Kristian Ferrell
The forehand clear is one of the most basic shots in badminton and is often the first skill beginners learn. It is an overhead shot used to hit the shuttle high and deep, preferably to the end line, forcing your opponent to the rear court. The forehand clear can be used as both an offensive and defensive shot. To perform a forehand clear, you need to adopt a forehand grip and turn sideways, with your non-racket foot forward and your non-racket arm up. Draw the racket back behind your shoulder and hit the shuttle by turning your body and transferring your weight to the non-racket foot. A good technique is essential for a powerful shot.
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Forehand grip and stance
The forehand grip is an essential aspect of executing a powerful and accurate forehand clear in badminton. A suitable grip is crucial for achieving a successful shot, and a loose grip with a "V" shape is recommended. This grip is formed by creating a small gap between the index finger and middle finger, resembling a "V," while the hand is positioned slightly lower on the grip handle to create a longer lever for improved power.
It is important to avoid a panhandle grip, as it restricts the ability to rotate properly during the shot, resulting in reduced power and control. Instead, adopting a relaxed grip, similar to an overhead throwing action, is advised. This grip enables the player to effectively transfer their weight to the non-racket foot and generate force by turning the shoulders and throwing the arm and racket in a fluid motion.
In terms of stance, the body should be positioned sideways, with the non-racket foot forward. This side-on stance improves movement and facilitates the generation of force. The racket arm should be bent at the elbow, forming roughly a 90-degree angle, while the non-racket arm is raised to assist with timing, balance, and rotation. This stance allows for a full range of motion and helps in achieving a high contact point with the shuttle.
Additionally, the player should prepare for the incoming shuttle by drawing the racket back early and high behind the shoulder. This preparatory action sets the stage for an effective shot, ensuring the player is in a favourable position to make solid contact with the shuttle. The side-on stance, combined with a proper grip and well-timed weight transfer, contributes to the overall success of the forehand clear in badminton.
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Hitting position
To hit a forehand clear in badminton, you must first get into a good hitting position. This involves adopting a forehand grip with your racket hand and turning sideways, with your non-racket foot forward. Your racket arm should be up in a throwing position, with your elbow back, and your wrist bent backwards to generate more height on the shot. The shuttle should be directly above your racket shoulder, or slightly out to the forehand side, depending on your footwork. This side-on position will help with your movement and enable you to generate more force.
The forehand clear is a basic shot that is essential for beginners to learn. It can be used as an attacking or defensive shot, with the aim of forcing your opponent to the rear court. To hit a good forehand clear, you need to focus on your technique, rather than relying on physical strength. A common mistake is using a panhandle grip, which reduces your power and control. Instead, you should use a loose grip, with a 'V' shape and a little space between your index and middle fingers. This will help you to move your racket more freely.
As you prepare to hit the shuttle, your racket arm should form a 90-degree angle, with your non-racket arm up to aid with your timing, balance and rotation. When the shuttle is at around 12 to 1 o'clock, it's time to hit. Turn your body and transfer your weight to your non-racket foot, following through with your arm to finish the stroke. This movement will help you to generate power in your shot, which is essential for a good forehand clear.
The difference between a clear and a smash is the point of contact. For a clear, you are hitting upwards, with the shuttle directly above your shoulder. For a smash, you are hitting downwards, with the contact point slightly in front of your body. As you practice, you will be able to perfect your timing and improve your technique.
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Types of clears
The clear shot is one of the most common strokes in badminton, used to hit the shuttlecock high and deep, preferably to the end line. It is used to create time to return to the centre court by pushing the opponent to the rear court.
There are three broad categories of clears: standard, defensive, and attacking. The height of a clear is a balance between attack and defence. A standard clear occupies the middle ground: high enough to be safe, but shallow enough to place some pressure on the opponent's movement. It is used as a basic building shot.
Defensive clears are used to create time when a player is unable to keep up with the pace of the rally. This is usually performed with the four common badminton strokes: overhead forehand clear, overhead backhand clear, underarm forehand clear, and underarm backhand clear. The overhead forehand clear is the most basic stroke and is recommended as the first stroke a beginner should learn. The backhand clear is one of the toughest shots to play in badminton and is used when a player is not in a position to play a forehand shot.
Attacking clears travel lower than standard clears, with the aim of depriving the opponent of time and placing the shuttlecock behind them. The danger of attacking clears is that the opponent may jump up and intercept them, turning the rally against you. Therefore, good judgement is required to spot when to play an attacking clear.
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Common mistakes
The first step to improving your badminton game is to acknowledge that everyone makes mistakes and that it's okay to make them. The next step is to identify the mistakes and rectify them. Here are some of the most common mistakes made by badminton players:
- Incorrect grip and body position: Holding the racquet incorrectly is a common mistake, especially during backhand. The correct grip and body position are crucial for executing powerful and accurate shots. For a forehand clear, use a forehand grip and turn sideways with your non-racket foot forward.
- Hitting the shuttle from the wrong position: Players often make the mistake of trying to hit the shuttlecock while standing in front of it. This results in an off-balance shot that might not even go over the net. It is important to always strike the shuttlecock from behind.
- Illegal serves: Many players make mistakes with illegal serves, especially during backhand serves. An illegal serve is when you contact the shuttlecock above the legal height, which is the lowest rib of your rib cage. This can be avoided by practising your serve and getting feedback from a coach or fellow player.
- Not focusing on the shuttle: Badminton is a fast-paced game, and it's easy to get distracted by your opponent's movements. However, taking your eyes off the shuttlecock can lead to mistakes. It is important to always keep your eyes on the shuttle to make accurate shots.
- Letting emotions affect your play: Badminton is a game of quick decisions and fast reactions. Missing an easy shot can be frustrating, but it's important to stay calm and not let your emotions affect your performance. Learn from your mistakes and focus on the next shot.
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Footwork
The first step is to get into position. You should be side-on to the net, with your non-racket foot forward, and your racket arm up, ready to strike. This side-on position will help with your movement and also help you generate force by turning your shoulders and throwing your arm and racket at the shuttle. This is called the overhead throwing action.
The next step is to move your feet into position. The two most common footwork movements for the forehand clear are the split step and the chasse. You should aim to be slightly behind the shuttle.
As you move to the shuttle, keep your racket back, high and early, behind your shoulder. The shuttle should be directly above your racket shoulder, or slightly out to the forehand side. You are aiming for a high contact point.
After you have hit the shuttle, follow through with your arm and return to your base position.
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Frequently asked questions
The purpose of a forehand clear is to force your opponent to the rear court. It can be used as an attacking or defensive shot.
You should use a loose forehand grip, with a 'V' shape and a little space between your index finger and middle finger. Your hand should be further down the grip handle to create a longer lever, which helps improve power.
The best hitting position has the shuttle directly above your racket shoulder, or slightly out to the forehand side. You are reaching up for a high contact point.
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