Amanda Knapp
Badminton is a fun and engaging sport that requires a variety of skills and techniques. One of the most important aspects of the game is the serve, as it is the shot that begins each point and can set the tone for the entire rally. There are several types of serves in badminton, including the high serve, low serve, and flick serve, each with its own advantages and strategic purposes. In this discussion, we will explore the fundamental techniques and tactics involved in executing a powerful and effective badminton serve, ensuring that you understand the mechanics, rules, and strategies behind each type of serve. By the end of this topic, you should be able to perform and teach the badminton serve with confidence, understanding its importance in both singles and doubles matches.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Starting position | Stand on the balls of your feet, with knees slightly flexed, within the service box |
| Elbow position | Left elbow should be fully extended at chest height pointing towards the target area |
| Shuttlecock positioning | Hold the shuttlecock by the feathers, slightly across the body until it is over the inside of the left knee with the base pointing to the floor |
| Racket positioning | Fully extend your right elbow and shoulder backward, so the racket is pointing towards the back of the court line, making sure the head of the racket is below the racket hand |
| Serve types | High Serve, Low Serve, Flick Serve |
| High Serve | Used in singles matches to prevent the opponent from executing a strong smash |
| Low Serve | Used in both singles and doubles matches to prevent the opponent from making an offensive shot |
| Flick Serve | Used in doubles matches to reduce the receiver's thinking time |
| Trajectory | Push the shuttle with the racket, maintaining an extended elbow, driving the shuttlecock over the net at a low trajectory |
| Targeting | Aim to hit the shuttle so it just clears the net and lands as close to the service line as possible |
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What You'll Learn
The three types of serve: high, low, and flick
The three basic types of badminton serve are the high serve, the low serve, and the flick serve. Each has its own advantages and considerations, and mastering all three will ensure you don't become predictable and give your opponent the upper hand.
The high serve is used in singles matches. It is performed as a forehand underarm swing, with lots of follow-through. To execute, bring the racket high over your shoulder, then drop it down toward your knees as you swing forward and bring it up to meet the shuttle. Aim for the ceiling rather than the back of the court to keep your serve in bounds.
The low serve is used in both singles and doubles matches. It is a slightly more risky approach than the high serve, as there are more ways for it to go wrong. If the shuttle is sent too low, it could get tangled in the net. Send it too high, and your opponent could smash it back at you. During a low serve, the racket foot is typically placed forward, and not as much body rotation is necessary as it is typically a backhand swing.
The flick serve is an advanced technique that can be used in both singles and doubles matches. It is a deceptive shot that starts off looking like a low serve but with a last-minute change of pace and a flick of the wrist, sending the shuttle high over the opponent. To disguise the shot, it is important to master the low serve first and mimic the stance and preparation of a low serve. When performing the flick serve, hold the shuttle at waist height and place your body weight on your dominant foot. Take the racket into the backswing position, then shift your weight to your non-dominant foot and use your wrist and forearm to snap the wrist and lift the shuttle. The shoulders and hips should rotate to face the opponent as you do this.
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The importance of footwork
Footwork is one of the most important skills to master in badminton. It can be the difference between winning and losing a point. Good footwork will ensure that you're always in a good position and that you will be able to play your shots with accuracy.
The basic badminton footwork should be structured, and there are three main types: 'Net-accessing', 'Back-off', and 'Side-stepping'. The frontcourt net footwork is a type of 'Net-accessing' footwork, which involves moving the shuttle on the net or by taking off to a higher position.
The ready position is a type of 'Side-stepping' footwork, which allows players to move sharply in the direction that the shuttle is travelling. In this position, the feet should be square or slightly staggered, with the knees slightly bent, and the weight on the balls of the feet. The dominant foot should be furthest forward if a staggered stance is preferred. The racket should be held up in front of the body, but slightly over to the backhand side. This position enables players to move from side to side and front to back quickly.
The lunge is a type of 'Back-off' footwork and is frequently used in badminton. It is an important technique to learn, as it can help you to reach the shuttle when it is out of your normal range. To perform a lunge, start in the ready position and then stretch the racket foot out, making sure that the heel touches the floor first. Then, bend the knee of the racket foot, keeping the shoulders back and balanced above the hips. Use the non-racket arm behind the body to balance the move.
The step-close step is a technique used for travelling quickly across the court. This footwork uses the non-dominant foot as a pivot and the dominant foot as the leading foot. Players should aim to reach for the shuttle with the dominant arm and leg, as this saves time and enables a faster recovery.
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Rules and fouls
Badminton is a dynamic sport that requires skill, strategy, and a thorough understanding of its rules and regulations. The serve is a critical aspect of the game, and there are specific rules governing its execution. Here are the key rules and fouls to be aware of when teaching someone how to serve in badminton:
Rules
- The server must have both feet planted on the ground and remain stationary until the serve is made.
