Andrew Pace
The underarm clear is a defensive shot in badminton used to counter a drop shot and drive the opponent into the rear court. It is played from the forecourt to the opponent's rear court. To perform an underarm clear, the player must lunge forward and hit the shuttle, transferring the momentum from the lunge into the underarm swing. The shuttle should be well in front of the player, and the shot should drop perpendicular to the ground, landing between the baseline and the long doubles service line. The non-racket arm should be used for balance, and the player should focus on their swing motion rather than wrist action.
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What You'll Learn
The underarm clear is a defensive shot
The underarm clear is a unique shot in badminton that is often used as a defensive strategy. It is a stroke where the shuttlecock is hit with an underhand action, similar to a softball pitch, and it clears the net with a high arc, dropping steeply on the opponent's side of the court. This shot is effective when players are pushed back to the rear court and want to buy some time to recover their position or catch their breath. Due to its high arc and slow pace, the underarm clear can be used to change the pace of the rally and disrupt your opponent's rhythm. It is especially useful when your opponent is expecting a fast exchange and is positioned near the net, as it forces them to quickly adjust their position and timing.
The underarm clear is often employed as a defensive shot because it allows players to lift the shuttlecock high and deep into the opponent's court, making it challenging for them to attack aggressively. This shot is typically played when the player is stretched wide, and a full overhead swing is not possible. By using an underarm action, players can still generate sufficient height and distance on the shot, buying themselves time to recover or forcing the opponent to lift the shuttle back, resulting in a less aggressive return.
The effectiveness of the underarm clear as a defensive option lies in its ability to neutralize an opponent's attack. When played correctly, it can counter aggressive shots like smashes and drives, slowing down the pace of the game and giving the defender more time to prepare for the next shot. The high arc and deep landing spot make it difficult for the opponent to maintain an offensive position, often forcing them to lift the shuttle back or play a defensive shot themselves.
Additionally, the underarm clear can be an effective deception tool. Opponents may anticipate a traditional overhead clear, and by opting for the underarm variation, you can catch them off guard. This element of surprise can buy you crucial time and create opportunities to turn defense into offense. The underarm clear is also useful when facing high lifts or lobs from your opponent. Returning these shots with an underarm clear can help maintain the pressure on your opponent and prevent them from attacking aggressively.
Mastering the underarm clear can provide players with a valuable tactical option in their arsenal. While it may not be as glamorous or powerful as smashes and drives, its strategic use can help players defend effectively, change the pace of the game, and create opportunities to regain the offensive initiative. It is a testament to the versatility and depth of badminton that even a seemingly simple shot like the underarm clear can have such tactical significance.
Players should practice this shot regularly, focusing on consistency and accuracy, to ensure they have a reliable defensive option when needed. The underarm clear is a great example of how badminton is a game of not just power and speed but also strategy, technique, and the ability to use the entire court effectively.
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It's used to counter a drop shot
The underarm clear is a defensive badminton shot, used to counter a drop shot. It is a simple shot that beginners can master and use to play longer rallies. The underarm clear is performed from the forecourt, and is used when an opponent plays a drop shot. The shot is also known as a lob and is an effective way to drive your opponent back into the rear court.
The underarm clear is a useful shot to learn as it buys you some time to get back into position and prepare your next shot. It is performed by lunging forward and hitting the shuttle with a swinging motion, rather than a wrist action. It is important to use your non-racket arm for balance and to ensure you don't put too much power into the shot, which could result in it flying long over the baseline.
When performing an underarm clear, the shuttle should be well in front of you, and the shot should drop perpendicular to the ground, landing between the baseline and the long doubles service line. The underarm clear is a good shot to use when your opponent is anticipating a clear or drive shot, as it will force them to move forward.
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It's also known as a lob
The underhand clear in badminton, also known as a lob, is a defensive shot used to counter a drop shot and drive the opponent into the rear court. It is played from the forecourt to the opponent's rear court.
To execute an underarm clear, the shuttle should be well in front of you and not to your side. The shuttle should drop perpendicular to the ground and land between the baseline and the long doubles service line. Newcomers tend to put the shuttle in the mid-court, making it easy for the opponent to attack. Therefore, it is important to practice your underhand clears with your opponent until you can consistently get them deep without too much effort.
The underarm clear does not require a snapping wrist motion like other shots such as the overhead backhand clear. Instead, focus on your swing motion and use your non-racket arm for balance and as a counterweight. Control the strength of your swing to avoid hitting the shuttle too hard and long.
