Andrew Pace
The long serve, also known as the high serve, is a fundamental skill in badminton. It is an underhand/forehand serve that arcs high and lands deep in the back of the opponent's court. This serve is a great way to gain an early advantage in a match as it forces your opponent to move backward quickly, creating distance between you and them, which weakens their return shot. To improve your long serve, it is important to understand the basics of serving, including the rules and techniques. Regular practice is key, and there are several exercises you can do to improve your long serve, such as serving towards a specific area of the court or focusing on your grip, stance, and body position.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Technique | The high serve, also known as the long serve, is an underhand/forehand serve that arcs high and lands deep in the back of the opponent's court. |
| Purpose | It forces your opponent to move backward quickly, creating significant distance between the server and the receiver's point of impact, thus weakening their return shot. |
| Practice | Regular practice is key to improving your serve. It is recommended to practice serving for 20-30 minutes at a time, targeting one area of the court. |
| Grip | A proper grip on the racket is essential for a good serve. |
| Stance | Having the correct stance can improve your serve. |
| Backswing | A short backswing is part of a good serving technique. |
| Body Position | Slightly bending your body forward during the serve can improve your technique. |
| Racket Position | The racket should finish the stroke by pointing over the player's non-racket shoulder (left shoulder for right-handed players). |
| Footwork | Good footwork can help you reach your opponent's return shot more quickly. |
| Strategy | Vary your serves to avoid being predictable. Mix up your serve types and targets to keep your opponent guessing. |
| Rules | Understand the rules of serving in badminton to avoid service faults and disputes. |
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What You'll Learn
Learn the rules
To improve your long serve in badminton, it is important to first learn the rules of the game. The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has outlined specific service rules that players must follow. Here are some key rules and guidelines to keep in mind:
Understanding Service Faults
Service faults are common in badminton, and it is essential to know the rules to avoid losing a rally and handing the serve to your opponent. Disputes over service faults are frequent, so understanding the rules will help you make informed decisions during the game.
No Undue Delay During Service
Both sides must adhere to this rule. Neither the server nor the receiver should cause unnecessary delays during the service. This ensures a smooth and fair gameplay experience for both players.
Court Positioning
When serving, players must be mindful of their court positioning. For a long serve, also known as a high serve, the server typically uses an underhand or forehand technique, sending the shuttlecock in a high arc to land deep in the back of the opponent's court. This forces the opponent to move backward, creating distance between the server and the receiver's point of impact, resulting in a weakened return shot.
The Importance of Practice
While understanding the rules is crucial, improving your long serve also requires consistent practice. Find a court where you can practice undisturbed. Regularly practice different types of serves, including the long serve, to refine your technique and build confidence.
Racket Follow-Through
Pay attention to your racket's position during the serve. After striking the shuttlecock, ensure that your racket finishes the stroke by pointing over your non-racket shoulder (left shoulder for right-handed players). This allows for a smoother and more powerful stroke. Avoid finishing the stroke with the racket pointing forward or upward, as it can restrict your movement and control.
Variations in Serving Techniques
While the high serve is a common technique, it is important to vary your serves during a game. The low serve, also known as a short serve, is an underarm backhand serve that travels just over the net and lands near the front service line of the opponent's court. This serve forces your opponent to rush to the net, allowing you to potentially smash a return before they reset. Mixing up your serves keeps your opponent guessing and adds an element of unpredictability to your game.
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Practice regularly
Practice makes perfect, and this adage holds for badminton too. To improve your long serve, you must practice regularly. The more you practice, the better you will become at serving.
Firstly, it is important to find a court where you can practice without distractions or interruptions. This will help you focus on your technique and form. Next, you should be aware of the rules of the game. BWF has outlined specific service rules that every player must follow. Understanding these rules will help you avoid service faults and disputes during a game. Knowing the rules will also help you strategize and improve your overall game.
Now, onto the long serve. The long serve, also called the high serve, is an underhand or forehand serve that arcs high and lands deep in the back of your opponent's court. This serve forces your opponent to move backward, creating distance between you and them, which weakens their return shot. To master this serve, you should practice it repeatedly, targeting one area of the court. You can also vary your practice by trying out different types of serves, such as the short serve, to keep things interesting and develop your overall serving skills.
Additionally, you can practice a simple exercise to improve your serves. Have a partner stand at the back of the opposite court near the long service line with their racket held high. Your goal is to serve the shuttle so it flies over the racket and lands between the long service line and the baseline. This exercise will help you improve the height and accuracy of your serves.
Remember, regular practice will help you improve your long serve and overall badminton skills.
