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Badminton is a popular sport that originated from the Indian game Poona. To excel at badminton, it is important to master a variety of shots and know when to use them. The five essential badminton shots for beginners are the clear, drive, drop, smash, and net shots. The clear shot, considered one of the easiest techniques, is executed by hitting the shuttlecock high in the air to land in the opponent's backcourt, allowing the player more time to reposition. The drive shot is a powerful and quick counter-attacking shot played directly and slightly over the net. The drop shot is a delicate shot that pushes the opponent to hit a higher shot, and it can be played slowly or quickly, depending on the opponent's position. The smash is considered the most powerful shot, played with a downward wrist flick, and the net shot is a defensive shot played close to the net to push the opponent back.
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What You'll Learn
Clear shot
The clear shot is one of the easiest badminton techniques and is usually the first shot that beginners learn. It is also known as lobbing and is considered the most important shot in a singles game. The clear shot is used to buy time for the player to return to base before the next shot. It is also used strategically when the opponent is near the forecourt, forcing them to move back to retrieve the shuttle.
To execute a clear shot, the shuttlecock should be contacted around the middle of the racket head. The aim is to make the shuttle go high in the air and land in the opponent's backcourt. All clear shots should land in the back tramlines; if they don't, the opponent can intercept the shuttle and gain better attacking opportunities. The height of the clear shot can be adjusted according to the opponent's position. If the opponent is farther out of position, the height of the clear can be decreased to increase pressure.
There are different types of clear shots, such as the offensive clear and defensive clear. The offensive clear is faster and can be used to surprise the opponent and put the shuttle behind them. The defensive clear is slower and used to defend against attacking shuttles without expending too much energy. The clear shot is often used as a reset during a rally or when a player is out of position.
The most common type of clear shot is the forehand clear, which is an overhead clear. With more advanced skills, players can also perform a backhand clear. While the clear shot is considered a basic technique, it can be used strategically and proactively to set up combos and trick opponents.
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Drive shot
The drive shot is a basic, flat shot that is hit hard on a horizontal or slightly downward path, usually played down the sidelines of the court. It is a powerful, quick counter-attacking shot that is easy to execute. If played correctly, it will force the opponent to hit an upward return, giving you an opportunity to attack. It is widely used in doubles games as players want to keep the shuttle low.
To execute the shot, the racket should be held with the head facing straight ahead, locking your wrist as the shuttle comes into contact with the racket. The aim is to deliver a flat and fast drive to get the shuttle behind your opponent, causing them to make a weak return. It can be strategic to aim the shot at your opponent, who will be unable to react or shift their body in time as their natural reaction will be to duck the shot.
The backhand drive is the same as the forehand version except for a slight grip change, and starting in the back swing with the palm facing down and finishing the stroke with it facing up. To get to the shuttle before it drops too low, extend the dominant leg towards the shuttle and reach with the racket arm. Then pivot and turn in the direction of the shuttle, with the wrist in the cocked position for the back swing. This should mean the racket is parallel to the floor. Swing forward and transfer body weight onto the dominant foot. Make sure to extend the racket arm, roll the forearm over in a supination movement and uncock the wrist to provide power.
The drive is not a common singles shot. If you find yourself frequently receiving drives in singles, then you are doing something wrong. You should not allow your opponent the opportunity to play many drives. The most common shot to counter a drive is another drive, but this should be avoided unless you believe you can win the resultant drive war. Look for opportunities to play a lift or block the shuttle to the net.
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Drop shot
The drop shot is a deceptive badminton stroke that aims to force an opponent out of position or vary the pace of the game. It is considered one of the most elegant and technically involved shots in the sport.
The objective of a drop shot is to make your opponent think you are about to perform a powerful smash or clear, but instead, you gently tap the shuttlecock with the face of the racket slightly open, causing it to lose speed and drop just over the net. This stroke is performed with a slicing action, where the player aims sideways on the shuttlecock and chops down on it. The movement before striking the shuttlecock is slower than a smash or clear, and the shot is disguised until the very last second.
There are two main types of drop shots: fast and slow. The fast drop shot has a longer trajectory and will land closer to the opponent's mid-court, while the slow drop shot has a shorter trajectory and drops closer to the net. The fast drop shot is a more direct downward curve, while the slow drop shot drops significantly towards the end.
