Ayrton Oneill
The low serve is one of the most common types of serves in badminton, particularly in doubles matches. To perform a low serve, the player bends their wrist back and pushes gently as they strike the shuttle below the waist, which should be just over the net. This limits the opponent's swing and increases the server's chances of scoring. It is important to vary serves, however, so as not to become predictable.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A gentle tap over the net with the shuttle |
| Aim | To fly just over the net and fall near the front line of the service court |
| Usage | Most common serve in badminton; more widely used in doubles than singles |
| Opponent's swing | Limits the opponent's swing |
| Risk | Opponent can smash the shuttlecock back if they are prepared |
| Foot position | Some part of both feet must be in contact with the ground |
| Body weight | Dominant foot |
| Racket movement | Pendulum action with little follow-through |
| Grip | Shuttle cork facing downward; handshake grip |
| Wrist movement | Bend the wrist back and push gently |
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What You'll Learn
The backhand low serve is the most popular
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, with the vertical drop on the other side limiting the opponent's swing and increasing the chances of scoring. The low serve is especially useful in doubles matches, where the court is shorter and wider, making high serves less effective.
To perform a backhand low serve, start with a backhand grip, holding the racket slightly higher up on the grip for a shorter lever, which gives more control over the serve. Have the racket at a 45-degree angle, with some space between the racket and body to allow for a small backswing. The shuttlecock should be held with the thumb and index finger, about halfway down the feather, with the cork facing downward. The angle of the shuttle is important: if held with the cork facing the floor, the player may hit their thumb, or give their opponent too much time by hitting the shuttle too high. If the cork is facing the player, the shuttle may be hit into the net, or the serve may end up too flat.
When serving, the player should stand inside the service court, with the non-dominant foot forward and the racket level with the shoulder. The shuttlecock should be dropped from the free hand, and the swing timed so that the racket strikes the shuttle just below the waist. For a low serve, the wrist should be bent back, and the player should push gently as they strike the shuttle.
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Practice makes perfect
To perfect the low serve, it is recommended to get a large number of shuttlecocks and begin serving to different areas of the court without an opponent. This allows you to focus on getting as much repetition as possible, so that each stage of the serve becomes muscle memory. Filming yourself during this practice can also help, as you can review your technique and see where improvements can be made.
Once you are comfortable with the basics, you can begin to practise with a partner, taking turns as the server and receiver. The next step is to focus on serving as close to the net cord as possible without hitting it. This is a challenging part of the low serve and will require good control and a soft touch to execute successfully.
When serving, it is important to stand close to the service line. This reduces the distance the shuttle has to travel, giving your opponent less time to react. It also allows you to quickly move forward to cover the net after serving. The low serve can be performed with either a forehand or backhand grip, with the backhand being the most popular as it offers better control and allows for clever placement.
The angle at which you hold the shuttlecock is also crucial. Holding it with the cork facing downwards can cause you to hit your thumb, while holding it with the cork facing upwards can result in a flat flick serve. Holding it sideways will cause you to hit the feathers and lose control. Therefore, it is important to find the right angle through experimentation and practice.
In conclusion, the low serve in badminton is a powerful weapon that can give you an edge over your opponent. Through dedicated practice and repetition, you can perfect this skilful shot and become a more formidable player.
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Forehand low serve is less common
The low serve is a fundamental element of starting a badminton match. It is a gentle tap over the net with the shuttle, aiming to fall just over the front line of the service court. While the majority of serves in badminton are low serves, it is important to vary them to keep your opponent guessing.
The forehand low serve is less common than the backhand low serve. This is because the forehand serve allows the opponent to smash and gives them too much time to connect. The backhand low serve is a more effective way to start the game as it prevents the opponent from playing an attacking shot and forces them to hit upward.
To execute a forehand low serve, use a forehand grip and stand in the front corner of the service box with your non-racket foot in front and on the heel. Hold the shuttle a little lower than your chest and off to the side, with the shuttle cork facing downward. Drop the shuttle into the path of the racket and time the drop so that the racket meets the shuttle below your waist. Bend your wrist back and push gently as you strike the shuttle.
