Amanda Knapp
In badminton, an underhand receive is a type of serve where the player strikes the shuttlecock in an upward motion from below waist level. This is in contrast to a backhand serve, where the player uses a low sidearm swing to hit the shuttlecock. While there is nothing wrong with using an underhand serve, players may opt for a backhand serve as it can be more challenging for their opponent to return, especially if they are standing closer to the T.
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What You'll Learn
Underhand serve rules
To perform a legal underhand serve in badminton, there are a few rules you must follow. Firstly, the serve must be executed underhand, with the racket head starting below the server's waist. This ensures that the serve is fair and adheres to the rules of the game. The shuttlecock must be struck at a height below the server's waist, specifically, below the bottom of the rib cage. Overhand serves are not permitted.
Secondly, the serve must land within the correct service court, which is diagonally opposite to the server. This rule is important for fairness and adhering to the game's regulations. When serving, the player positions their racket under waist level, ensuring that the racket head is beneath the handle. They then hit the shuttlecock so that it travels diagonally across the net into the opposing service area.
Thirdly, the serve must be delivered in a forward continuous motion. The Badminton World Federation (BWF) states that the base of the shuttle (the cork) must be struck first when serving. This rule was implemented to prevent players from gaining an advantage by hitting the feathers first and creating excessive spin. Additionally, the BWF specifies that the whole shuttle shall be below 1.15 meters from the surface of the court at the moment of being hit by the server's racket.
It is important to note that during the serve, at least some part of both feet must be in contact with the ground. You cannot lift either foot off the ground until the shuttle has been struck. Additionally, your feet should not be touching any of the lines on the court while serving or receiving. You can stand anywhere in your half, even in the tramlines, as long as you are not touching any lines or outside the playing court.
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Underhand serve technique
Serving is the most important aspect of badminton, as it is the shot used to begin every rally. A good serve can put you in control of the game and allow you to outscore your opponent. There are several distinct serving techniques in badminton, and knowing how and when to use them is crucial to improving your game.
The three basic types of serve are the high serve, the low serve, and the flick serve. The high serve is more commonly used in singles matches. To perform a high serve, bring the racket high over your shoulder, then drop it down toward your knees as you swing forward and bring it up to meet the shuttle. The aim is to send the shuttle high and long, making it drop as close to the furthest backline as possible. This will force your opponent backward and create distance between you and your opponent, weakening their return shot.
The low serve is more commonly used in doubles matches. For this serve, bend your wrist back and push gently to hit the shuttle just over the net and make it drop just over the front service line of your opponent's court. This will force your opponent to rush to the net to return your serve, hopefully sending it high so you can smash a return before they reset at centre court. The low serve is slightly more risky than the high serve, as it can easily get tangled in the net or leave your opponent perfectly set to smash it back at you.
The flick serve is used unexpectedly to reduce the receiver's thinking time. This serve is most commonly used in singles matches. To perform a flick serve, hold the shuttle by the feathers with your non-racket hand in front of the racket's face. The shuttle's feathers must face the top part of the net. Take your racket slightly behind you to generate momentum, then hit the shuttle with the flick of your wrist. Avoid too much arm or body movement.
Remember to mix up your serves so they won't be predictable. Stand inside a service court, not touching any boundary lines, and vary your shots between low serves, high serves, flicks, and drives so your opponent will always be left guessing.
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Underhand serve vs backhand serve
In badminton, all serves must be underhand. To serve, stand inside the service court—without touching any of the lines—and place your non-dominant foot forward. Drop the shuttle from your free hand and swing your racket to strike it below your waist.
The underhand serve can be executed as a low serve or a high serve. For a low serve, bend your wrist back and push gently as you strike the shuttle. For a high serve, swing your racket in an arc down to your knees and then bring it up and around your shoulder after striking the shuttle.
The backhand serve is a type of underhand serve. To perform a backhand serve, hold the racket with your fingers wrapped around it so that the sides of your thumb and middle finger are touching. If you're right-handed, turn your hand counterclockwise, and if you're left-handed, turn it clockwise. Stand with your dominant leg in front, and ensure that your thumb is facing your body. Hold the shuttle by the feathers between your thumb and index finger.
