand swinging in an underarm motion below waist height. This ensures that the racket head is below the vertical height of your hand when you strike the shuttlecock. Maintaining a low stance helps you achieve the desired trajectory for your serve, allowing you to lift the shuttlecock high over the net and into the back of your opponent's service box.
Remember, the key to a successful underarm serve is a combination of proper foot placement within the serving box and a balanced, low body stance that generates power and control. Practice this stance and footwork consistently, and you'll be on your way to mastering the underarm serve in badminton.
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Racket grip and wrist movement
The wrist action and racket grip are crucial to executing an effective underarm serve in badminton. While performing the underarm serve, the wrist action provides the necessary power for the stroke. A gentle underarm swing combined with a gentle flick of the wrist propels the shuttle towards your opponent's baseline. It is important to avoid exerting excessive strength, as a gentle swing and wrist flick are sufficient.
Regarding the racket grip, it is generally recommended to use a forehand grip for an underarm backhand stroke. This grip allows you to maintain a relaxed hold on the racket, enabling wrist movement. A tight grip restricts wrist action and limits your ability to generate power and control. To achieve a relaxed grip, hold the racket with your fingers loosely wrapped around it, leaving a small gap between your palm and the grip. This technique allows you to quickly change between grips during a rally and facilitates the necessary wrist movement for the underarm serve.
Additionally, the thumb placement on the racket handle is essential for an effective backhand stroke. The thumb should be positioned correctly, with the front of the racket frame, acting as the primary driver for pushing the racket. You can also explore different grip types, such as the backhand grip, bevel grip, and panhandle grip, each serving specific purposes in different game scenarios.
To master the wrist movement and racket grip for the underarm serve, it is crucial to practice and develop a feel for the different grips. This will enable you to execute accurate and powerful shots consistently.
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Shuttlecock height and angle
The height of the shuttlecock during an underarm serve in badminton is crucial. The shuttlecock should be released from below waist height, with the racket head below the server's hand when striking the shuttlecock. This ensures that the shuttlecock travels in a low arc over the net, making it more difficult for the opponent to attack.
To achieve this low trajectory, the server should use an underarm swinging motion, standing with their feet shoulder-width apart and holding the shuttlecock in their non-racket hand. The racket head must be below the vertical height of the handle when making contact with the shuttlecock. This technique ensures that the shuttlecock is struck with an upward motion, generating enough lift to clear the net while maintaining a low, controlled trajectory.
The angle of the shuttlecock during an underarm serve is also important. The serve must be made diagonally across the net, landing in the opposing angled service box. This requires precise foot placement within the relevant serving box lines. By aiming for the back of the opponent's service box, the server can create more time for the shuttlecock to descend into the desired area.
Additionally, the height and angle of the shuttlecock can be manipulated to vary the type of serve. For instance, a forehand underarm lift serve aims for maximum height, causing the shuttlecock to fall straight down as it clears the net. On the other hand, a backhand short serve aims to keep the shuttlecock tight over the net and just inside the front of the opponent's service box. Experimenting with different heights and angles allows players to add variety to their serves and keep opponents guessing.
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Rules and faults
Serving rules in badminton are meant to limit the advantage that can be gained from a serve. Here are the rules and faults to be aware of when performing an underarm serve in badminton:
Rules
- Both feet must be in contact with the ground when serving, and no part of the foot should be touching any of the court lines or be outside the playing court.
- The server and receiver must stand within diagonally opposite service courts, without touching the boundary lines.
- The serve must be hit underarm, meaning the server's racket head and shaft must be angled downward, and the shuttle must be below the waist at contact.
- There is no time limit for a serve, but players can be faulted for taking too long.
- The first forward movement of the server's racket head shall be the start of the service.
Faults
- Hitting the shuttle out is a fault, and you lose the rally.
- If the shuttlecock hits the net and lands short of the service line or wide of the court, the receiver wins the point.
- Touching the net while the shuttle is still in play is a fault, and the point is awarded to the opponent.
- If the shuttlecock hits the ceiling or walls, you lose the rally.
- Pausing between the backswing and forward swing during the serve is a fault.
- An extremely slow serving action is also a fault.
- Hitting the shuttle twice in succession by the same player is a fault.
It is important to note that some rules may vary depending on the venue and the presence of a service judge. For example, in elite BWF competitions with service judges, the shuttle must be below 1.15 meters from the floor when struck.
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Practice drills and exercises
Regular practice is key to mastering the underarm serve in badminton. Here are some drills and exercises to help improve your underarm serve:
Forehand Serve Drill
This is the most popular badminton serve variation. Start behind the service line, facing the net in a ready position. With a forehand grip, draw the racket back and away from your body. Gently toss or drop the shuttle as you bring your forearm forward and flick your wrist, aiming to hit the centre of the racket just below waist height. Focus on your footwork—either keep your feet still or bring your opposite foot forward as you hit the shuttle. Remember, the serve must be completed in an underhand motion below waist height.
Two-Person Drill
This drill helps with the form, power, and accuracy of your standard low forehand serve. Have your partner stand crosscourt from you, with two shuttles evenly spaced apart on their service line. The space to the right of the first shuttle is Zone One. This drill helps you practice serving to different areas of the court, improving your accuracy and power.
Left-Right Service Drill
Start with a few dozen shuttles by your side. Grab a shuttle and serve it to one side of the service box, then grab another and aim for the opposite side. This drill helps you understand how your forearm and wrist pronation can change the direction of the shot. To increase the challenge, place two buckets on either side of the court and alternate aiming for each.
Fast Rally Drill
This drill focuses on improving your reactions and net skills. Work with a partner to create a fast rally from the T of the service line without hitting it too hard. Focus on quick footwork and grip changes to react to the speed of the shots. Keep your racket out in front of you to create more space between your body and the racket, and maintain a relaxed grip for quick grip changes.
Mid-Court Drive
This is a cooperative drill where you and your partner hit the shuttle back and forth. Focus on short racket swings and taking the shuttle out in front of you to prepare for the next shot. Pay attention to your foot timing—try to land at the same time as you strike the shuttle to allow for last-moment adjustments.
Remember to incorporate a dynamic warm-up and cool-down into your practice sessions, and always maintain a consistent routine to see improvements in your underarm serve.
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Frequently asked questions
An underarm serve is a basic badminton serve where the shuttle is hit with an underarm action. It is usually done by the forehand but can also be done with a backhand.
Hold the shuttlecock by the feathers with your non-racket hand in front of the racket's face. The feathers must face the top part of the net. Hold it at waist height or slightly below.
Point both feet forward, with the racket leg slightly ahead. Most of your body weight should be on the dominant (rear) foot. Take the racket arm into the backswing position and cock the wrist.
Shift your body weight onto the non-dominant foot and use a quick wrist action and forearm rotation to snap the wrist and lift the shuttle above your opponent. The shuttlecock should be hit high and towards the back of the court.
An underarm serve is a good option for beginners as it gives them time to get ready for the next shot. It can also be used to surprise your opponent and limit their reaction time if done unexpectedly.
