Helena Frye
Returning a high serve in badminton can be tricky, but with the right techniques and practice, it can be mastered. The first instinct for many players is to respond with a powerful smash, but this may not always be the best option as it gives the opponent an opportunity to attack. Instead, a steep half smash can be a more effective technique as it forces the opponent to bend lower and return your shot, allowing you to follow through with a powerful smash. Additionally, a deceptive return or a soft return can also surprise the opponent and give you a strategic advantage. For a high serve, specific shots such as a clear, drop, or straight slice are recommended.
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What You'll Learn
Attack with a smash or drop shot
Attacking with a smash or drop shot is a great way to respond to a high serve in badminton. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Firstly, don't be afraid to mix up your shots. While a powerful smash can be effective, sometimes a softer, more controlled return can catch your opponent off guard. This is especially useful if you can direct the shuttle down either sideline. Your opponent won't expect a soft return and will likely be standing at midcourt, anticipating a hard smash. A well-placed, controlled return can give you a strategic advantage.
If you do opt for a smash, consider a half smash instead of a full-power smash. A half smash, when done successfully, can force your opponent to hit a lift, giving you the opportunity for a powerful follow-through smash. A half smash also adds an element of surprise and forces your opponent to bend lower to make their return.
When it comes to drop shots, a straight drop or a crosscourt drop can be effective. A straight drop can work well, especially if you're looking to quickly end the rally. A crosscourt drop is harder for your opponent to read and can throw them off balance. If you're going for a crosscourt drop, consider a slice crosscourt drop, which is even more unpredictable.
Remember, the element of surprise is crucial in badminton. Keep your opponent guessing by varying your shots and always be ready to move and adjust your positioning. Practice these shots until you feel comfortable, and don't be afraid to watch footage of professional players to pick up new techniques and strategies.
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Hit a steep half smash
Hitting a steep half smash is a great way to return a high serve in badminton. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you master this technique:
Step 1: Positioning
Position yourself about half a metre behind the shuttlecock. This slight backward positioning allows you to generate power by rotating your body forward into the shot. Face sideways, with your non-racket arm pointing upwards to help with timing, balance, and rotation.
Step 2: Grip and Wrist Technique
Hold your racket in a forehand grip, with your hand at the bottom of the grip handle. Ensure your wrist is straight and not bent during the hitting point to prevent injuries. Only after you have made contact with the shuttlecock can you relax your wrist.
Step 3: Body Rotation
Generate power by rotating your hips, torso, and shoulders. This rotation, along with driving force from your legs, will help you achieve a fast racket head speed and forward momentum, resulting in a powerful smash. Keep your elbow back initially, and then bring it forward along with your forearm and wrist as you rotate your torso.
Step 4: Aim and Placement
Aim to hit the shuttlecock away from your opponent's racket. You can aim for either side of the court, towards their right hip if they are right-handed or left hip if they are left-handed. Alternatively, in doubles, aim down the middle. The steep half smash is a surprising move that forces your opponent to bend lower to return your shot, giving you an opportunity for a powerful follow-through smash.
Practice and Muscle Memory
Remember that practice is key. Repetitive practice will help you ingrain the correct techniques into your muscle memory, allowing you to execute them automatically during intense gameplay. So, get out there and keep practising that steep half smash!
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Play a straight shot
Returning a high serve in badminton can be challenging, especially for beginners. The high serve is a tactic used by players to move their opponents away from their base position into the rear court and minimise the potency of their attack. Here are some tips on how to effectively return a high serve with a straight shot:
Firstly, it is important to adjust your positioning when receiving a high serve. Move towards the rear court, but not too much, to shorten the distance to reach the shuttlecock. This will give you a better chance of executing an effective straight shot. Good footwork is also crucial. Try techniques such as a scissor jump or stepping behind the shuttlecock to improve your reach.
When returning a high serve, a straight shot is often a strong option. Playing straight means the shuttlecock reaches its intended destination faster, giving your opponent less reaction time. A straight shot can be a simple and effective way to control the rally and maintain your advantage. It limits the angles of reply available to your opponent and can help you regain your base position.
