Amanda Knapp
Holding the badminton shuttle correctly is essential for new players to make progress in the game. The most common way to hold the shuttle is with the dominant hand, at the base, using the thumb and index finger. This is the first step in throwing the shuttle across the net to your partner. However, it is also important to learn how to pick up the shuttle safely, as it is a leading cause of spinal disc injuries in badminton players. The Ballerina method is one such way to safely pick up the shuttle, by balancing on one leg and extending the other horizontally behind you.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Holding the shuttle | Hold the shuttle at the base with the thumb and index finger of your dominant hand. |
| Throwing the shuttle | Take the racket leg back, transfer the weight back, and raise both hands. The non-racket hand helps to point, while the dominant hand helps to simulate the swinging of the racket. Extend the arm and flex the wrist as you throw the shuttle. |
| Aiming | The direction of the shuttle is dependent on where the racquet head is facing when it makes contact. You can use your wrist to manipulate the racquet head direction. |
| Hitting the shuttle | Sub-divide your strokes into two parts: a slower, longer stroke where you guide the shuttle along the desired path, and a powerful, short hitting action just before impact. |
| Hitting the shuttle at the highest point | Straighten your arm with the racquet just past your shoulder and hang a shuttlecock at the sweet spot of your racquet head. Practice swinging and aiming to hit the shuttlecock. |
| Picking up the shuttle | Position the shuttlecock so that the cork's tip is facing you. Hold the racket loosely, touching the handle only with your fingers, and align the racket with the shuttlecock's body. Twist the racket by moving your fingers slightly, in a swift motion, to scoop up the shuttlecock. |
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What You'll Learn
The neutral grip
Holding a badminton racket correctly is crucial for playing well and having fun. The neutral grip is one of the most basic ways of holding a badminton racket. It allows players to switch easily between forehand and backhand grips, which is essential as the shuttle travels extremely fast in badminton.
To hold a badminton racket with a neutral grip, start by holding the racket with your non-racket hand and placing the palm of your racket hand flat on the strings. Then, slide down and hold the handle as if you were shaking hands with it. Your fingers should be pointed straight ahead, and the racket head should be perpendicular to the ground. Wrap the handle with your little, ring, and middle fingers, leaving a gap between the index and middle fingers. Extend your thumb to the side of the racket handle, between the bevel edges, with a gap between the heel of your thumb and the racket. Your grip should be relaxed, and your palm should not extend below the handle.
It is important to note that you should not hold the racket too tightly. A relaxed grip allows for greater flexibility and mobility in the arms, adding power to your shots and allowing for a maximum transfer of energy from your hands to the shuttle. Only tighten your grip when making shuttlecock strokes to prevent the racket from slipping.
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Forehand grip
Holding the badminton racket correctly is the most important basic step in the game. The grip on the racket can reduce injuries, increase the range of shots, and produce more power. There are four types of grips in badminton: the forehand grip, the backhand grip, the bevel grip, and the pan handle grip. Each grip is used for specific shots and can greatly affect a player's performance.
The forehand grip is most often described as a handshake with the racket. To properly hold a badminton racket in this grip, start by placing the base knuckle of your index finger on the front of the racket handle. You want to have a V shape, with a little space between your index finger and middle finger. Your fingers should be loosely around the grip, as a tight grip will make it difficult to change grips mid-rally and limit your ability to control and power your shots. The forehand grip is often used when defending in badminton. Depending on the direction of the bridge, you will counterattack with smashes or cicadas.
To change from a forehand grip 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 turns the forehand position into a backhand position. Place the thumb against the back of the handle for support. With enough practice, this grip switch should take less than half a second.
The forehand grip is also used as a starting point for some offensive shots. You can start with the forehand racket, and while swinging your arms and jumping up, you rotate the racket handle quickly to form a hammer grip. Finally, you tighten the grip when making contact with the shuttle.
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Backhand grip
The backhand grip is one of the four basic grips in badminton, the others being the forehand grip, the bevel grip, and the pan handle grip. It is used for backhand shots, which are shots made with the back of your hand facing the birdie or shuttlecock.
