Helena Frye
Badminton is a racket sport played with a shuttlecock over a net by two or four players. A serve is a fundamental part of the game, as it is used at the start of every rally. There are several types of serves in badminton, including the high serve, low serve, flick serve, and drive serve. Each serve has its own advantages and can be used to put an opponent under pressure or force them into a defensive position. The rules of serving in badminton include keeping some part of both feet on the ground, hitting the shuttle below the waist, and not delaying the service once both players are ready. Serving is a crucial skill in badminton, and players use different techniques to keep their opponents guessing.
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What You'll Learn
Basic types of serves: high, low, and flick
A serve in badminton is the action of putting the shuttlecock into play by hitting it with the racket and sending it over the net into the opponent's court. There are several types of serves in badminton, and mastering a variety of them can help you stay unpredictable in every match. The basic types of serves include high, low, and flick serves. Each type of serve has its own advantages and can be used strategically to catch your opponent off guard.
The low serve is a basic badminton shot with a low, short trajectory that lands just over the opponent's service line. It is considered one of the easiest techniques to execute. The low serve limits how the opponent can respond and can sometimes lead to an early advantage in a rally. It is often used in MS (men's singles) badminton because it gives the server more time to react and adjust to the opponent after the serve is played. When performing a low serve, it is recommended to use a backhand grip and hold the racket out in front of you, tilting it down at a 45-degree angle.
In contrast, the high serve has a high, far trajectory that goes toward the opponent's back service line. If executed correctly, it ends with a steep vertical drop, making it challenging to return. However, using a high serve can be risky, especially when the opponent has physicality, as it gives them an opportunity to attack immediately. High serves are more commonly used in WS (women's singles) badminton because the attacking power of men is generally higher than that of women.
The flick serve is another type of serve that can be used to surprise your opponent. It involves using a short backswing, dropping the shuttle, and flicking the racket up and forward, aiming for a soft trajectory that gets the shuttle just over the opponent's service line. The flick serve can be effective when your opponent is preparing for a strong offensive shot, as it can disrupt their rhythm and give you an advantage in the rally.
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Rules and requirements for a legal serve
To serve in badminton means to initiate a play by hitting the shuttlecock with the racket to send it into the opponent's court. The serve is a critical part of the game as it can put the opponent under pressure and help gain an advantage.
Positioning and Footwork
- The server must stand inside a service court without touching any boundary lines. If playing singles, stand 2-3 feet behind the short service line, which is closest to the net.
- Both feet must be in contact with the ground until the shuttle is struck.
- The rules do not allow lifting your feet off the ground during the serve. Keep at least some part of both feet on the ground.
- It is not permitted to drag your foot along the ground during the serve, although pivoting is allowed.
Body and Racket Position
- The shuttlecock must be hit below the waist. The waist is considered an imaginary line around the body, level with the lowest part of the bottom rib.
- The racket shaft must be pointing downwards at any degree, meaning the head of the racket should be below the racket hand before making contact with the shuttlecock.
- The base of the shuttle (the cork) must be struck first, not the feathers.
- The whole shuttle shall be below 1.15 meters from the surface of the court at the moment of being hit.
Timing and Pace
- The serve must be done without undue delay once the server and receiver are ready. Taking too long may result in a fault.
- Vary your serves to keep your opponent guessing. Mix up low serves, high serves, flicks, and drives to make your serves less predictable.
Direction and Aim
- The serve must be hit diagonally to the opponent's half-court and over their front service line, which is the first horizontal line closest to the net.
- Aim to hit the shuttle so it just clears the net and lands as close to the service line as possible.
- For a low serve, aim for the shuttle to hit just over the net to limit your opponent's swing.
- For a high serve, swing the racket in a wide arc to hit the shuttle high so it will drop vertically near the back of your opponent's court.
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Advantages and strategy of different serves
A serve in badminton is when a player serves the shuttle at the start of every rally. There are three basic types of serves: the high serve, the low serve, and the flick serve. The high and low serves form the basis of the game, and once a player has mastered these, they can move on to learning the flick and drive serves.
High Serve
The high serve is a powerful strike upwards with the shuttlecock, which aims to travel a great distance and fall deep at the rear end of the court. It is a popular choice for beginner players, but it can be difficult to disguise, as the opponent will expect the shuttlecock to land at the back of the court. It is also a good way to put an opponent under pressure, as it can be difficult for them to hit an effective return.
Low Serve
The low serve is a gentle tap over the net, with the aim of flying just over the net and falling just over the front line of the service court. It is the most common serve in badminton, as it limits the opponent's swing and increases the chances of getting a score. It is also a good way to catch an opponent off-guard, as they may be anticipating a high serve.