The drop shot is typically performed with the player's side facing the net and both arms raised. The player rotates their hips into the shot but slows down the movement before making contact with the shuttlecock. This technique is important for players to master, as it can be used to mix up rallies and keep opponents guessing.
The drop shot is a controlled, finesse-heavy stroke that can be a powerful weapon in a player's arsenal, often leaving opponents feeling outmaneuvered.
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Smash
The badminton smash is considered the most powerful shot in the sport, usually played on the forehand. It is often difficult for opponents to return due to its pace and downward angle. The smash is an attacking downward shot used to win a rally or produce a weak reply from the opponent.
To perform a smash, you should first get into position. Imagine throwing a ball, with your hand behind your ear, and your off-racket foot pointing in the direction you want to hit the shuttlecock. Your weight should initially be on your racket leg. Then, turn your off-racket hip, and this is where you start your stroke. The stroke is a chain of movements: hip, torso, shoulder, arm, and wrist. Extend your racket elbow upwards into a throwing position, keeping your eyes on the shuttlecock.
Extend your racket elbow quickly towards the shuttlecock, with your non-racket elbow extended and your shoulder rotating backward. Make contact with the shuttlecock as high as possible in front of your body. When you make contact, extend your elbow and flex your wrist to allow for a 'whip' action. Drive the shuttlecock downwards towards your opponent's court floor with a low trajectory. Your body should have fully rotated, with your weight now on your racket foot, which is facing towards your target.
The grip is the most important part of the technique. Hold your racket in a forehand grip, with your hand at the bottom of the grip handle. This creates a longer lever, helping you to generate more power. Keep a loose grip and a relaxed body until the last second before you strike the shuttle. This helps to create extra speed in the racket. The major muscle groups of the hips, torso, and shoulders work together to help generate a fast racket head speed and forward momentum. A fast racket head speed is the main goal when creating a powerful smash, as it is strongly correlated with shuttle speed.
When performing a smash, aim for the spots furthest from your opponent, or towards their upper torso, making it hard for them to defend. You can also aim for either side of the court, towards their right hip if they are right-handed, or left hip if they are left-handed, or down the middle in doubles. Sometimes, hitting with 80% power but perfect placement will be better than hitting with 100% power but straight into your opponent's racket.
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Net shot
The net shot is a core shot in badminton that is used to counter a drop shot. It is played from the net and, when played correctly, should tumble over the top of the net and drop as close to the net as possible on the opponent's side. The shot brings your opponent forward and creates space in the rear court which can be exploited.
To play a net shot, start with a forehand grip and a split step. Side-step towards the net and lunge on the racket foot, extending the non-racket arm behind you. You should be on your rear foot toes to maintain balance. Step forward with the dominant foot and reach with the racket arm to get to the shuttle earlier. Make sure to put the racket face in line with the dropping shuttle and aim to put slightly more body weight on the front foot. Cock your wrist and, as soon as the shuttle enters the hitting area, drop the racket head down and quickly lift it to make contact with the shuttle as close to the top of the net as possible. The racket hand palm should be facing up when making contact. The last of the racket lift should come from the shoulder, with the racket bouncing off the shuttle's face with no pace on it, making it fall just over the net.
After the net shot, get into the ready position and be prepared for the return. The tumbling net shot is a delicate skill that is all about control, not power. To achieve the tumbling effect, slice the shuttle by touching it with the racket.
The clear shot is another easy shot in badminton, used to buy more time for yourself to return to the base before the next return. It is also strategic when your opponent is near the forecourt, forcing them to retract to the back to retrieve the shuttle.
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Frequently asked questions
The clear shot is considered one of the easiest badminton techniques, especially for beginners. It is a defensive shot that allows you to buy more time to return to your base before the next return.
The aim of the clear shot is to make the shuttlecock fly high in the air and land in your opponent's backcourt. You should contact the shuttlecock around the middle of your racket head.
Other basic badminton shots include the drive, drop, smash, and net shots.
The drive shot is a flat shot hit directly and slightly over the net. It is a powerful and quick counter-attacking shot where you powerfully swing your racket overhead.
A drop shot is used to force your opponent out of position or to vary the pace of the game. It involves hitting the shuttlecock downwards towards the opponent's forecourt, just over the net. A fast drop shot travels steeply and lands away from the net, while a slow drop shot lands nearer to the net.
