Returning Low Serves: Doubles Strategy

how to return low serve in badminton doubles

Returning a low serve in badminton doubles can be tricky, but with the right technique, you can turn defence into attack. The standard response is to lift the shuttle deep into the backhand corner of your opponent's court, but there are more advanced tactics to catch your opponents off-guard. The key is to take the shuttle early and above net height, giving you a greater variety of shots to choose from. This means standing close to the service line with your non-racket leg in front, taking most of your weight, and your racket raised and ready to intercept the shuttle.

Characteristics Values
Stance Non-racket leg in front with most weight on it, front foot facing forwards towards the net at a slight angle
Grip Thumb on the ridge of the racket, allowing for easy adjustment once you know the serve direction
Racket positioning Above net height, allowing for quick interception and a greater variety of shots
Movement Move forward with your body, taking the shuttle early to reduce reaction time for opponents
Shot type Lift the shuttle deep into the backhand corner of the opponent's court, or push to the midcourt tramlines

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Stance: Non-racket leg in front, taking most weight. Front foot at an angle, facing net

Returning a low serve in badminton doubles requires the successful execution of four technical components: stance, grip, racket positioning, and movement. Here is a detailed description of the stance component, specifically focusing on the instruction "non-racket leg in front, taking most weight. Front foot at an angle, facing the net".

The first thing to consider when returning a low serve in badminton doubles is your stance. You should position yourself with your non-racket leg in front, taking most of your weight. This provides a stable base and allows you to be agile and quick in your movements. Your front foot, which is your non-racket foot, should be placed at a slight angle, facing towards the net. This angle can vary slightly depending on your personal comfort and preference, but generally, it should be directed towards the service line.

It is important to maintain your balance and be ready to adjust quickly. Keep your back leg active and engaged, resting on the balls of your feet or your toes. This stance allows you to react swiftly to the serve and take the shuttle early, increasing your chances of playing a better shot. The earlier you intercept the shuttle, the more options you have for shot selection and strategic advantage.

By standing close to the service line, you can surprise your opponents with your reach while also reducing the time they have to react to your return. This stance is crucial in doubles, where the court space and shot options differ from singles play. It allows you to effectively cover the court and coordinate with your partner.

Practising and experimenting with different return-of-serve positions will help you find the stance that feels most comfortable and effective for you. Remember, the goal is to be quick, agile, and strategic in your returns, so adjust your stance as needed to achieve these objectives.

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Grip: Thumb on the ridge for easier grip adjustment

Grip is an essential element of badminton technique that can greatly impact a player's performance. The bevel grip, one of the four basic grips in badminton, is used in several important scenarios, including backhand strokes and when players are forced into difficult positions.

To execute the bevel grip, start in a backhand grip, where your thumb rests on the flat part of the handle, and rotate the racket head so that the strings face diagonally instead of flat. For right-handed players, the racket head should move anti-clockwise, and for left-handed players, it should move clockwise. This will shift the grip from a backhand to a forehand grip.

To adjust for easier grip changes, move your thumb slightly around the handle to rest on the bevel or ridge of the racket. This is especially useful when the shuttle is behind you, allowing you to play accurate and powerful backhand clears, drops, or smashes from a challenging position. The bevel grip helps you maintain control while adding power, even when the shuttle is behind your body.

Practising grip changes is crucial to mastering the bevel grip. Start by changing grips without hitting a shuttle, and then add movement to get comfortable with the different grip positions. Once you've mastered the grip changes, introduce a shuttle and practice hitting against a wall if you're training alone. Eventually, you'll advance to not knowing which side the shot is coming from, helping you make quick grip changes and decisions.

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Racket positioning: Keep above net height to intercept shuttle quickly

To successfully return a low serve in badminton doubles, one of the most important technical components is racket positioning. Keeping your racket above net height allows you to intercept the shuttle quickly and execute a variety of shots. Here are some tips to keep in mind for effective racket positioning:

Firstly, position your racket in front of you with your elbow relaxed but ready. Avoid having your arm fully extended, as this will reduce your ability to adjust to the serve. By keeping your elbow tucked in, you'll be able to react promptly and take the shuttle earlier. This is crucial for gaining an advantage over your opponents.