Flick Serve
The flick serve is used in doubles matches. It starts off in the same way as a low serve, but a last-minute change of pace and a flick of the wrist should take the shuttle over the opponent's reach. This serve is good for putting pressure on the opponent, as they have to hit before the birdie goes past them, and it can be hard to smash due to the low angle.
Using just one type of serve will make you too easy to predict, so it is important to vary your serves and mix up your shots between low serves, high serves, flicks, and drives. This will keep your opponent on their toes and leave them guessing where your next serve will go. For example, you could use a high serve so the shuttle lands at the back of the court, followed by a low hit that will land near the net.
The return of serve is also very important, as a good return can force the server into a defensive shot and give the receiver a better chance of winning the point. Aiming the shuttle towards the side tramlines in the mid-court area is a good strategy, as it is more difficult to keep both players on the move and forces the opponent to hit an upward shot.
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How to serve: stance, grip, and technique
To serve in badminton means to hit the shuttle with your racket at the start of a rally. Serving effectively can put your opponent under pressure and increase your chances of winning the point.
Stance
Your stance will depend on the type of serve you want to play. For a low serve, stand with your feet closer together, allowing you to stand on tiptoes and maintain balance. Face your opponent with your body weight distributed evenly between both feet. For a high serve, stand 2-3 feet behind the short service line, which is the line closest to the net.
Grip
The four basic grips in badminton are the forehand, backhand, bevel, and panhandle grips. The forehand grip is similar to shaking someone's hand, with a 'V shape' created by your index finger and thumb. For the backhand grip, place your thumb on top of the wider section of the grip, with your strings facing the floor and ceiling. The bevel grip is a variation of the backhand grip, with the thumb further around the grip and the strings facing diagonally. The panhandle grip is the most natural grip for beginners, with the thumb on the side of the racket, pinching its sides between the thumb and fingers.
Technique
There are three basic types of serves in badminton: the high serve, low serve, and flick serve. The low serve is the most common, with the shuttle hitting just over the net. To perform a low serve, bend your wrist back and push gently. For a high serve, swing the racket in a wide arc, bringing it high over your shoulder and then dropping it down toward your knees as you swing forward. The flick serve is similar to the low serve but with a last-minute change of pace and flick of the wrist, taking the shuttle over your opponent's reach.
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Returning a serve: defensive and offensive strategies
Returning a serve in badminton is a crucial aspect of the game. It is not just about hitting the shuttlecock back to the opponent's court; it is about controlling the rally and setting the tone for the rest of the game. A well-executed return can put your opponent on the defensive, giving you the upper hand.
Defensive Strategies
When returning a serve, defensive strategies are employed when you are in a tough spot and need to buy some time. This usually involves hitting the shuttlecock high and deep into your opponent's court, allowing you to get back into position. While this may not directly score you points, it helps you regain control of the game.
Another defensive strategy is the use of clear shots. These shots are effective when you need to "reset" the rally. However, it is important not to overuse them, as they can become predictable and put you at a disadvantage.
Offensive Strategies
Offensive strategies aim to put your opponent under pressure and give you the chance to attack. Returning a serve with an offensive strategy involves making quick decisions and executing them perfectly.
A high return can force your opponent to play defensively, while a low return can limit their shot options and make it easier for you to predict their next move. The flick serve, when used in returning, can surprise your opponent and cause them to make rushed and weaker returns.
Additionally, mastering the art of deception can be an effective offensive strategy. This involves faking out your opponent by making them think you are going for a specific move, and then, at the last second, surprising them with an unexpected shot. This can be achieved through double motions or twisting your racket at a certain angle.
To execute offensive returns effectively, it is crucial to focus on your positioning on the court. Step forward and meet the shuttlecock in the air, allowing you to control the direction of your return. This can disrupt your opponent's rhythm and force them to play according to your pace.
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Frequently asked questions
A serve is when a player hits the shuttlecock with their racket over the net to their opponent's side. It is the starting point of any badminton match.
There are four fundamental types of serves: low serves, high serves, flick serves, and drive serves.
A low serve is a serve that just passes over the top of the net and starts to drop before reaching the short service line. It is the most common serve in badminton.
In a high serve, the shuttle is hit high so that it drops vertically near the back of the opponent's court. It is used in singles matches only.
A flick serve starts off similarly to a low serve but with a last-minute change of pace and flick of the wrist, causing the shuttle to go over the opponent's reach. It is used in doubles matches.
A drive serve, also known as a flat serve, is a fast and offensive serve meant to travel to the mid-to-far end of the service receiving area. It is high-risk, high-reward, and most effective in doubles play.