The forehand clear shot enables players to move their opponent to the back of the court, creating space in the mid and front court. As the shuttlecock is returned, stand on the balls of your feet with knees slightly bent and turn sideways, with your left foot pointing towards the target and your right foot parallel to the baseline. The left shoulder and fully extended elbow should point towards the shuttlecock, with the racket elbow extended backward behind the head at 90 degrees and the face of the racket above head height.
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It requires a lunging motion
Executing an underarm clear in badminton involves a unique technique called a lunging motion. This motion is a fundamental aspect of performing an effective underarm clear shot and is quite distinct from the techniques used in other badminton strokes. The lunging movement in the underarm clear is crucial for generating power and achieving the desired trajectory for the shuttlecock. Here's a detailed explanation of the lunging motion:
The lunging motion in an underarm clear involves a deep and rapid extension of the dominant arm and a simultaneous forward lunge of the opposite leg. As you prepare to execute the shot, you bend your knees slightly and shift your weight onto the front foot. This weight transfer is essential for generating power and maintaining balance during the lunge. The arm holding the racket is extended outward and downward in a smooth, continuous motion, forming a wide arc underneath the shuttlecock. This arc-like swing provides the necessary lift and ensures the shuttlecock travels in a high, upward trajectory.
The lunging action is timed such that the racket makes contact with the shuttlecock at the peak of the lunge, when the arm is fully extended. This full arm extension maximizes the power transferred to the shuttlecock, propelling it forward and upward. The racket face is positioned slightly upward, with a slight tilt forward, to impart a combination of lift and forward momentum on the shuttlecock. The non-dominant arm can also be used to maintain balance and provide additional support during the lunge.
The lunging motion in the underarm clear is not just about extending the arm; it also involves a coordinated movement of the entire body. As the dominant arm swings downward, the core muscles engage to stabilize the torso and provide a solid base for the shot. Additionally, the lunge itself is a full-body movement, requiring the activation of leg muscles, including the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves, to maintain balance and generate forward momentum.
Mastering the lunging motion in the underarm clear takes practice and a keen sense of timing. The player must learn to synchronize the arm swing with the forward lunge, ensuring that the racket connects with the shuttlecock at the optimal point in the swing. This timing is crucial for achieving the desired height and distance for the shot. Through repetition and muscle memory, players can develop a smooth and seamless lunging motion, making their underarm clears consistent and powerful.
The lunging motion in the underarm clear is a distinctive and essential technique in badminton. It allows players to execute a unique shot that combines power and placement. By understanding and practicing the lunging motion, players can add a versatile weapon to their arsenal, enabling them to create deceptive shots, surprise their opponents, and ultimately improve their gameplay.
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The shuttlecock should land between the baseline and the long doubles service line
The underhand clear, also known as a lob, is a defensive shot in badminton used to counter a drop shot and drive your opponent into the rear court. To execute this shot effectively, it is crucial that the shuttlecock drops perpendicularly to the ground and lands between the baseline and the long doubles service line. This area is deeper than the mid-court, where newcomers to the sport often place the shuttlecock, making it easy for the opponent to attack.
To ensure the shuttlecock lands in the desired area, you must first lunge forward to gain momentum and then focus on your swing motion rather than your wrist action. Control the strength of your swing to avoid hitting the shuttlecock too hard, which could cause it to fly beyond the baseline. Instead, aim for a smooth, quick motion without snapping your wrist, as you would for other shots like the overhead backhand clear.
Additionally, pay attention to your body positioning during the underarm clear. Stand with your knees slightly bent and turn sideways, with your left foot pointing towards the target and your right foot parallel to the baseline. This stance will help you achieve the desired perpendicular drop and accurate landing area for the shuttlecock.
Practising the underhand clear with a partner will help you master the technique and consistently place the shuttlecock deep in the opponent's court without exerting too much effort. Remember, the goal is to use this shot defensively to gain time and create space in the mid and front court, allowing you to return to your base position effectively.
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Frequently asked questions
The underarm clear, also known as a lob, is a defensive shot in badminton used to counter a drop shot and drive the opponent into the rear court.
The three key steps to performing an underarm clear are preparation, the shot, and recovery. For preparation, make sure the shuttle is well in front of you and not to your side. As you lunge forward, you will gather momentum, which will be transferred into your underarm swinging motion. Control the strength of your swing so that you don't hit the shuttle too hard. The shot should drop perpendicular to the ground and land between the baseline and the long doubles service line. For the recovery, once you've put the shuttle deep, push off with both legs and shuffle back to the ready position.
The underarm clear does not require wrist action like other shots, such as the overhead backhand clear. Instead, focus on your swing motion and use your non-racket arm for balance and as a counterweight.
The underarm clear is a defensive shot, so it is generally used to counter a drop shot from your opponent and force them back into the rear court, creating space for you to return to your base position.