When it comes to the actual shot, ensure your racket face is flat when hitting the shuttle. This will prevent the shuttle from going too high over the net. Be mindful not to bend your wrist excessively or rely too much on your arm. Instead, focus on using your body momentum to move forward with the shot.

It's important to find a comfortable stance that suits your playing style. Generally, it's recommended to position your non-racket leg in front, bearing most of your weight. Keep your back leg ready for adjustment, and maintain your balance on the toes or balls of your feet. Positioning yourself close to the service line can increase your chances of taking the shuttle early and playing a better shot.

Additionally, experiment with different return-of-serve positions during training sessions. This will help you discover what works best for you and improve your overall performance. Remember, keeping your racket above net height gives you more options for shot selection and puts you in a better position to attack the shuttle.

By following these tips and practising your racket positioning, you'll be able to intercept the shuttle quickly and effectively during low serves in badminton doubles.

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Movement: Take the shuttle early to reduce opponent reaction time

Taking the shuttle early in a badminton doubles match is a great way to reduce your opponent's reaction time and gain an advantage. Here are some tips to help you master this technique:

Firstly, stance is crucial. Position your non-racket leg in front of you, bearing most of your weight. Keep your back leg ready and maintain your balance on your toes or the balls of your feet. Angle your front foot slightly towards the net, and stand as close to the service line as you comfortably can. This positioning allows you to reach the shuttle earlier and increases your chances of making a better shot.

Secondly, the grip of your racket is important. Avoid waiting in a forehand or backhand grip, as this will slow you down when you need to switch grips. Instead, keep your thumb on the ridge of the racket handle, allowing you to easily adapt your grip once you see where the serve is going.

Additionally, ensure your racket is in a relaxed but ready position, held out in front of you with your elbow away from your body. This positioning helps you to react quickly and reach the shuttle early. Avoid fully extending your arm, as this will limit your ability to adjust swiftly to the serve.

Finally, when you successfully reach the shuttle early, hit it down your side of the court, and then immediately move backward. This will make it difficult for your opponents to play the shuttle crosscourt. By taking the shuttle early, you not only limit your opponents' reaction time but also gain more control over the game.

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Shot type: Lift the shuttle into the opponent's backhand corner

Returning a low serve in badminton doubles requires the successful execution of four technical components: stance, grip, racket positioning, and movement. Here are some tips for executing a lift shot into your opponents' backhand corner:

Stance

Stand with your non-racket leg in front of you, taking most of your weight. Your back leg should still be ready, and you should be on your toes or balls of your feet. If you want to take the shuttle early, stand as close to the service line as possible.

Grip

Hold your racket with a backhand grip, placing your thumb on the widest part of the racket handle. This will enable you to use your thumb to generate power.

Racket Positioning

Keep your racket arm relaxed and ready, with your elbow not tucked in. This will help you take the shuttle early. Ensure your racket face is flat when you hit the shuttle so that it doesn't go too high over the net.

Movement

If you're moving towards the backhand corner, pivot on your non-racket leg and then lunge into the corner with your racket leg. Keep your torso upright and core strong, and land your lunging foot just before you strike the shuttle to ensure maximum control.

Remember, lift accuracy is crucial in badminton. Place your lifts deep into the corners to limit your opponent's ability to execute a strong smash.

Frequently asked questions

The standard reply when returning a low serve is to lift the shuttle deep into the backhand corner of your opponent’s court and wait for a weak reply.

You should stand with your non-racket leg in front of you, with most of your weight on the front leg. Your back leg should still be ready, and you should be on your toes or balls of your feet. Your front foot should be facing forwards towards the net at a slight angle.

Here are some tips for returning a low serve:

- Keep your racket raised above net height so that you can quickly intercept the shuttle and hit it in a downward direction.

- Take the shuttle early to reduce the amount of time your opponents have to react.

- Hit the shuttle with a flat racket face so that it doesn't go too high over the net.

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