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Holding a badminton racquet correctly is an important basic step in playing badminton. A good grip can improve your game by offering better control, comfort, and confidence in each stroke, and can also reduce injuries, increase the range of shots, and produce more efficient hits. There are several types of grips, including the forehand grip, backhand thumb grip, bevel grip, hammer grip, and pan hold grip. The correct grip will depend on the type of stroke you are making. For example, the bevel grip is useful for defensive and deceptive shots, while the hammer grip is useful for executing jumping smashes.
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What You'll Learn
Forehand grip
The forehand grip is the most basic grip in badminton and is the grip that players are recommended to learn first. It is used for any shot on the forehand side. To achieve a forehand grip, the racket should be turned so that the racket head is at 90 degrees to the floor. The racket should be held as if performing a handshake, with the pointer finger leveraged on top to give the wrist more flexibility and power. The index finger and thumb should form a 'V shape', with a little space between them. The fingers should be loose around the grip, only tightening when the shuttlecock is hit. This grip method can be used for almost all forehand shots.
The panhandle grip is another grip that can be used for forehand shots. This grip is used for late backhand rear-court shots, retrieving a net-cord on the backhand side, and some net kills or drives. The power in this grip is generated by the wrist pushing down on the shuttle.
It is important to learn and practice different grips so that they become natural in a player's game. One way to practice is to start with a conditioned routine, switching grips after every shot. This can be done against a wall if you don't have a partner.
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Backhand thumb grip
The backhand grip, also known as the thumb grip, is one of the four essential grips in badminton. It is natural for beginners to start with a panhandle grip, where the thumb is on the side of the racquet, pinching its sides with the thumb and fingers. This is because it is easy to hit overhead shots with this grip. However, the panhandle grip is actually used for late backhands when the shuttle is far behind you.
For a standard backhand grip, the thumb is on top, and the racquet is held at the bottom of the fingers. This is used when the shuttle is level with you or in front. If the shuttle is behind you, you should use a bevel grip, with your thumb further around the racquet. This allows you to play an accurate and powerful shot from this position.
The bevel grip is also used in the Eastern Backhand grip, where the base knuckle of the index finger and the heel of the hand are on the 1st bevel. For right-handed players, the right bottom side of the thumb should be touching the 3rd bevel, while the left side of the index finger should be resting on the 7th bevel. The index finger should be shaped like a hook and hold onto the handle near the top section, with the other fingers wrapped around the lower sections of the handle.
It can be helpful to practice changing grips without a shuttle first. Visualise certain shots and what grip you should use, then add in some movement. This will help you get used to changing your grip and knowing which grip to use for each shot. Practice against a wall if you don't have anyone to practice with.
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Bevel grip
The bevel grip is one of the four basic grips in badminton. It is similar to the backhand grip, but with a slight difference in thumb placement, which allows for more power when your back is facing the opponent.
To learn the bevel grip, start in a backhand grip. If you are right-handed, move your racket head anti-clockwise, and if you are left-handed, move it clockwise. This will bring your racket strings diagonally and place your thumb on the ridge or bevel of the racket. Your thumb should be on the edge of the racket handle, and your racket face should be tilted at a 45-degree angle when looking down at your thumb.
The bevel grip is useful for applying defensive and deceptive shots and is particularly effective for late backhand shots when the shuttle is behind you. It allows you to play accurate and powerful shots from this position.
It is important to learn the correct grips in badminton as the wrong grip can reduce your power, minimise control, and increase the risk of injury. With practice, changing between grips will become natural, and you will be able to easily perform the correct grip in a match.
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Hammer grip
The hammer grip is a type of grip used in badminton to execute jumping smashes. It is a powerful grip that can help you hit the shuttlecock with force. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to hold a badminton racquet using the hammer grip:
Start with a forehand grip: Position your dominant hand as if you are about to shake hands, with your fingers pointed straight ahead. Place the racquet between your palms so that the racquet head is perpendicular to the ground. Your thumb should rest against the wider surface of the grip, forming a "'V' shape with your index finger. Do not hold the racquet too tightly; a loose grip allows for flexible wrist movement and makes it easier to change grips during a rally.
Rotate to a hammer grip: While swinging your arm, quickly rotate the racquet handle to form a hammer grip. This movement should be swift and smooth.
Tighten your grip: As you prepare to hit the shuttlecock, tighten your grip to stabilise the racquet. Your thumb, index finger, and middle finger should be primarily in control of the racquet, while your ring finger and little finger rest on the grip for balance. Ensure that your thumb does not cover any of your fingers, as this will constrain the movement of the racquet.
The hammer grip is an advanced technique, and mastering it requires practice. It is important to first develop a strong foundation in the basic grips before attempting more complex grips like the hammer grip. Additionally, remember to change your grip during a game as needed, as the grip you use will depend on the shot you are making and the position of the shuttlecock.
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Pan hold grip
The pan hold grip, also known as the handshake grip, is a popular way to hold a badminton racquet. It offers a good balance between control and power, making it a versatile option for players of all levels. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to execute the pan hold grip effectively:
Hold the racquet in front of you with the head of the racquet facing down towards the ground. Place your dominant hand out, palm facing up, as if you are going to shake hands with someone. Lower the racquet into your palm, with the handle resting along the base of your palm and your thumb. Close your fingers around the handle, with your thumb and index finger forming a 'V' shape, and the handle sitting between them. Your thumb should be pointing slightly downwards, and your other fingers should be wrapped comfortably around the handle. This grip allows the racquet to rest comfortably in your hand, with the weight distributed across your palm and fingers.
Adjust the grip width to suit your preferences and playing style. A wider grip, where your hand is closer to the head of the racquet, offers more power and stability, while a narrower grip provides increased manoeuvrability and control. Generally, a grip width that aligns with the length from your wrist to the tip of your ring finger is a good starting point.
The pan hold grip is versatile and can be used for a variety of shots. It provides a solid foundation for forehand and backhand strokes, as well as smashes and defensive returns. With practice, you can develop a feel for the racquet and learn to adjust your grip slightly for different shots, adding more power or control as needed.
To perfect the pan hold grip, it is important to focus on comfort and control. Ensure that your grip is not too tight, as this can restrict movement and cause tension in your arm. A relaxed grip allows for faster reactions and more natural wrist action. Practice swinging the racquet with the pan hold grip, getting a feel for the weight distribution and how it affects your shots. With time and practice, the grip will become second nature, and you will be able to execute a variety of shots with power and precision.
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Frequently asked questions
Your grip on the racquet should be very loose, held only by the fingers. This makes it easier to adjust your grip for different types of shots and adds more swing to your wrist.
The racquet should be held at the bottom of your fingers for a backhand clear. Your palm should be lower than the centre of the handle, and your thumb should support the racquet during the backhand.
A bevel grip is used for applying deceptive and defensive shots. It also helps you to do your high backhand clear effectively.
A pan hold grip is similar to how you hold a cooking pan. It is used on the front court near the net when the shuttlecock is returned very close to the net.
The hammer grip is useful when executing jumping smashes. This grip is similar to how you would hold a hammer.
