Amanda Knapp
Serving is one of the most crucial skills in badminton, as it is the first shot of every rally and has the power to shape how the game develops. A long serve, also known as a high serve, is a shot that is hit high and long, with the aim of making it drop as close to the furthest backline as possible. This type of serve is most commonly used in singles matches, and it is considered the best choice for most players, as it makes it difficult for the opponent to hit an effective return.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Importance | Serving is critical in badminton as it is the first shot of every rally and has the power to shape how the rally develops. |
| Types | High Serve, Low Serve, Flick Serve, Drive Serve, Backhand Low Serve, Forehand Long Serve |
| Basic Rules | The server and receiver shall stand in diagonally opposite service courts without touching the boundary lines. Neither side can cause an undue delay during the service. |
| Racket Rules | The shaft and the racket head of the racket have to point in a downward direction when hitting the shuttle. |
| Service Faults | The shuttle stays on the top of the net after hitting it, or it is caught in the net after passing over it. |
| Service Height | The shuttle should be held at waist level, and contact should be made below the waist. |
| Foot Position | The non-racket foot is typically placed forward to allow greater swinging action and body rotation. |
| Grips | The handshake grip is the most commonly used grip for the long serve. |
| Body Weight | The body weight is shifted onto the non-dominant foot, and the wrist and forearm are used to generate power. |
| Rally Control | A player who can continuously control the serve during the game can outscore their opponent, even if they are less skilled. |
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What You'll Learn
The long serve is a type of high serve
To perform a long serve, start by standing close to the centre line, just behind the T, with your feet about shoulder-width apart. Hold the racket with a handshake grip and the shuttle at waist level. Swing the racket arm back, cocking the hand and wrist. Then, release the shuttle and transfer your body weight from back to front. Bring the racket down and forward to make contact with the shuttle around knee height, using the forearm and a flick of the wrist to generate more power.
The long serve is an effective tactic because it forces your opponent to move backward quickly and creates significant distance between the server and the receiver's point of impact. This distance weakens their return shot, as it is difficult to deliver a powerful smash from the back of the court. Additionally, the height of the shuttlecock makes it challenging for opponents to make consistent contact.
However, the long serve does require skill to execute consistently, as it can be challenging to hit the shuttle to the rear of the court without hitting it out. It is also important to note that the long serve may not be as effective against players with strong smash returns or those skilled at accurate, deceptive drop shots.
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Basic rules of serving in badminton
Serving is one of the most crucial skills in badminton, as it is the first shot of every rally and can shape how the rest of the game develops. Here are the basic rules of serving in badminton:
Positioning
The player must start by standing close to the centre line, just behind the 'T', with their feet about shoulder-width apart. The shuttle should be held at waist level, and the racket should be held with a 'handshake grip'. The server should face sideways, with the shaft and the racket head pointing in a downward direction.
Movement
The server should then swing their racket arm back, cocking their hand and wrist. They should release the shuttle and transfer their body weight from back to front, bringing the racket down and forward to make contact with the shuttle around knee height. The forearm can be used to flick the wrist and generate more power. It is important that the serve is delivered in a forward continuous motion, without stopping or moving backwards and forwards multiple times before striking the shuttle.
Diagonal Rule
The shuttle must be hit diagonally to the opponent's half-court and over their front service line (the first horizontal line on each side of the court, closest to the net). The whole of the shuttle must also be below 1.15 metres from the surface of the court when hit by the server's racket.
Footwork
As the server strikes the shuttle, part of both feet must be in contact with the ground. Neither foot can be lifted off the ground until the shuttle is struck, and the feet cannot be touching any of the lines on the court. The server can stand anywhere in their half, even in the tramlines, as long as they are not touching any lines or are outside the playing court.
Scoring
A point is awarded for every rally won, and the winner of the previous rally serves at the start of the next point. In a match, the first server is determined by a coin toss, and whichever player or side scores a point first becomes the server for the subsequent point. The player who serves first in the game does so from the right side of the service court, and this pattern alternates with each point won.
