Andrew Pace
Holding a badminton racket correctly is an important aspect of the game, as it can affect your performance and help prevent injuries. There are three main types of grips: the forehand grip, the backhand grip, and the pan grip. The forehand grip is the most basic grip and is similar to performing a handshake, with the racket head perpendicular to the ground. The backhand grip is used when the shuttlecock is hit to your non-dominant side, with the thumb placed on the edge of the racket's grip. The pan grip is similar to holding a frying pan, with the strings pointing upwards and downwards. Learning these grips and how to switch between them will help you improve your badminton skills and prevent injuries.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Handshake grip | Hold the racket as if performing a handshake, with the racket head perpendicular to the ground |
| Forehand grip | The most basic grip, used for any shot on the forehand side of the body |
| Backhand grip | Thumb on the edge of the racket's grip, with the racket twisted slightly to the right for right-handed players |
| Pan grip | Hold the racket like a frying pan, with the strings pointing upwards and downwards |
| Thumb position | For backhand shots, the thumb is positioned like a frying pan, not a 'V' |
| Grip strength | Hold the racket firmly but relaxed, and only tighten the grip when making shuttlecock strokes |
| Finger placement | The index finger should be extended down the "throat" of the racket for support and control |
| Wrist flexibility | Hold the racket higher up the handle for powerful overhead shots, and closer to the racket head for delicate touch shots |
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Forehand grip
The forehand grip is the most basic grip in badminton and the first grip that all players should learn. It is used for any shot on the forehand side and is extremely simple to practice at home.
To start, turn the racket so that the racket head is at 90 degrees to the floor. Grab the racket handle as if you were performing a handshake, with your pointer finger leveraged on top to give your wrist flexibility and power. Your index finger should be slightly higher than the rest of your fingers, forming a '
When using the forehand grip, the racket face should be parallel to the floor. This grip is used for overhead strokes that land on your forehand side, such as forehand clears, smashes, and drop shots. It is also used for delicate touch shots, where you choke down closer to the racket head for more finesse.
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Backhand grip
The backhand grip is one of the four basic grips in badminton and is used for any shot played to your backhand or non-dominant side. It is a core technique that every new badminton player should practice.
To get into the backhand grip position, start with a forehand grip. Then, rotate your racket handle so that your racket face is parallel to the floor. If you are looking down at your hand, your racket face should be parallel to the wall. Your thumb will be placed on the flat side of the handle, in line with the racket face. Your fingers should be loosely wrapped around the handle, with your index finger on the other side of the grip. Your hand should be positioned so that pushing your thumb forward would push the racket forward at a flat angle.
The backhand grip is similar to holding a frying pan. Your strings should be parallel to the ceiling and floor, and your thumb should be on top of the grip, with your fingers wrapped around the handle. This grip can be used for the backhand drive and backhand serve, and other shots in front of your body. However, it should not be used for backhand shots in the rear court, as it limits your arm rotation and does not allow you to bend your wrist enough to play the shuttle with accuracy and power.
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Pan grip
The pan handle grip, also known as the hammer grip, is one of the four basic grips in badminton. It is the grip that most beginners naturally adopt when first picking up a badminton racket. This is because it is similar to how you would hold a frying pan or a hammer, and it feels intuitive when hitting overhead shots.
To execute the pan grip, place your thumb on the flat side of the racket grip, as if holding a frying pan. Your thumb should be positioned like a 'frying pan' instead of a 'V'. Your palm should be slightly lower than the centre of the handle, and your fingers should be loosely wrapped around the grip. You should not hold the racket too tightly, as this will make it difficult to quickly change grips during a rally. The power in the pan grip comes from your full wrist pushing down on the shuttle, so you can easily hit pushes and net kills.
The pan grip is used for late backhand rear-court shots, retrieving a net cord on the backhand side, and some net kills or drives. It is also the grip required when responding to your opponent's near-net shuttles. Before the ball descends, you need to relax your fingers and gently hold the racket, using your thumb, index finger, and middle finger to move it.
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Thumb and finger placement
For the forehand grip, hold the racket as if you're performing a handshake, with your fingers pointed straight ahead. The racket head should be perpendicular to the ground. Your pointer or index finger should be leveraged on top, adding flexibility and power to your wrist. This grip is used for any shot on your forehand or dominant side.
The backhand grip is used for shots played to your non-dominant side. For this grip, place your thumb on the edge of the racket's grip, similar to how you would hold a frying pan. This thumb position gives you more leverage, allowing you to generate power by pressing down on the racket grip. The remaining fingers gently hug the handle, forming a "'V' shape with your thumb.
The pan grip is similar to the backhand grip, but the strings of the racket point upwards and downwards, rather than to the sides. This grip is useful for quick racket exchanges at the net or for hitting deep backhands.
It's important to maintain a flexible grip and not squeeze the racket too tightly, especially during delicate touch shots. Practice is essential to developing muscle memory and discovering your ideal grip for each type of shot.
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Handshake grip
Holding a badminton racket correctly is an important part of playing badminton. It is the first step in improving your badminton skills and can help prevent accidental injuries to your arm.
The handshake grip is the most basic grip in badminton and the grip that all players should learn first. To execute the handshake grip, start by turning the racket so the racket head is at 90 degrees to the floor. Then, place your dominant hand in a position as if you are about to shake hands with the racket, with your fingers pointed straight ahead. Your pointer finger will be leveraged on top to give your wrist flexibility and power. This will also allow you to snap your wrist to generate power.
The handshake grip is used for any shot on your forehand side. It is a good starting point for the backhand grip, which is used for any shot played to your backhand or non-dominant side. To switch from a forehand to a backhand grip, loosen the grip from your fingers while maintaining a secure hold on the racket. Rotate the racket by turning your wrist to the left slightly. This simple switch should take less than half a second with enough practice.
It is important to hold the grip loosely, so the grip of the racket touches the tips of your fingers rather than your palm. You should only hold the racket tightly when making shuttlecock strokes.
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Frequently asked questions
Holding a badminton racket correctly is essential for optimal shot technique and performance. It also helps prevent accidental injuries to your arm and wrist.
The correct grip depends on the type of shot you're aiming for. The three main types of grips are forehand, backhand, and pan grip. For a forehand grip, hold the racket as if you're performing a handshake, with your fingers pointed straight ahead and the racket head perpendicular to the ground. For a backhand grip, place your thumb on the edge of the racket's grip, with the strings facing downwards. The pan grip is similar to holding a frying pan, with the strings facing upwards.
Loosen your grip and rotate the racket by turning your wrist slightly to the left. This will turn your forehand grip into a backhand grip. With enough practice, this switch should be quick and effortless.
Ensure that your grip is firm but relaxed, and avoid excessive squeezing. Hold the racket higher up the handle for powerful overhead shots, and choke down closer to the racket head for delicate touch shots. Practice different grips and shots to develop muscle memory and improve consistency.
