Badminton requires agility, speed and strength. Learn the basic badminton techniques that beginners must master below!
Badminton is one of the world’s famous small ball games. This sport originated from India and is often competed nationally and internationally. Not only is it fun to play, playing badminton is also good for your health!
Badminton can be played by singles (2 people) or doubles (two pairs), and is played using a racket and shuttlecock . The game begins by hitting a shuttlecock using a racket to pass over the opponent’s net.
To be able to win the match, you need the right basic badminton playing techniques. These techniques start from how to use the racket to hitting the ball. Do you know how? Here are 10 basic badminton techniques that beginners need to know!
Basic Badminton Techniques & Explanations
It is no wonder that badminton is often used as a popular sporting event. Including in the SEA Games, Asian Games to the Olympic level.
However, you still have to learn the basic techniques of badminton. By knowing the correct basic techniques of badminton, your game will be more effective.
Well , instead of using random techniques, it’s better to know the best complete basic badminton techniques as follows!
1. Holding the racket ( Grip )
The most important basic badminton technique to know first is the racket holding technique. Apparently, the act of holding a badminton racket should not be done carelessly.
If beginners ignore these basic techniques, they will tend to get injured when playing or competing in badminton. Therefore, it is very important to know the basic techniques of holding the racket correctly.
Actually, the act of holding a racket is not much different from the act of shaking hands. In the act of holding a racket, the position of the fingers adjusts to the comfort of the grip, including the position of the thumb.
In addition, you have to determine the grip, which should not be too tight. However, different finger positions and grips will affect certain types of techniques.
Some known racket holding techniques include the American grip , backhand grip , forehand grip , and combination grip .
- American Grip
The American grip technique can be done by holding the racket handle, then positioning the thumb and index finger so that they touch each other, thus creating an “O” shape.
This grip technique is effective if you want to smash , but it is not effective if you use it for a backhand .
- Backhand Grip
The backhand grip technique can be done by holding the racket handle, then positioning the thumb behind the handle and pressing it as if the thumb is supporting the racket.
- Forehand Grip
If the backhand grip technique uses the thumb as the main support, the forehand grip technique uses the index, middle, ring and little fingers as support. Generally, this technique is used for agile playing movements.
- Combination Grip
As the name suggests, this technique combines various types of grip techniques. How to do it, namely hold the racket as usual, then position the index finger towards the tip of the racket.
Meanwhile, the thumb supports the racket shaft and the remaining fingers are positioned at the bottom of the shaft.
2. Body Attitude or Position ( Stance )
Your body posture or position also determines your badminton game strategy, whether as the first hitter or the return hitter. The right posture will facilitate your body’s movements and agility in playing badminton.
Usually, there are three known badminton playing positions , namely the attacking position, the defensive position, and the position against/reversing the net .
- Attacking Stance
To adopt an attacking position, move your body close to the lines of the field or attack area and widen your stance.
After that, raise both your arms to prepare the strength and power of the punch.
- Defensive Stance
To adopt a defensive position, you must direct your body towards the net and position the racket in front of your waist/stomach.
- Counter/Reverse Netting Position ( Net Stance )
Net stance is usually done when your opponent seems to want to net . To anticipate netting , you must be near the net .
After that, the racket needs to be positioned in front of your body, while your body is moved forward slightly so that you are ready to jump forward.
3. Footwork
Foot movements also need to be regulated. There are four tips you can do to optimize your playing movements.
First, make sure your base or starting point , then remember it. Second, step back a maximum of three steps if you need to step back.
Third, move right-left a maximum of one step if necessary. Fourth, you can only move forward a maximum of three steps if you have to move forward.
4. Service ( Serve )
Serving is a basic technique that is also not important to learn. Moreover, the service movement is a sign that the game has started.
There are two services that can be done, namely the upper service and the lower service. Here is the explanation:
- High Serve
The overhead serve is done by hitting the shuttlecock using a racket that is positioned above the shoulder or head. Usually, the shuttlecock’s speed will tend to be horizontal.
- Low Serve
The underhand serve is done by hitting the shuttlecock using a racket that is positioned below the shoulder or chest. Usually, the shuttlecock will tend to soar.
5. Smash
This technique is the strongest attack shot in badminton. As the name suggests, this technique really smashes the shuttlecock into the target area or the opponent’s body.
In addition, there are three types of smash techniques that can be done, namely forehand smash , backhand smash , and jumping smash .
- Forehand Smash
The forehand smash technique is a strong shuttlecock blow done above the head.
- Backhand Smash
The backhand smash technique is one of the most difficult techniques to perform in badminton, even professionals have difficulty doing it.
To do this technique, you have to use the backhand grip technique , then release a powerful punch.
- Jumping Smash
Actually, this technique is a forehand smash technique that is done with a jump only. The way to hit it is still the same as the forehand smash technique .
6. Drop Shot
You can do the drop shot technique by hitting the shuttlecock to the middle or front area of your opponent quickly or in a standard manner.
This technique is done to force the opponent to move to the front of his area, so that you can attack the middle or back area.
7. Clear or Lob
The clear or lob technique is the opposite of the drop shot technique . If the drop shot is intended to force the opponent to move to the front area, the clear makes the opponent have to move back to the back area.
So, you have to target the back area first before attacking the front or middle area.
8. Netting
One of the basic badminton techniques that is difficult to do is netting . This technique requires good intuition, precision, and speed, while the strength needed is only small.
To do this technique, you have to be near the net and bounce the shuttlecock over the net accurately. Later, the shuttlecock will fall near the opponent’s net area.
9. Overhead
The overhead badminton stroke technique is done in the same way as the upper smash or forehand smash .
The only difference is in the power of the shot. Overhead does not need much power.
10. Drive
The last basic badminton technique you need to know is the drive . This technique can be done by hitting the shuttlecock quickly and somewhat horizontally. Generally, this technique is done by doubles players.
Its purpose is to corner the opponent so that they remain in a defensive position, meaning they do not lift their racket.