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How to execute a long serve
Serving is one of the most crucial skills in badminton. It is the first shot of every rally and can determine how the game develops. A long serve in badminton is a high and long serve, which is challenging to defend against. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to execute a long serve:
Firstly, position yourself correctly. Stand close to the centre line, just behind the T, with your body facing sideways and your side facing the net. Your feet should be about shoulder-width apart. Hold the racket with a handshake grip, and hold the shuttle at waist level, with the head of the shuttle facing towards the ground.
Next, it is time to initiate the serve. Swing your racket arm back, cocking your hand and wrist. Then, release the shuttle and transfer your body weight from back to front. Bring the racket down and forward to make contact with the shuttle around knee height. Use your forearm and flick your wrist to generate more power.
Finally, follow through with the serve. Your back leg will naturally lift, with your toes touching the ground. Return to a position expecting the return, and prepare for the next shot.
It is important to note that the long serve is not always the best option. While it can be advantageous in singles, it gives the initiative to your opponents in doubles, so a different type of serve may be more suitable. Additionally, you should vary your serves to keep your opponent guessing and off-balance. Practice your timing and wrist snap for maximum power, and always aim for the backcourt corners.
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Doubles vs singles tactics
Serving is one of the most crucial skills in badminton, as it is the first shot of every rally and shapes how the game develops. The fundamentals of badminton remain the same whether you are playing singles or doubles, but the tactics for winning each format differ.
In singles, there is one player on each end of the court, and the court dimensions are smaller than in doubles. The singles service boxes are slightly longer, with a boundary line at the back of the court. In doubles, the court has wider sidelines to accommodate both players, and the long service line is closer to the net. In both singles and doubles, the server will serve from the left side of the court when their score is odd and from the right when it is even. However, in doubles, players who are not serving or receiving can stand anywhere on their side of the court, as long as they do not block the view of the receiver.
The key difference in tactics between singles and doubles is that doubles involves communication and playing off your teammate's strengths. You must stay mindful of your partner's movements throughout the match so you can plan your game accordingly. Singles, on the other hand, is a solo battle where you must outmaneuver and outlast your opponent.
When it comes to serving in doubles, the key to success is keeping the initiative in the point. The best and most common service for doubles is the backhand low serve, as it gives you the best chance of having the initiative or recovering it quickly. The long forehand service is the worst option, as it gives the initiative to your opponents. To perform a long serve, stand close to the centre line, just behind the T, with your feet about shoulder-width apart. Hold the racket with a handshake grip and the shuttle at waist level. Swing the racket arm back, cocking your hand and wrist, then release the shuttle and transfer your body weight from back to front. Bring the racket down and forward to make contact with the shuttle around knee height, using your forearm and a flick of the wrist to generate power.
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Other types of serves
Serving is one of the most crucial skills in badminton, as it marks the start of every rally and dictates its flow. There are four main types of serves in badminton: the low serve, the high serve, the flick serve, and the drive serve. Each of these serves can be executed with either the forehand or backhand, except for the low serve, which is typically done with the backhand.
The low serve is a gentle tap over the net with the shuttlecock, with the aim of flying just over the net and falling over the front line of the service court. It is important not to make this serve too high or predictable, as this would allow your opponent to smash or net-kill. The backhand low serve is the most common service in doubles, as it allows you to retain the initiative.
The high serve is a powerful strike upwards, aiming to travel a great distance upwards and fall deep at the rear end of the court. This serve is popular among beginners but can be predictable, especially since you are using a forehand grip.
The flick serve is an offensive serve that goes in an upward direction and lands near the far service line. The position of the server is similar to the low serve, but the flick serve may surprise an opponent who is anticipating a low serve. The server uses their wrist and thumb power at the last moment to execute the flick serve. While it doesn't reach the same height as a high serve, it gains enough height to sail quickly above the receiver's reach. This serve works well in doubles to surprise the receiver, who may think it is a low serve.
The drive serve is an attacking serve used by top badminton players. It involves hitting the shuttlecock directly at your opponent, limiting their return options and catching them off guard. This serve is executed with your forehand through underarm action and follow-through. The shuttlecock should be dropped a bit sideways rather than in front of your body and hit flatter. This serve can be risky, as a prepared opponent could smash the shuttlecock back at you.
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