Amanda Knapp
Badminton is a high-intensity sport that requires agility, speed, and endurance. One of the most important fundamentals of the game is the grip on the badminton racket. A good grip can reduce injuries, increase the range of shots, and produce more efficient hits. On the other hand, an improper grip can reduce power, minimize control, and increase the risk of injury. There are four basic grips in badminton: the forehand grip, the backhand grip, the bevel grip, and the panhandle grip. Each of these grips is used for different types of shots and should be practised until they become second nature. Additionally, there are various types of grips available for purchase, such as full grip, towel grip, and overgrip, which can enhance a player's performance depending on their style and needs.
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What You'll Learn
Learn the four basic grips: forehand, backhand, bevel, and panhandle
Learning the four basic grips in badminton is essential for improving your grip. These four grips are the forehand grip, the backhand grip, the bevel grip, and the panhandle grip. Each of these grips serves a unique purpose and is used for different shots.
The forehand grip is one of the most important early strokes to learn in badminton. It will enable you to exploit your opponent's weaknesses and keep you out of trouble. To learn the forehand grip, simply pretend you are shaking someone's hand, forming a 'V shape' with your index finger and thumb. Ensure there is a little space between your index finger and middle finger, and keep your grip loose.
The backhand grip is learned by setting up with your thumb on top of the wider section of the grip, with your strings facing the floor and ceiling. Your fingers should be relaxed and loosely wrapped around the side. It is important to note that the backhand grip should not be used for backhand shots in the rear court.
To learn the bevel grip, start in the backhand grip position. Then, move your racket head so that the strings are facing diagonally, and your thumb is on the ridge or bevel of the grip. If you are right-handed, move the racket anti-clockwise from the backhand grip position. If you are left-handed, move the racket clockwise.
The panhandle grip is the most natural grip for beginners as it is easy to hit overhead shots with. To form the panhandle grip, place your thumb on the side of the racket, pinching the sides with your thumb and fingers. This grip is used 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.
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Understand the thumb position for each grip
The thumb position in badminton grips is critical to achieving powerful and accurate shots. There are four basic grips in badminton, each with a unique thumb placement: the forehand grip, the backhand grip, the bevel grip, and the panhandle grip.
For the forehand grip, the easiest way to position your thumb is to pretend you are shaking someone's hand. This creates a 'V shape' between your thumb and index finger, with a little space between them. Your thumb should be relaxed and not too tight on the grip, allowing for quick changes between different grips during a rally.
The backhand grip is used when the shuttlecock is level with you or in front of you. For this grip, place your thumb on top of the wider section of the grip, with your strings facing the floor or ceiling. Your fingers should be relaxed around the side, not clenched too tightly.
The bevel grip is a variation of the backhand grip and is used when the shuttlecock is behind you, such as when taking a rear-court backhand shot. To transition from the backhand grip to the bevel grip, move your racket head so that the strings are now facing diagonally. This adjustment also moves your thumb from the top of the grip to the ridge or bevel, allowing for more powerful and accurate shots.
The panhandle grip is used when the shuttlecock is far behind you. For this grip, move your thumb to the side of the racket, pinching the sides with your thumb and fingers. This grip comes naturally to beginners as it is easy to hit overhead shots with, but it is actually used for late backhand shots.
Practising these grip techniques is essential for improving your badminton skills. Visualising certain shots and the corresponding grip can help you become more comfortable with changing your grip during play. Additionally, consider the size of your palm, your playing style, and the conditions in which you play when choosing the right grip for your badminton racket.
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Practice changing grips without a shuttlecock
To improve your grip in badminton, it is important to learn the four basic grips and practice changing between them without a shuttlecock.
Firstly, it is important to understand the role of grip in badminton. A good grip on a badminton racket can reduce injuries, increase the range of shots, and produce more efficient hits. It is also important to note that the wrong grip can reduce power, minimize control, and increase the risk of injury. Therefore, it is crucial to learn the correct grips and practice changing between them seamlessly.
Now, let's delve into the four basic grips and how to practice transitioning between them without a shuttlecock.
Forehand Grip
The easiest way to learn the forehand grip is to visualize shaking someone's hand. This creates a ''V shape' with a little space between your index finger and middle finger. Your fingers should be loosely wrapped around the grip.
Backhand Grip
For the backhand grip, place your thumb on top of the wider section of the grip, with the strings facing the floor and ceiling. Your fingers should be relaxed and wrapped around the side.
Bevel Grip
The bevel grip is a variation of the backhand grip. Start in the backhand grip position and move the racket head so that the strings are now facing diagonally. For right-handed players, move the racket anti-clockwise, and for left-handed players, move it clockwise. This grip is useful for defensive and deceptive shots.
Panhandle Grip
The panhandle grip is a natural grip for beginners as it is easy to hit overhead shots. For this grip, place your thumb on the side of the racket, pinching the sides with your thumb and fingers.
With these four grips in mind, you can now practice transitioning between them without a shuttlecock. Visualize certain shots and the corresponding grip required. Add some movement to this practice, walking or jumping in different directions as you change grips. This will help you become comfortable and efficient in choosing the right grip for each shot.
In summary, learning the four basic grips and practicing changing between them without a shuttlecock will improve your grip in badminton, leading to more powerful and controlled shots, reducing the risk of injuries, and enhancing your overall performance.
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Choose the right grip size for your hand
Choosing the right grip size for your hand is essential in badminton. The grip is a small but significant part of the game, and using the wrong grip can reduce your power, minimise control of your shots, and increase the risk of injury.
Firstly, it is important to consider the size of your palm and your playing style. If you have large hands and favour power play, you will require a larger grip or additional replacement grip over the original grip. Conversely, if you believe in technique over power, a thinner grip will provide more flexibility for your fingers.
Secondly, the grip should be comfortable and secure. A good grip should feel natural and allow for a range of strokes. It should not be too tight, as this will limit your ability to generate control and power, and make it difficult to change grips quickly during a rally. Your fingers should be relaxed and loose, clenching the handle only when the hit is executed.
Thirdly, the grip should be replaced regularly, as it will wear down over time. Grips can be layered up to the desired size, and grip cushioning can be added to certain areas, such as the end of the grip for extra overhead shot power and control with the little finger.
Finally, the grip should be tailored to your specific needs. For example, if your hands get sweaty during play, a towel grip can be used to absorb sweat, or an overgrip can be placed over the original grip to increase the circumference of the handle.
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Use an overgrip for added tackiness and to increase the racket handle's circumference
Grips are an important part of badminton, and choosing the right grip can improve your game. The wrong grip can reduce your power, minimise control over your shots, and increase the risk of injury.
One way to improve your grip is to use an overgrip. An overgrip is a thinner grip that is placed over the top of another grip. It is typically tacky and sticky, and it increases the circumference of the racket handle. It is used by many top players to improve their hold on the racket.
Overgrips are useful for players who prefer a smaller racket grip for manoeuvrability. They are also used to add tackiness and stickiness to the original grip, which can help to prevent the racket from slipping out of your hand during play. This is especially useful for players who play in humid conditions or who sweat a lot.
Overgrips are generally the cheapest grip available, making them a cost-effective way to improve your grip. They can also be used in combination with other grips, such as a towel grip, to absorb sweat and improve grip during long rallies.
It is important to remember that grips need to be replaced regularly, and overgrips can be an affordable way to do this without replacing the entire grip setup.
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