Kristian Ferrell
Badminton doubles requires good communication and understanding between partners. When playing doubles, players must pay attention to their opponents' and partners' positions and adapt their own positioning accordingly. For example, if the opponent is in the middle of the court, the front player should move forward to attack, while the rear player stays back to defend. When defending, partners should stand side by side to cover the full width of the court. When attacking, one player moves forward to claim the front of the court. The movement of the front player depends on their partner's positioning. For instance, if their partner is pushed back on the right, the front player should move to the left rear court.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Formation when defending | Side-by-side, covering the full width of the doubles court |
| Positioning when defending | One step back from the middle of the court |
| Formation when attacking | Side-by-side |
| Positioning when attacking | One player moves forward to claim the front of the court |
| Movement when partner hits an overhead dropshot | Move to the forecourt |
| Movement when partner does a net drop | Stay in front while partner stays behind |
| Movement when opponent is in mid-court | Front player should move forward to attack, rear player stays back to defend smashes |
| Movement when opponent hits a long smash | Move closer to intercept the shuttle and protect from hitting it deep into their court |
| General advice for back players | Avoid cross-court smashes, use side-by-side smashes or switch positions between front and back when attacking |
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What You'll Learn
When to move forward to attack
When playing badminton doubles, it is important to understand when to move forward to attack. The key to successful attacking play is to create opportunities for your team to smash while limiting those of your opponents. Here are some key considerations for when to move forward to attack:
Firstly, the standard tactic in badminton doubles is to gain control of the rally by forcing your opponents to lift the shuttlecock. This can be achieved by playing aggressive shots, such as smashes or drop shots. By forcing your opponents to lift, you create an opportunity for your team to smash and gain the advantage.
Secondly, the positioning of your team is crucial. When defending, players should adopt a side-by-side formation to cover the full width of the court. This prevents your opponents from exploiting gaps with well-placed smashes or drop shots. As the game transitions from defence to attack, one player should move forward to claim the front of the court and initiate the attack. Effective communication and understanding between partners are essential for executing this movement successfully.
Thirdly, the choice of shots plays a pivotal role in determining when to move forward to attack. The smash is the most potent attacking shot in badminton doubles. It is advisable to utilise consecutive smashes to maintain pressure on your opponents and restrict their opportunities to attack. Drop shots can also be effective, especially against slower opponents or when your opponents are out of position. However, avoid playing clears unless necessary, as they concede the initiative to your opponents.
Additionally, it is crucial to anticipate your opponents' movements and shots. For instance, if your opponent blocks a smash cross-court and moves forward to claim the net, you have several shot options to counter their attack. A drive or a net shot can be effective, but your opponent may counter with their own attack. Understanding the tactical situation and adapting your movements accordingly are vital for successful attacks.
Lastly, timing is critical when moving forward to attack. Arriving early enough to take the shuttlecock above net height enables you to execute more aggressive shots, such as flat or downward shots, which are more effective in maintaining the attack. Being balanced and prepared also enhances your ability to play aggressive shots and maintain control of the rally.
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How to defend against smashes
Defending against smashes in badminton doubles can be challenging, but with the right techniques and practice, it can be mastered. Here are some detailed instructions to improve your defence against powerful smashes:
Footwork and Stance:
Positioning your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart provides a stable base, enabling you to maintain balance and react quickly. Bend your knees slightly and adopt a low, balanced stance to facilitate faster movement, which is crucial when facing powerful smashes. This defensive stance allows you to react to shots on either side of your body.
Upper Body Relaxation:
While maintaining a stable lower body is essential, it's important to keep your upper body relaxed. Specifically, your arms and shoulders should remain relaxed, allowing you to move more freely and react with greater agility.
Elbow Position:
Keep your elbow in front of your body and not too low. Having your elbow in the correct position prevents your body from obstructing your movement and enables you to react faster to the shuttlecock.
Grips and Swing:
Utilise a backhand grip for defensive shots from your backhand side up to one arm's width. Beyond that range, switch to a bevel grip, which allows for faster transitions and effective shots. Refine your grip and racket positioning to improve control and accuracy when returning smashes. Additionally, when returning powerful smashes in doubles, a short swing can be highly effective.
Anticipation and Prediction:
Anticipate your opponent's moves by analysing their style. Pay attention to their tendencies, such as whether they drag their smashes to one side or execute steep smashes. Adjust your position accordingly, often preparing to play a backhand. Anticipating your opponent's actions can give you a crucial advantage in defending against powerful smashes.
