Last updated on August 6th, 2024
Top 5 Badminton Shots
In this feature I am going to concentrate on the top five badminton shots you should spend a lot of time mastering. Practising and getting these right will go a long way into making you a competitive player.
Table of Contents
Whether it’s the badminton drop shot or merely the different badminton serve types I’ll explain all the basics.
Right lets take a look at the main shots in badminton every player will need to master.
#1 The Badminton Serve
Do know all the different types of shots you can use in badminton? Without question one of the most important badminton shots has to be the serve. After all its first one to start the game and one that can shape things to come.
As you play against more competitive opponents it will become a key shot/stroke you will need to improve. Improving your badminton serve technique will change your game for the better, so lets take a closer look.
There are basically two different types of badminton serves, however before we go into those it should noted that you have to serve under hand in badminton; over head serves are not permitted.
Serve Type 1: High Deep Serve
Take a full under hand swing with the aim to the shuttlecock high in the air and to put your opponent to the back line.
Serve Type 2: Shorthand Serve
Place you racquet into your stomach area as you will be playing this as a backhand shot, and flick the shuttlecock over the net with the aim of landing as close to the first line, on or over.
Like help with other areas of the sport?
- Learn About The Origins of Badminton
- Choosing The Right Badminton Racket
- Badminton Legend: Peter Gade
- How To Minimise Injury
- Techniques For The Beginners
- Which Type of Shuttlecock is Best?
#2 Clear Shot
The clear shot in badminton is often thought of as a purely defensive type of shot. That is one of its uses and you will find yourself using it to get yourself out of trouble. However it can also be used to move your opponent into an area of the court you want them to be. Therefore it can be used in a more tactical way.
Overhead Clear Shot
Here you will move to the back of the court and hit an overhead shot. The aim here is to put the shuttlecock to the back or corner of your opponents half of the court. The higher the shuttlecock the more defensive the shot. This allows you more time to recover your position.
The flatter the shot the more offensive the shot giving you more chance of putting your opponent out of position.
Underhand Clear Shot
Here you will move close to the net to make the underhand clear shot. Sweep your arm up the net to flick the shuttlecock over the net and then move back to the middle of the court to prepare for your next shot.
#3 Drop Shot
It’s really is essential to improve your badminton drop shot technique if you wish to dominate the court. But wait what actually is a drop shot in badminton? In simple terms there are two different types.
Underhand Drop Shot
So here you will move into the net with your arm shoulder high and lightly flick the racquet with aim of the shuttle just dropping over the net. Following the shot return to the middle of the court ready for the next shot.
Overhand Drop Shot
Move to the back of the court and lift the arm to hit with overhand shot, but here we only to make the shuttlecock drop just over the net. Don’t follow through the shot with full power. The shuttlecock needs to drop short, with a little practice this will become an important shot in your shot arsenal.
As with all shots you need to move back into position to prepare for the next shot.
#4 Smash Shot
This is the shot commonly used to win the point. You will normally be somewhere in the middle of the court to perform the badminton smash shots.
To do this you will need to bring your racquet over your head but unlike other shots you will continue in a downwards motion at speed with the aim of making the shuttlecock hit the floor on the other side of the net.
#5 Drive Shot
Drive shots are fast shots aimed to hit low over the net, making your opponent to move quickly. This shot can be done on both forehand and backhand, with drive shots you don’t really need to move your feet.
There are a variety of basic shots, all can be played either forehand or backhand.
Final Thought: 5 Shots To Dominate The Badminton Court
I hope this helps by giving you a basic understanding of what shots you will be using during the course of a game. These are the main technical shots every player needs to master. Try practising them before the start of each match / game and you will soon start to see improvements.
You now know the basic badminton shots and serves to get you started playing. Go and have some fun!
Further Information
If you require more information on the sport head over to Badminton England or the BWF.
Enjoy your game and check back soon as I will be adding lots more related posts!
