
Badminton is a fast-paced game that requires agility, coordination, and balance. Mastering the basic footwork in badminton is key to playing the game well. Good footwork will help you reach the shuttlecock early, return every shot, and prevent injuries. It will also help you save energy and give you enough time to prepare for your next move. The badminton footwork is divided into three types: close to the net, the backstep, and the moving step on both sides. Each set of footwork usually starts from the center of the court, with the player's feet shoulder-width apart and the body slightly lowered to keep a low center of gravity for increased stability. From the center, players can take 2-3 steps to reach any corner of the court.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Starting position | Centre of the court |
| Foot placement | Shoulder-width apart |
| Body stance | Slightly lowered for stability |
| Movement | Forward, side, back |
| Number of steps | 2-3 steps to the back and front of the court |
| Stepping technique | Chasse, shuffle, lunge, crossover, stride, dogtrot, jump |
| Speed | Fast, accurate |
| Benefits | Reach shuttlecock early, save energy, prevent injuries |
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What You'll Learn
- Footwork techniques for the forehand side corner differ from those for the backhand side corner
- The chasse step is used to move to the forehand side corner
- The backhand side corner is trickier and requires a shuffle and a racket-leg lunge
- The back step method is more complicated for many people to learn
- The number of steps you take depends on your position on the court

Footwork techniques for the forehand side corner differ from those for the backhand side corner
Footwork techniques in badminton are essential to help players reach the shuttlecock in the most efficient way possible. The footwork techniques for the forehand side corner differ from those for the backhand side corner.
To begin with, the player's base starting point should be in the centre of the court, and players should return to this position after every shot. This enables the player to react quickly to all sides of the court. When moving to the forehand side corner, the player should apply a chasse step, with the last step being a lunge towards the direction of the forehand side corner. This is similar to the racket leg, non-racket leg, and racket leg footwork that we implement for the front corners.
On the other hand, the backhand side corner is a little more tricky. From the centre of the court, the player should attempt a shuffle towards the direction of the backhand side corner. Then, the player should turn their body with a racket-leg lunge in the same direction while trying to return the opponent's shot. Additionally, for the backhand side, if time allows, players can implement an overhead lob instead of turning to their backhand to return the shuttle. This is because beginners will have more strength in their forehand overhead shots and will be able to clear the shuttle better. The footwork for this involves turning the racket leg towards the direction of the backcourt and shuffling towards the back while keeping an eye on the shuttle.
Furthermore, when moving to the non-racket side, the footwork remains the same, except the opposite foot leads. The final step can be taken by expanding the non-racket leg to the side or by pivoting on that foot to allow the racket leg to swing across and in front of the player to the tramlines.
Overall, the footwork techniques for the forehand and backhand sides differ in terms of the specific steps taken and the direction of movement, with the forehand side involving a chasse step and lunge, and the backhand side involving a shuffle and turn.
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The chasse step is used to move to the forehand side corner
Good footwork is essential in badminton, enabling players to reach the shuttlecock efficiently, maintain balance, and save energy. The chasse step is a key element of badminton footwork, allowing players to cover short distances quickly and efficiently.
To perform the chasse step, players push off the ground with both feet, bringing them closer together in the air as they move towards the shuttlecock. This technique is particularly useful when moving to the forehand side corner of the court.
From the center of the court, players can use the chasse step to quickly reach the forehand side corner. They should take a split step with their right leg slightly forward, followed by a step in the direction of the shuttlecock with their left leg. The last step is a lunge towards the forehand side corner, similar to the racket-leg, non-racket-leg, and racket-leg footwork used for the front corners.
When performing the chasse step, it is important to maintain balance by extending the non-racket arm behind the body. This technique allows players to cover a long distance quickly and efficiently, enabling them to reach the shuttlecock in time and return their opponent's shot.
Practicing the chasse step can help players improve their footwork and movement around the court, increasing their chances of success in the game. It is important to note that the footwork for the backhand side corner differs slightly and may involve a shuffle followed by a turn and lunge in the direction of the corner.
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The backhand side corner is trickier and requires a shuffle and a racket-leg lunge
Good footwork in badminton is essential for reaching the shuttlecock in time and efficiently covering the court while saving energy. It is a critical basic skill that complements playing techniques and helps prevent injuries.
Footwork varies depending on the part of the court you're moving to. The footwork for the forehand side corner is different from that for the backhand side corner. The side corners usually involve shots such as defence and driving.
From the centre of the court, getting to the forehand side corner involves a chasse step, similar to the racket leg, non-racket leg, and racket leg footwork used for the front corners.
It's important to note that the player should return to the centre of the court after every shot, as this provides the best position to react to the opponent's next move.
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The back step method is more complicated for many people to learn
Badminton is a fast-paced game that requires good footwork to play effectively. Good footwork helps players reach the shuttlecock efficiently, saving energy and maximising court coverage. It also helps players prepare for powerful shots and get into a good position to return their opponent's shot.
The backhand side of the court is where footwork can get a little tricky. From the centre of the court, the player should attempt a shuffle towards the direction of the backhand side corner before turning their body with a racket-leg lunge in the same direction while trying to return the opponent's shot. For the backhand drive, a powerful and fast-paced shot, the player must use fast, explosive footwork to the backhand side of the midcourt. As they step toward the shuttle, they rotate their torso, shoulder, and arm to get their racket up into the backhand position. This is a tough shot to execute, and many players find it difficult to get the same power and accuracy with their backhand drive as with their forehand.
To improve badminton footwork, players can practice shadow footwork and other drills by themselves or with a partner. It is important to practice footwork enough times to make it muscle memory, so that the player doesn't have to think about it during a match.
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The number of steps you take depends on your position on the court
The number of steps you take and the type of footwork you use in badminton depend on your position on the court. The badminton court can be divided into three parts: the forecourt, the backcourt, and the center court. Here's how the number of steps varies with your position:
Forecourt
When moving to the front of the court, take two to three steps. If you're tall or have long legs, you may only need one or two steps to reach the center of the court, and two more steps to reach the forecourt. It is important to maintain good posture and hold your racket in a ready position while moving forward.
Backcourt
When moving to the back of the court, take two to three steps. It is crucial to maintain good balance and quickly return to your base position.
Sides of the Court
When moving to the sides of the court, take only one step. This is because you want to cover more area with wider steps while maintaining your balance.
Center Court
The center court is your base position, and you should always return to it after hitting the shuttlecock. This position allows you to react quickly to shots from all sides of the court. From the center, you can use a chasse step to move to the forehand side corner, and a shuffle followed by a racket-leg lunge to move to the backhand side corner.
By understanding the number of steps and the appropriate footwork for each court position, you can improve your agility, speed, and stability on the court, enabling you to reach the shuttlecock early and increase your chances of winning the game.
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Frequently asked questions
Footwork is the most important skill to master in badminton. It provides the speed and agility to move around the court swiftly, enabling the player to return every shuttlecock.
The badminton footwork is divided into three types: close to the net, back step, and moving step on both sides. Each set of footwork usually starts from the centre of the court. The footwork technique used depends on the player's central position and the distance of the incoming shuttlecock.
Here are some tips to improve your badminton footwork:
- Practice the footwork enough times to make it muscle memory.
- Stretch your legs to take wider steps to cover more area, but do not overstretch and lose your balance.
- When expecting a return, place your racquet-holding hand around eye level so that you can hit the shuttle quickly. Keep your other hand wide open to maintain balance.
- Take only 2-3 steps when moving to the back of the court, 2-3 steps to the front, and 1 step to the sides.











