A clear shot is a type of straight shot that can be particularly effective. It is a neutral shot that doesn't give your opponent much to work with, forcing them into the rear court. This gives you time to move back to your base position, from where you can cover any replies. However, a clear shot doesn't always give you the opportunity to take the initiative in the rally, unless it is deceptive in some way.
Another straight shot option is a half smash. This technique can surprise your opponent and force them to bend lower to return your shot. If executed successfully, you can create an opportunity for a powerful follow-through smash. Remember, when playing a straight shot, it is essential to maintain control of your racket and consider your shot selection carefully to avoid losing your advantage.
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Make your opponent move
Returning a high serve in badminton can be tricky, but there are several ways to make your opponent move and keep them off-balance. Here are some techniques to try:
Firstly, a well-executed steep half smash can be a great option. This technique surprises your opponent and forces them to bend lower to make a return. It also sets you up for a powerful follow-through smash. Another element of surprise is a soft return shot, which goes against your opponent's expectations of a hard smash. This can be especially effective if you can aim the shuttle down either sideline of their court.
Another way to make your opponent move is to play a lift, which pushes them towards the back of the court, creating space for you to take advantage of. It is important to vary the corners and height of your lifts to keep your opponent guessing. Flat lifts, in particular, can put your opponent under pressure. However, be cautious with flat lifts as they need to be accurate, or they may put you at a disadvantage.
Playing a deceptive return at the start of the rally is another effective strategy. A deceptive net, for example, can be used when the serve comes to your backhand side. This will unsettle your opponent and give you an edge. Slicing cross-court is also a good option as it is hard for your opponent to read, but be mindful not to play cross when returning a backhand flick serve. In this case, a straight shot will suffice as a cross return may give your opponent an easy straight block or net shot.
Remember, the key to making your opponent move is to keep them guessing and uncomfortable. By employing these techniques, you can gain the upper hand and improve your chances of winning the point.
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Use deception
Deception is a key tactic in badminton, and it can be used effectively when returning a high serve. A deceptive return can be a great way to unsettle your opponent right from the start of the rally. Professional players use some form of deception in about 10% of their returns, so it's a valuable skill to learn.
One way to use deception when returning a high serve is to play a drop shot or a disguised drop shot. This can be done straight or crosscourt. A drop shot can be an effective way to make your opponent move and take away their advantage of being in a good position after serving. It is important to note that a drop shot usually won't win you the point directly, but it can put you in a good position to win the point on the following shots.
Another deceptive shot you can use when returning a high serve is a half smash or a full smash. A half smash can be particularly effective because it offers an element of surprise and forces your opponent to bend lower to return your shot. This can set you up for a powerful follow-through smash. However, if your opponent has decent defense, it may be better to aim for a precise attack rather than a full-power smash.
You can also use deception in your positioning. For example, if you play a net return that invites your opponent to play another net shot, you can anticipate this and move your positioning forward. Just make sure you still have enough time to move back if they play a lift instead. Additionally, when playing a lift, vary the corner and height of your lift to keep your opponent guessing. Flat lifts, in particular, can put your opponent under more pressure.
Finally, a soft return shot can also be a form of deception as your opponent likely expects a hard smash after a flat drive serve. If you can maintain control over your racket, a soft return shot can give you a strategic advantage, especially if you can aim the shuttle down either side of their court.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to return a high serve in badminton. You can play a drop or disguised drop, either straight or crosscourt. You could also go for a half smash or full smash, aiming towards the sidelines. Another option is to hit a steep half smash, forcing your opponent to bend lower and return with a lift, which you can then follow through with a powerful smash.
Try to make your opponent move after their serve to take away their advantage of being in a good position. You can also try to be deceptive with your return to unsettle your opponent. For example, a soft return can give you a strategic advantage as your opponent won't expect it.
Returning with a classic 100% power smash is a common instinct, but it may not be the best option as it gives your opponent an attacking opportunity. Another mistake is playing a net shot, as this invites your opponent to play another net shot, which will likely be tighter than yours.
