Saoirse Downs
A good grip on your badminton racket can drastically improve your game, offering better control, comfort, and confidence in each stroke. The most commonly used grip is the orthodox forehand grip, and most players change grips during a rally depending on whether it's a forehand or backhand shot. There are many types and varieties of grips, and the texture, thickness, colour, material and surface (flat or waved) are all factors that make grips unique. Grips can be wrapped around the handle of the racket in different ways, and players may prefer certain types of grip over others.
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What You'll Learn
How to wrap your badminton grip
Wrapping your badminton grip is an essential skill to master as a badminton player. A good grip on your badminton racket can drastically improve your game, offering better control, comfort, and confidence in each stroke. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to wrap your badminton grip:
- Choose your grip: Popular options include Yonex's Super Grap, Clean Grap, and Strong Grap, which are known for their quality and performance. You can also consider the Gosen grip, which is sticky on both sides and allows for grooves on the bottom half of the grip.
- Unravel the grip: Gently unravel your chosen grip to avoid any creases or tears. Be careful not to fully remove the protective film, as this will expose the adhesive part that will stick to your racket handle.
- Locate the flat part of the racket grip: This is where you will begin wrapping. Position the grip tape so that it aligns at a downward angle on the handle. This angle is crucial for a smooth, even wrap.
- Pull the grip firmly: As you turn the racket, pull the grip firmly to complete the first wrap. Ensure that the bottom of the grip aligns with the bottom of the handle. This first turn is usually the most challenging and crucial for the aesthetics of the grip.
- Continue wrapping: Depending on your preference, you can add an overgrip, which is a grip that goes over another grip. Some players triple-wrap their rackets for a squishy feeling, while others prefer a thinner wrap.
- Finish with adhesive: Ensure that the adhesive side of the grip is at the very top, so you don't need to use additional tape. This will help improve the appearance of your wrapped grip.
With these simple steps, you can achieve a perfect grip every time. Remember, a well-wrapped grip not only enhances the look of your racket but also provides the comfort and grip necessary for intense matches.
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The importance of grip for your game
The grip is an essential part of the badminton racket, and mastering the art of gripping and re-gripping your racket is an essential skill for every player. A good grip can drastically improve your game, offering better control, comfort, and confidence in each stroke.
The grip is the way of holding the racket to hit shots during a match. The most common grip is the orthodox forehand grip, but most players will change grips during a rally depending on the shot. The grip is also the wrapping around the handle of the racket, which comes in many types and varieties, including texture, thickness, colour, material, and surface (flat or waved). The handle of a badminton racket has eight sides, or an octagonal shape, which are called bevels. This shape is designed to give the player a firm grip, as a square shape would hurt the hand, and a round shape would not provide enough friction.
The underlying grip, or the undergrip, is a layer of thin wrapping of synthetic leather that is wrapped around the bare handle of the racket. All badminton rackets come with an undergrip, and it is recommended that it is not removed. Instead, it is advised that players apply an overgrip on top of the undergrip for normal use and play. The overgrip is placed over another grip because players may have a preference for a certain type of grip, and the overgrip provides comfort and grip necessary for intense matches. The overgrip also ensures the racket does not slip out of the player's hand.
The waved badminton grip is a type of grip that has foam strips in the centre of the grip wrap, so that after the grip is applied, there will be 'grooves' on the grip that can help increase friction and comfort when holding the racket. The only disadvantage of waved grips is that they are slightly heavier than flat grips due to the excess foam for the grooves.
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Different types of grips
There are four main types of grips in badminton: the forehand grip, the backhand grip, the overhead grip, and the serve grip. Each grip has a significant impact on gameplay and strategy, and mastering them all is crucial for success in the sport.
The forehand grip is the most-used grip in badminton and is the base/neutral grip. It is used for a number of strokes, including drives, net shots, and clears. To achieve this grip, place your thumb on the wider, flat side of the racket handle, similar to a handshake. This grip allows for quick changes in the direction and angle of the racket, making it perfect for both attacking and defensive plays.
The backhand grip is achieved by turning the racket so that the racket head is parallel to the floor, with the thumb placed on the flat side of the racket grip, similar to holding a frying pan. This grip gives more leverage, allowing players to generate more power by pressing down on the racket grip. The thumb grip is a variation of the backhand grip and is used to add power to shots.
The bevel grip is used in all smooth movements and precise hits. It is similar to the backhand grip, except it is used when the shuttle flies over your head. The hammer/panhandle grip is used in many places on the court, but it can be easy to get "locked" in this position, so caution is advised. This grip is the most natural and is often used by beginners or children.
The serve grip is used at the start of every badminton rally and establishes the rules for the upcoming play. To achieve this grip, place your thumb on the broader edge of the handle as you hold the racket towards the lower end. This grip gives athletes control and accuracy, allowing them to change the pace and placement of their serves.
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How to re-grip your badminton racket
To re-grip your badminton racket, you'll first need to select a grip type that suits your playing style and needs. Common grip materials include rubber, polyurethane (PU), and overgrips, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, rubber or PU grips offer comfort and springiness but may become slippery with sweat or humidity. Overgrips, on the other hand, are thinner and allow for more customization but may require additional layers to achieve the desired thickness.
Once you've chosen your grip type, prepare your racket by removing any existing grip or wrapping. This can be done by cutting and tearing away the old grip and any tape holding it in place. Be sure to remove all the old grip completely, as this will affect how the new grip feels and performs.
Now you're ready to apply the new grip. Start by peeling off a small portion of the backing on the new grip tape, about 5-6 inches, to expose the adhesive. Begin wrapping the tape at the butt of the racket, inclining it towards the right if you're left-handed and towards the left if you're right-handed. Keep the tape even and taut to avoid wrinkles and ensure a smooth finish.
Continue wrapping the tape up the handle, overlapping as needed, until you reach the top. Cut the tape diagonally when you reach the end, and then use the strip provided in the overgrip package to finish securing the grip.
With your new grip in place, you can now resume playing badminton with improved comfort and performance. Remember that you may need to experiment with different grip types and wrapping styles to find the perfect setup for your personal preferences and playing style.
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How to hold your racket
Holding the badminton racket correctly is the most important basic step in the game. A good grip can reduce injuries, increase the range of shots, and produce more efficient hits.
There are several types of grips, including the forehand grip, the backhand thumb grip, the bevel grip, and the hammer grip. The forehand grip is similar to how you would hold a hammer. The hammer grip, meanwhile, starts with a forehand grip, which you then rotate swiftly to a hammer grip while swinging your arm, tightening your grip when it's time to hit the shuttlecock. The bevel grip is useful for applying defensive and deceptive shots.
To get a good grip, hold the racket like you're reaching out to shake someone's hand or turn a door handle. You should hold the racket at the bottom of your fingers for the backhand clear.
Practice these easy steps until they become natural to you.
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Frequently asked questions
Yonex Super Grap, Clean Grap, and Strong Grap are popular grip choices among players due to their quality and performance.
First, unravel your chosen grip carefully, then remove a few inches of film from the grip to expose the adhesive part. Next, locate the flat part of your racket's grip and position the tape so that it aligns at a downward angle on the handle. Finally, pull off the sticker on the end of the grip tape and secure it in place.
The undergrip is a thin layer of synthetic leather that wraps around the bare handle of a badminton racket. It is recommended that you do not remove the undergrip and instead apply an overgrip on top for normal use.
The most commonly used grip is the orthodox forehand grip. Most players change grips during a rally depending on whether it is a forehand or backhand shot. The Eastern Backhand grip is obtained by placing your hand so that the base knuckle of your index finger and the heel of your hand are on the first bevel of the racket handle.