- The shuttlecock must be struck below the waist of the server. The Badminton World Federation (BWF) specifies that the base of the shuttle (the cork) must be struck first to prevent excessive spin.
- The shuttlecock must land within the receiver's service area, which depends on the current score. When the score is even, the serve is made from the right-hand side of the court to the receiver's right-hand service area. When the score is odd, the server moves to the left and serves into the receiver's left-hand service area.
- In singles, the server starts from the right service court and serves from that side whenever they have an even number of points. In doubles, the server starts on the right and alternates sides with their partner as long as they keep winning points.
- Matches are the best of three games, and each game is played to 21 points. A point is scored on every serve and awarded to the winner of the rally. If the score reaches 20-20, the game continues until one side wins by two clear points.
Fouls
- Service faults: Common service faults include stepping on or over the service line before striking the shuttlecock, serving from an incorrect position or outside the service court boundaries, and deliberately attempting to deceive the opponent with illegal service actions.
- Service overhead: If the racket head is pointing upwards or sideways during the service motion, it is considered a service overhead fault.
- Behavioural fouls: Using offensive language or gestures, displaying unsportsmanlike behaviour, and delaying the game unnecessarily are all considered behavioural fouls.
- Double hit: This occurs when a player strikes the shuttlecock twice in succession with their racket, resulting in the loss of a point or rally.
- Faults during play: Common faults during rallies include hitting the shuttlecock into the net or outside the court boundaries, making contact with the shuttlecock more than once consecutively, touching the net with the racket or body, and interfering with the opponent's shot or movement.
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The handshake grip
To use the handshake grip, hold the racket out in front of you in your non-playing hand (left hand if you're right-handed). Ensure that the racket face (strings) is sideways, not facing the sky or floor. The racket face should be perpendicular to the floor. Once in this position, place your playing hand (right hand if you're right-handed) on the racket face, with the palm against the strings. Hold the racket as if you are shaking hands with it, with your palm against the strings.
The placement of the thumb is important. The thumb should be placed on the back of the racket handle, with the other fingers wrapped around the handle. The base knuckle of the middle finger should rest on the back of the handle. The fingers should be relaxed, allowing for a comfortable grip. There should be a V-shape between the thumb and the index finger, with the neck of the racket running through the base of the "V". The index finger should be in a controlling position to push the racket.
It is important to hold the racket loosely, which allows for greater flexibility and makes it easier to change grip quickly mid-rally. A tight grip will limit your ability to generate control and power in your shots.
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How to put pressure on your opponent
A good serve is key to putting pressure on your opponent in badminton. There are three basic types of serves: the High Serve, the Low Serve, and the Flick Serve. Each of these serves can be used strategically to gain an advantage over your opponent and increase the likelihood of winning a point.
The High Serve is used in singles matches and is meant to send the shuttle high and long, dropping as close to the opponent's backline as possible. This makes it difficult for the opponent to return the shuttle effectively. This serve is particularly useful for preventing your opponent from smashing the shuttle and keeping them on the move.
The Low Serve is used in both singles and doubles matches. This serve aims to keep the shuttle low and short, landing in front of the opponent's court. This serve is effective because it forces your opponent to hit an upward, defensive shot, giving you the opportunity to become the attacking team and hit downward shots.
The Flick Serve is used in doubles matches and is a variation of the Low Serve. It starts off similarly but with a last-minute change of pace and a flick of the wrist, taking the shuttle out of the opponent's reach. This serve doesn't give your opponent much time to run back and hit a strong return.
To execute a powerful serve that puts pressure on your opponent, you can utilize your body mechanics. Shift your body weight onto your non-dominant foot, and use your wrist and forearm to snap the wrist and lift the shuttle above your opponent. Rotating your shoulders and hips to face your opponent during this motion can add power. This type of serve is advantageous because it is played from in front of the body, giving your opponent less reaction time.
Additionally, you can use tactics such as varying the pace of your serves or taking a bit of extra time before serving to keep your opponent guessing and off-balance. Remember that the serve is a crucial part of the game, and coaches play a significant role in helping players develop their serving techniques and strategies.
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Frequently asked questions
Serving is the most important aspect of the game as it starts every rally. The aim is to get the shuttle into the opponent's court. The serve must be hit from behind the service line and travel diagonally from one side of the court into the opposite service box.
There are three basic types of serves: high serve, low serve, and flick serve. The high serve is used in singles, the low serve in both singles and doubles, and the flick serve is used in doubles.
Stand inside a service court, not touching any boundary lines. If playing singles, stand 2-3 feet behind the short service line. Stand on the balls of your feet, with knees slightly flexed, within the service box.
Fine-tune your forehand and backhand grip so that you are ready for any shot. For a forehand grip, draw the racket back and away from the body. For a backhand grip, point both feet forward with the racket leg slightly ahead.
Look at your opponent instead of only at the shuttle. This will give you an idea of their strategy. Mix up your serves so your opponent doesn't know what to expect. Practice your serves with multiple shuttles.
