Kristian Ferrell
Clears are one of the most basic and important shots in badminton. They are used to move your opponent away from their central base and open up the forecourt for potential attacking shots. The defensive clear is a shot that most people are familiar with and involves hitting a high and deep shot from your baseline to your opponent's baseline. The attacking clear, on the other hand, is a faster and flatter shot that travels towards your opponent's rear court. The forehand clear is a fundamental skill for beginners, involving hitting the shuttle from the rear court on one side to the rear court on the other side.
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What You'll Learn
The defensive clear
To execute a defensive clear effectively, several technical aspects must be considered. Firstly, footwork is crucial to getting into the proper position to hit the shuttlecock. The player should aim to get behind the shuttlecock and visualise it above and in front of them. Secondly, the grip on the racket should be loose, with the body facing sideways and the non-racket arm up. As the torso rotates, the elbow should be kept back, delaying the forward movement of the racket arm. Finally, the wrist is brought through to rotate the forearm and make contact with the shuttlecock.
The height of the defensive clear is a critical factor. If the shot is too shallow, the opponent can easily intercept it with a smash. On the other hand, if the clear is too high, the opponent has ample time to get back into position. Therefore, finding the right balance between height and depth is essential to creating pressure on the opponent's movement while also giving yourself enough time to recover.
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The attacking clear
To execute an attacking clear, you must be in a good position and have the same preparation technique as your smash or drop shot. You need to be behind the shuttle, produce a fast racket speed, and keep your strings flat as you strike the shuttle. The shuttle should travel fast and flat, running almost parallel to the ground towards your opponent's rear court. It should be hit just high enough so that it passes over your opponent's immediate reach.
The height of your clear is also important. If it is too shallow, your opponent can easily intercept it, but if it is too high, they will have plenty of time to get back into position. The ideal height for an attacking clear is somewhere in between, just out of your opponent's immediate reach, forcing them to stretch or jump to reach it.
As you practice more, you will be able to perfect your timing and exert less energy with each attacking clear.
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The punch clear
To execute the punch clear effectively, it is crucial to be in a good position and have the same preparation technique as for a smash or drop shot. This involves being behind the shuttle, generating fast racket speed, and maintaining a flat racket face when striking the shuttle. It is important to note that the punch clear should only be used when one is balanced and in a threatening position. If the ability to smash or play a good drop shot is lacking, the punch clear may not be as effective.
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Mastering the length of your clears
Understanding the Basics
Firstly, it's important to understand the different types of clears. The two main types are defensive and attacking clears, also known as offensive clears. A defensive clear is hit high and deep into the opponent's court, with the primary purpose of buying yourself time. On the other hand, an attacking clear travels lower and aims to deprive your opponent of time by placing the shuttle behind them. Knowing these differences will help you understand how to adjust the length of your clears depending on the situation.
Practice Makes Perfect
The old adage rings true when it comes to mastering the length of your clears. The more you practice, the better you'll become at perfecting your timing and length. Focus on your grip, ensuring it's firm but not too tight, with the 'V' shape between your thumb and index finger aligned with the racket handle. This grip will give you better control and power over your clears. Additionally, pay attention to your technique, including your arm movement and body positioning, to ensure you're executing the clear effectively.
Consistency is Key
Consistency is vital when it comes to the length of your clears. Aim for your clears to land consistently in the back half of the back tramlines. This may seem demanding, but it will significantly improve your game. If your clears fall short, your opponent gains a strategic advantage and can execute powerful shots. Check your opponent's foot position during the game; if at least one of their feet enters the back tramlines, your clear has likely reached the desired length.
Adjusting Height and Direction
The height and direction of your clears are also crucial factors. Avoid hitting your clears too flat or too high. A flat clear can be easily intercepted, while a very high clear gives your opponent ample time to get back into position. The standard clear aims for a middle ground, high enough to be safe but low enough to pressure your opponent's movement. Additionally, consider the direction of your clears. Most of the time, hitting straight clears is advisable as it protects you from various counter-attacking shots. Cross-court clears can be riskier, as they open up opportunities for your opponent to make devastating interceptions.
Adapt to the Situation
Contextual awareness is crucial when employing different types of clears. When you're in a difficult spot, consider using a defensive clear to buy yourself time. On the other hand, if your opponent is out of position, take advantage by decreasing the height of your clears to increase pressure. Adapt your strategy based on your opponent's movements and positioning to stay one step ahead.
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The forehand clear
There are different types of clears that can be played depending on the situation: a standard clear, defensive clear, or offensive punch clear. The defensive clear has a high and deep trajectory, causing the shuttle to take longer to reach your opponent. This gives you more time to return to your base position. The offensive punch clear is an attacking shot. It is used to win points outright or force your opponent to take it really late in the rear court.
To hit a good forehand clear, have a loose forehand grip, with a 'V' shape and a little space between your index finger and middle finger. Your body should be facing sideways with the non-racket arm up. As you rotate your torso, keep your elbow back, delaying the forward movement of your racket arm. This 'delay' stretches your chest out, meaning the final movement that pulls the elbow forward is more powerful. After your elbow comes through, bring your wrist through to rotate the forearm and hit the shuttle. The optimal contact point is to strike the shuttle around half a meter in front of you.
As you practice more, you will be able to perfect your timing and exert less energy with each clear. Generating power in your shot is essential to obtaining a good shot. However, it is not just about how well-developed your muscles are. You must master the proper technique to hit a good shot.
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Frequently asked questions
Clears are one of the most basic and important shots in badminton. It is a shot that travels from the rear court on one side to the rear court on the other side of the court.
Clears can be divided into three categories: standard, defensive, and attacking or punch clear.
Defensive clears are used when you are put in a difficult spot and need to buy time. They are high and deep shots from your baseline to the opponent's baseline. The goal is to get the shuttle as far back with good height so that the opponent doesn't have an easy shot to attack.
Attacking clears are used when your opponent is out of position and unlikely to intercept the shot. They are generally faster and flatter shots, giving your opponent less time to react.
To hit a clear, get yourself in position to hit the shuttle properly with good footwork. Adopt a loose forehand grip, with your body facing sideways and your non-racket arm up. Rotate your torso and keep your elbow back, then bring your wrist through to rotate the forearm and hit the shuttle.
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