While the forehand low serve is less common, it can still be an effective serve in badminton. It is important to incorporate a variety of serves into your play to keep your opponent guessing and prevent them from predicting your shots.
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Deception is key
Deception is a key tactic in badminton, and it can be used to great effect when performing a low serve. The low serve is a deceptive shot in itself, and when used skillfully, it can throw off your opponent and give you an advantage right from the start of the rally.
The low serve is a type of shot in badminton where the shuttle barely skims the net cord before descending towards the opponent. This serve is challenging to execute, but when done right, it can be a powerful weapon in your arsenal. The low serve can be performed using either a forehand or backhand grip, with the backhand version being more popular as it offers better control and allows for clever placement.
To incorporate deception into your low serve, you can employ various techniques. One method is to delay your shot as long as possible, keeping your opponent guessing. Another tactic is to use a double motion, where you start a racket swing in one direction and then abruptly change to another, throwing your opponent off balance. Slicing the shuttle is another deceptive technique, where you hit it with an angled racket face, causing the shuttle to move in a different direction than expected.
Deception in badminton is all about exploiting your opponent's desire to anticipate your shots. You can feed them false information by deliberately showing them flaws or cues in your shot disguise, only to surprise them with a different shot. This tactic relies on communicating a lie with your body and racket, tricking your opponent into believing they know your next move.
By combining deception with the low serve, you can create a formidable strategy that will keep your opponents guessing and scrambling to recover their balance. However, it's important to note that deception should be used sparingly and at the right moments, as overuse can make it less effective and predictable.
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Tactics and tips
While there is no standard definition of a "low save" in badminton, a low serve is a common term in the sport. A low serve is a powerful weapon in badminton, worth around five points in a game, and can be used to put pressure on the receiver. Here are some tactics and tips to consider when employing a low serve, as well as some general advice for improving your badminton skills:
- Understand the impact on the receiver: A low serve can influence the receiver's mental state and tactical choices. Your preparation, movement, and body language can all impact their confidence and decision-making.
- Visualise the return: Before serving, visualise the return you want your opponent to play. This can help you anticipate their next move and be ready to react quickly.
- Condition your opponent: Use a combination of shots to condition your opponent to expect a certain pattern. Then, switch it up by introducing a low serve to catch them off guard.
- Start with a low serve: Serving low from the odd court can help you "predict/force" the next shot. It can give you more control over the rally and anticipate your opponent's move.
- Practice makes perfect: The low serve is often underutilised, so make sure you practice it regularly and understand its tactical value. This will help you execute it effectively during matches.
General Tips for Improving Your Badminton Skills:
- Footwork is fundamental: Badminton requires quick footwork, similar to squash. Stay on your toes and make small, agile movements to position yourself for returns. Practice exercises like squat jumps and agility ladder drills to improve your footwork.
- Master the basic grips: Learn the different grips and work on transitioning smoothly between them. This will improve your overall control and shot variety.
- Develop your athleticism: Focus on balance, coordination, and agility to become a better all-around athlete. This will help you move more efficiently around the court and react to your opponent's shots.
- Hit the "sweet spot": Aim for the centre of the shuttlecock, also known as the "sweet spot." This will give you more control and power over your shots.
- Vary your shots: Keep your opponent guessing by mixing up your shots. Use a combination of lifts, drops, straight drives, and cross-court shots to make yourself less predictable.
- Communicate in doubles: If playing doubles, communicate constantly with your partner. Call for shots and use visual communication to make tactical decisions. Quick and clear communication is essential for successful doubles play.
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Frequently asked questions
A low serve in badminton is a type of serve where the shuttle is hit just over the net. It is the most common serve in badminton as it limits the opponent's swing, increasing the server's chances of scoring.
To perform a low serve, stand close to the service line and hold the shuttle a little lower than your chest with your thumb and index finger. Bend your wrist back and push gently as you strike the shuttle.
A low serve is more commonly used in doubles matches as the court is shorter and wider, making high serves less effective. However, it is also used in singles matches.