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Know your opponent
Knowing your opponent is crucial to improving your long serve in badminton. Understanding their strengths and weaknesses can give you an edge and help you develop effective strategies. Here are some key considerations:
Opponent's Abilities
Recognise your opponent's skill level and adapt your serve accordingly. If they struggle with high-speed shots, a well-executed drive serve can give you an early advantage. On the other hand, if they excel at returning high serves, consider a different approach, such as a short serve, which is harder to attack.
Opponent's Intentions and Positioning
Understanding your opponent's intentions and positioning is vital. Observe their footwork, shot selection, and patterns. Are they predictable, or do they mix up their serves? By anticipating their next move, you can adjust your own positioning and strategy accordingly.
Receiver Tension
The receiver's tension refers to the feelings of anticipation and pressure your opponent experiences before and during your serve. A long or unique ritual can increase this tension, potentially throwing your opponent off their game.
Opponent's Return
Study your opponent's return patterns. Observe how they respond to different serves—high, short, or flat. This knowledge can help you predict their next move and adjust your serve to catch them off-guard.
Opponent's Reactions
Pay attention to your opponent's reactions after each point. How do they adapt their strategy? By understanding their adjustments, you can make informed decisions about changing your serve to keep them guessing.
Remember, the serve is a powerful tool in badminton. It sets the tone for the rally and the entire match. By understanding your opponent, you can gain the upper hand and improve your long serve to become a more formidable player.
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Position yourself centrally
Positioning yourself centrally is a great way to improve your long serve in badminton. This is because it allows you to get to your opponent's return shot more quickly, giving them less time to reset and weakening their return shot.
Firstly, make sure you are positioned in the middle of the court before you serve. This will give you a better chance of reaching your opponent's return shot quickly, and put you in an advantageous position to start the rally.
You can practice this by doing a simple exercise: get a partner to stand at the back of the court opposite you with their racket held high in the air. Your objective is to serve the shuttle so it flies over the racket and lands between the long service line and the baseline. This will help you get used to serving from a central position and give you an idea of how to aim your shots.
It's important to remember that you shouldn't always start in the same position, as your opponent will be ready to return your serve if they know what you're going to do. Mix up your serving techniques and positions to keep your opponent guessing and improve your long serve.
Finally, make sure you are practising regularly and consistently. You can improve your long serve by drilling it for just 20-30 minutes at a time, focusing on one area of the court. With time and training, your badminton serve will improve and you will be able to serve long with confidence.
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Use a backhand short serve
The backhand short serve is a popular choice for players, regardless of gender, singles or doubles. It is a highly technical and sensitive style, where small changes can have a big impact on the following strikes in a rally.
To perform a backhand short serve, start with a backhand grip, holding the racket slightly higher up on the grip. This will give you more control over the serve. Hold the shuttlecock with your thumb and index finger, and then move your racket backwards and forwards in one short, smooth motion. The backswing and follow-through should be short to maintain control and deception in the shot. Squeeze the grip with your fingers and thumb to generate power, rather than bending your wrist.
Stand close to the service line, with your racket leg in front or your feet side by side, whichever you prefer. You can also stand with both feet parallel, with your weight on the front foot. The shuttle should be below waist height at the time of contact, and both feet should be grounded, or it will be a fault. Aim for the tape at the top of the net so that the shuttle skims over it, landing just behind the diagonally opposite service line. This will force your opponent to hit upwards, making it difficult for them to return with an attacking shot.
To improve your backhand short serve, practice regularly, aiming to keep the serve as low and short as possible. You can also try an exercise where your partner stands at the back of the opposite court with their racket held high. Your objective is to serve the shuttle so it flies over the racket and lands between the long service line and the baseline.
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Frequently asked questions
The long serve, also known as the high serve, is an underhand/forehand serve that arcs high and lands deep in the back of the opponent's court. Here are some tips to improve your long serve:
- Finish the stroke by pointing the racket over the player's non-racket shoulder (left shoulder for right-handed players).
- Hit the shuttle slightly towards the top of the racket rather than in the middle to improve consistency.
- Practice regularly.
The long serve is important because it forces your opponent to move backward and creates distance between the server and the receiver, weakening their return shot.
The short serve, also known as the low serve, is an underarm backhand serve that travels just over the net and the front service line of the opponent's court. This serve is riskier than the long serve because it gives your opponent an opportunity to attack immediately.
One simple exercise is to have your partner stand at the back of the opposite court with their racket held high in the air. Your objective is to serve the shuttle so it flies over the racket and lands between the long service line and the baseline.