Practice and Consistency:
Improving your defence against smashes requires consistent practice. Train your footwork technique, ensuring you cover a range of defensive positions. Practice hitting shuttles from different distances and angles to improve your ability to defend against various types of smashes.
Remember, a good defence in badminton doubles can create opportunities for strategic shots that keep your opponents off-balance. Focus on mastering these defensive techniques, and you'll be well on your way to excelling in badminton doubles.
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Communication and understanding with your partner
Good communication between partners is essential for successful defensive and attacking play. When defending, partners should adopt a side-by-side formation to cover the full width of the doubles court. If a smash is coming your way, the back player should cover shots to the rearcourt, while the front player should move forward to intercept the smash. When attacking, partners should be aware of each other's positions and take turns covering each other and attacking. For example, if your partner clears, you should move to a defensive position side-by-side with them. If they drop or smash, you should stay in your attacking position at the front.
To improve communication and understanding with your partner, it is recommended to practice partner rallies and more complex drills where you can begin to synchronize your movements. Watching professional matches can also help you to understand how to move around the court effectively. Through time and practice, you and your partner will be able to communicate and understand each other better, which will significantly improve your gameplay.
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Court layout and positioning
When defending, partners should stand side by side to cover the full width of the court. They should position themselves about a step back from the middle to give themselves time to react to smashes. If one player stands near the net, they become vulnerable to a smash. When both sides are fighting for the attack, they typically start in this defensive formation. As one side gains the advantage, one player moves forward to take the front of the court and initiate their attack.
When playing with a regular partner, understanding their movement patterns and predicting their next move is essential. The front player's body language and posture should clearly indicate their intentions. For example, if the front player notices their partner is pushed back on the right, they can prepare to move sideways to the left rear court. Alternatively, they can move to the right court to counter straight drives and maintain pressure.
The back player covers shots to the rear court and attacks drops. They should avoid cross-court smashes unless it is very close, as these can be challenging to block in doubles and may catch the opponent off guard. Instead, side-by-side smashes or switching positions between front and back can force opponents backward, making it easier to intercept their next shot.
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Different types of shots
There are several types of shots in badminton doubles, each with its own strategic purpose and advantage. Here are some of the most commonly used shots:
- Clear Shot: This is considered one of the easiest shots in badminton and is often recommended for beginners. It is a defensive shot, also known as lobbing, and is particularly useful in singles games. When playing a clear shot, you hit the shuttlecock high over your opponent's head to their back court. This shot is useful when you or your partner are out of position or vulnerable to an attack, as it gives you time to recover.
- Drop Shot: The main objective of a drop shot is to force your opponent out of position or to vary the pace of the game. It is effective when used in combination with a smash, as it can provoke a short lift that can be followed by a winning smash. In doubles, when a player hits an overhead dropshot, their partner should move to the forecourt.
- Smash: The smash is considered the most powerful and best attacking shot in badminton. It is usually played on the forehand and is difficult for opponents to return due to its pace and downward angle. The back player in doubles should primarily focus on playing smashes. When playing a smash, you want to aim for spots furthest from your opponent or their upper torso, making it hard for them to defend.
- Drive Shot: The drive shot is a basic flat shot hit directly over the net. It is a quick and powerful counter-attacking shot that is widely used in doubles to keep the shuttlecock low. It can be played on both the forehand and backhand. To execute this shot, you hold the racket with the head facing straight ahead and lock your wrist as the shuttlecock makes contact.
- Net Kill: A net kill is a shot played near the net. It is almost certain to win the rally, so you should play it whenever you get the chance.
- Advanced Shots: Aside from the core shots mentioned above, there are more advanced shots like spinning shots, lifts, and net kills. These shots can add variety to your gameplay and keep your opponents guessing.
Remember, it is important to disguise your shots to prevent your opponents from predicting your moves. For example, your offensive shots should look like a drive or a drop shot until the last moment, making it harder for your opponents to react.
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Frequently asked questions
Movement in badminton doubles requires practice, good communication skills and an understanding between partners. It is critical that players understand the court layout and where their opponents and partners stand.
When defending, players should adopt a side-by-side formation to cover the full width of the doubles court. Defensive positions also increase your odds of winning the point.
If the opponent is in mid-court, the front player should move forward to attack, with the rear player staying back to defend. Once in mid-court, players can switch roles and attack with hard returns.
Your position will depend on your partner's movement pattern and where your opponent stands. For example, if they hit a long smash to your side of the court, move closer to intercept the shuttle and protect yourself from hitting it deep into their court.
Watch professional matches to observe how they move around the court. Practice doubles partner rallies openly with another doubles partner before progressing to more complex drills where you and your opponent can synchronize movements.