To make a backhand grip, start by holding the racket with your thumb pressing on the flat surface of the grip, and the rest of your fingers clasped around the handle. The thumb should be higher than the index finger on the grip, meaning the rest of the fingers are clasped together with the thumb protruding. The last two fingers should grip the handle softly, allowing for flexibility in your wrists to rotate and flick. This grip is used for shots made on the left side of your body if your dominant hand is your right hand.
The bevel grip is very similar to the backhand grip and is used when the shuttle flies toward your non-dominant side. The only difference is that you use the bevel grip when the shuttle flies over your head. To turn your backhand grip into a bevel grip, move your racket head so that the strings are facing diagonally, and your thumb is on the ridge. If you are right-handed, you would move the racket anti-clockwise from your backhand grip position. The bevel grip is used for backhand rear-court shots (clears, drops, and smashes), some forehand and backhand net shots, and some singles defence.
The pan handle 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 the most common grip used by beginners as it is easy to hit overhead shots and gives power for short movements. To make this grip, place your thumb on the side of the racket, and pinch the sides with your thumb and fingers.
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Panhandle grip
The panhandle grip is one of the four basic grips in badminton. It is also known as the pan hold grip or the net tap grip. This grip is used for forehand net kills or net shots, when the shuttlecock is returned very close to the net. The panhandle grip is similar to holding a frying pan or a cooking pan.
To hold the panhandle grip, place your racket flat on the ground and pick it up without turning the handle. Wrap your fingers around the racket, with your thumb on the side of the racket, pinching the sides with your thumb and fingers. Your strings should be parallel to the ceiling and floor. The panhandle grip is the most common grip used by beginners as it is easy to hit overhead shots and it gives you power for your shots when only using short movements.
The panhandle grip is useful when you need to respond to your opponent's near-net shuttles. Before the shuttlecock starts to descend, a short tapping action needs to be executed. Relax your fingers and gently hold the racket using your thumb, index finger, and middle finger, creating some space between the racket handle and your palm.
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Picking up the shuttle safely
Picking up the shuttlecock safely is an important skill to learn in badminton. It is estimated that a player will pick up a shuttlecock around 50 times in a single game, so it is important to do so safely to avoid injury. Spinal disc injuries are common in badminton players, often caused by repeatedly bending over to pick up shuttlecocks.
One way to safely pick up the shuttlecock is to use your racket. Align the racket with the shuttlecock's body, keeping the racket almost horizontal to the floor. The angle of the racket against the floor should be 45 degrees or less. Keep the racket and shuttlecock touching, then twist the racket with a swift movement of your fingers to scoop up the shuttlecock. This technique may take some practice, but it will help you avoid bending over and risking injury.
Another method is to use your legs to support your body and avoid twisting your back. You can try the "ballerina" method, where you balance on one leg and extend the other leg horizontally behind you. Reach down with your arm to pick up the shuttlecock, mimicking a golfer picking up a golf ball. Alternatively, bend both legs and slowly lean forward to reach the shuttlecock without twisting your body. This method uses your leg muscles more than your back muscles, reducing the risk of back injury.
Remember to warm up before playing badminton and stretch afterward to help prevent injuries. Take breaks and listen to your body during the game, as it is easy to get carried away and overexert yourself.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to pick up a shuttlecock is with your racket. Position the shuttlecock on the floor so the cork tip is facing you. Hold the racket loosely with a gap between your palm and the handle. Align the racket with the shuttlecock's body at a 45-degree angle, touching the shuttlecock. Twist the racket with your fingers to scoop it up.
Hold the shuttlecock at its base with your thumb and index finger of your dominant hand. Take a step back with your racket leg and transfer your weight to that side. Raise both hands and use your non-dominant hand to point. Throw the shuttlecock by extending your arm and flexing your wrist.
Yes, small objects like shuttlecocks can cause back injuries when picked up from the floor. Avoid bending and twisting your spine by using the 'Ballerina' method: balance on one leg and extend the other behind you, then reach with the arm on the same side as the standing leg.
Hold the shuttlecock with your dominant hand and throw it however you wish, but remember that consistency is key. Keep the shuttlecock below 115 cm from the ground during impact.