The backhand serve is the dominating service style in professional badminton, especially in men's singles. It offers more control and serving variety, making it ideal for higher-level players who want to gain the attacking initiative immediately and win the net game. However, the forehand serve can be used to push your opponent to the backcourt and start the rally away from the net.
In summary, the choice between the underhand serve and the backhand serve depends on your strategy and preference. The underhand serve can be executed as a low or high serve, while the backhand serve provides more control and variety. Practicing both serves and incorporating them into your game can give you an advantage.
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Footwork and positioning
There are several stances you can adopt to improve your footwork and positioning. These include the forward attacking stance, where the racket foot is forward, and the body is in a sideways stance. The racket height and position are variable, depending on the situation. The backward attacking stance is similar to the receive of the serve stance, with the non-racket leg forward, and the body in a sideways stance. Again, the racket height and position can vary.
The defensive stance has the body facing square to the net, with legs wider than the shoulders, and the racket height is lower. This stance is useful when the shuttle is at or below tape level, as it prevents your opponent from hitting downwards towards you. The receive of service stance is also with the non-racket leg forward, but the body is sideways, and the racket height is generally around shoulder to head height. This stance is used when the opponent is unable to hit a downward shot.
It is important to be able to move quickly from your ready position as soon as your opponent strikes the shuttle. You should watch the shuttle as it leaves your opponent's racket and push off with the foot that is furthest from where you want to go. This will help you get to the shuttle quickly and improve the efficiency of your shots. Good footwork and positioning can give you stability and oversight, allowing you to play more effective shots and ultimately win more games.
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Faults and errors
In badminton, an underhand receive is a way of returning your opponent's serve, where the racket makes contact with the shuttlecock at waist level or below. It is an alternative to the more common overhead receive, and it can be an effective strategy in certain situations. However, it is important to execute this technique properly to avoid making faults and errors that can cost you points or even the game.
One common fault in an underhand receive is hitting the shuttlecock with your racket above waist level. Remember, for a valid underhand receive, your racket should make contact with the shuttlecock at waist level or below. If you extend your arm upwards to reach the shuttlecock, it will be considered a fault. Another error to avoid is not having both feet on the ground when receiving the serve. In badminton, you must let your opponent's serve bounce before returning it. If you leave the ground in an attempt to reach the shuttlecock faster, the receiver will be faulted.
Making contact with the shuttlecock before it crosses the net is another fault that can occur during an underhand receive. It is crucial to let the shuttlecock enter your side of the court before returning it. Hitting it mid-air, before it crosses over to your side, will result in a fault. Additionally, be cautious not to hit the shuttlecock twice during an underhand receive. This can happen if you swing too slowly or do not follow through with your racket properly. Make sure your racket movement is crisp and controlled to avoid a double-hit, which would give the point to your opponent.
Another error to avoid is hitting the shuttlecock out of bounds during your underhand receive. Accuracy is crucial, so make sure you execute the shot with enough control to keep the shuttlecock within the boundaries of the court. Lastly, remember that an underhand receive is still subject to the speed limit for a 'slow serve'. If your opponent has served using a slow serve, your underhand return must also adhere to the same speed restriction. Returning a slow serve with a fast underhand hit will result in a fault.
By familiarizing yourself with these potential faults and errors, you can improve your underhand receive technique and use it effectively during a game. Practice this skill regularly to improve your accuracy, control, and understanding of the technique's nuances.
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Frequently asked questions
In badminton, all serves must be underhand. A player must serve the ball at the start of every rally, so it's important to know how to use different techniques. For example, you could use a high serve so that the shuttle will land at the back of the court, followed by a low hit that will land near the net.
Keep your body relaxed and your knees bent while serving so that you'll have more control over your swing. It's also important to position yourself correctly in the service box and stand close to the baseline.
An underhand serve can be a good way to keep your opponent on their toes and mix up your serves. It can also be easier to control than a backhand serve, especially for beginners or recreational players.
