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The grip you use when playing badminton is important as it can affect your power, control, and precision. There are four basic types of grip: forehand, backhand, bevel, and thumb. When performing a smash, the type of grip you use will depend on the type of smash you are performing. For example, a forehand grip is used for a forehand smash, while a hammer grip is used for a jumping smash. The grip you use will also depend on your playing style and the size of your hand. For instance, a small grip provides greater control, while a bigger grip allows for more power.
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What You'll Learn
Forehand grip
To execute a forehand badminton smash, it is important to get the overhead forehand stroke right. This involves perfecting your technique and grip.
The forehand grip is often likened to a handshake. Your fingers should be loosely around the grip, with a small space between your index and middle fingers, forming a 'V shape'. This is important because a tight grip will hinder your ability to generate power and control in your shots. It will also reduce your flexibility and may lead to wrist injuries. When playing a forehand stroke, push your index finger forward.
When performing a smash, your body should face the side of the court, with both feet pointing sideways. You should then raise your racket arm and non-racket arm. Your racket arm should be stretched as far back as possible to ensure a full arm swing, and your non-racket arm should be raised to balance the weight.
Some players suggest adjusting your grip slightly towards a panhandle grip when performing a powerful smash. However, others advise sticking to the normal forehand grip, as used for quick and low forehand shots.
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Thumb grip
The panhandle grip is the most natural grip for beginners, as it is easy to hit overhead shots with. For this grip, the thumb is placed on the side of the racket, pinching the sides with the thumb and fingers. The panhandle grip is also used for late backhand rear-court shots, retrieving a net cord on the backhand side, and some net kills or drives. It is also recommended for playing powerful shots with short movements.
The bevel grip is achieved by starting in a backhand grip and moving the racket head so that the strings are now facing diagonally, and the thumb is on the ridge. If you are right-handed, you would move the racket anti-clockwise from your backhand grip, and if you are left-handed, you would move it clockwise. The bevel grip is used for backhand rear-court shots, some forehand and backhand net shots, and some singles defence.
For the forehand grip, place the palm of your racket-holding hand on the racket face while holding the grip with your other hand. Then, slide the palm down the shaft and grip with your bottom three fingers. Close your thumb above your middle finger and keep your pointer finger aimed forward around the racket grip. Your thumb and pointer finger should make a “V” shape, with a small space between these two fingers. You can quickly set up the forehand grip by facing the side of your racket head down and pretending you’re shaking someone’s hand when grabbing the racket grip.
To achieve the backhand grip, wrap your pointer finger down around the grip on top of your middle finger. The backhand grip can limit arm rotation but will give you a significant advantage in the right circumstances.
Remember to keep your grip loose, as an excessively tight grip will prevent you from moving your muscles swiftly. Only tighten your grip when you hit the shuttle.
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Bevel grip
The bevel grip is a type of grip used in badminton to execute backhand shots in the rear court, such as clears, drops, and smashes. It is also useful for some forehand and backhand net shots, depending on your positioning. This grip is particularly effective for defensive and deceptive shots, such as the high backhand clear.
To execute the bevel grip, start with a backhand grip. If you are right-handed, move your racket head anti-clockwise, and if you are left-handed, move it clockwise. The racket face should be twisted halfway between the forehand and backhand grip positions, at about a 45-degree angle. Your thumb will be on the ridge or bevel of the racket, pressed onto the smallest edge between the two larger, flat edges. This grip allows for a different thumb position, which is useful when the shuttle is behind you, as it should be when taking a rear-court backhand shot.
It is important to keep your hold loose when switching between grip positions. A tight grip will prevent your muscles from moving swiftly. Practice rotating the racket in your hand between the different positions. You can do this even while sitting on the couch! Remember, the correct grip will give you a massive advantage on the court, increasing your power and control.
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Hammer grip
The hammer grip is a technique used in badminton to achieve powerful smashes. It involves holding the badminton racket with all fingers bunched together, resembling a closed fist. This grip is often used by beginners, as it is easy to hit overhead shots with.
To execute the hammer grip effectively, the following steps can be taken:
- Start with your hand in a loose grip, with your fingers spread out on the racket handle.
- As you prepare to smash, tighten your grip by bringing your fingers together into a fist-like shape around the handle. Ensure that your thumb and index finger are holding the racket firmly, while the other three fingers provide additional support and squeeze at the last moment.
- Time the tightening of your grip to occur just as the racket is fully loaded with spring tension, right before impact with the shuttlecock.
The hammer grip maximizes power by utilizing the strength of your wrist and forearm. However, it offers slightly less control and can potentially strain your wrist if not executed properly. It is important to note that while the hammer grip can provide more power for beginners, advanced players might find that other techniques, such as the loose-squeeze technique, have a bigger influence on power generation.
Additionally, when performing a forehand smash, it is recommended to adjust your grip slightly towards the panhandle grip, which is a more natural position for hitting overhead shots. This adjustment can help improve the power and effectiveness of your smash.
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Long vs. short grip
When it comes to grip length in badminton, you can either use a long grip or a short grip. The long grip is when you hold the racket towards the end of the handle, whereas the short grip is when your hand moves up the handle towards the cone.
The long grip is useful when you need extra reach, such as when killing a loose drop shot. It can also be beneficial at the net, even in doubles. However, many players, especially juniors, tend to overuse the short grip, copying elite men's doubles players.
The short grip can be introduced gradually, starting with the backhand low serve in doubles and then moving on to doubles net play. It is particularly useful for late backhand rear-court shots, retrieving a net cord on the backhand side, and some net kills or drives, depending on your position and preference.
In addition to grip length, it is important to consider the different types of grips used in badminton, such as the forehand grip, the continental grip, and the panhandle grip. The forehand grip, which resembles a handshake with a 'V shape' between the index and middle fingers, is used for quick and low forehand shots. The continental grip is employed when you want more power. The panhandle grip, which comes naturally to beginners for overhead shots, is used for late backhand rear-court shots, retrieving net cords, and some net kills or drives.
When performing a badminton smash, it is recommended to adjust your grip slightly towards the panhandle grip, especially when the shuttle is in front of you. This adjustment can enhance the power and effectiveness of your smash.
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Frequently asked questions
There are four basic grips in badminton: forehand, backhand, bevel, and thumb grip. The choice of grip depends on the type of shot and the player's preference for power or control.
The ideal grip for a powerful smash is the continental grip, also known as the hammer grip. This grip starts with a forehand grip and then quickly rotates to a hammer grip as you swing your arm.
Yes, the size of your hand can influence your grip choice. Generally, a smaller grip provides greater control, while a bigger grip allows for more power. You can adjust the grip size by layering grip cushioning or using grip powder.
