Badminton is an amazing sport that requires strong fundamentals to be played well, yet even experienced players sometimes struggle with mastering basic techniques which form the cornerstone of badminton success.
Consistent practice and training are one of the best ways to hone your badminton serve and return skills, with footwork being one of the key focuses.
1. Net shot return
A net shot is a type of badminton return that involves striking the shuttle close to the net. To execute it properly, this technique requires good footwork and racket positioning – the shuttle should appear as though it were going for a straight shot with players dropping their shoulder for added speed. A net shot can be an effective defense when opponents serve near your body or centerline in front court; additionally, this shot may force opponents into playing weak returns, giving an easy kill or smash opportunity.
Returning a shuttle requires being in the ideal position. This involves being able to move quickly in all directions – forwards, backwards, and side-to-side. In order to do this effectively it’s key to cultivate a solid ready stance – typically this involves placing one foot forward while standing near either the front or middle of the court – though this may change depending on which serve type is anticipated or at times even within a game itself! Players often alter their positioning midgame as necessary.
Once in the hitting area, it’s key to make contact with the shuttle just above the net without letting it drop any lower – this is to avoid sending too many low-bouncing shots into play and giving your opponent an early hint that you intend on hitting soft shots. Also use subtle slicing movements when making contact to deceive opponents by creating a tumbling effect with your shuttle that makes returning with simple overhead shots difficult.
2. Cross-shot return
Badminton players must adapt their return technique depending on what kind of serve they’re receiving, from high, skilled serves that require advanced technique to short, low serves that make it easy for opponents to score at the net – creating an adaptable strategy will enable you to be prepared for every scenario!
As soon as a short serve hits your body or court centerline, you can use deception to surprise your opponent by unleashing a cross-shot return. This deceptive shot looks like a straight return but can actually slow down their momentum significantly. To create this shot, position both feet and racket as though you were about to hit a flat drive serve before dropping your shoulder and pinching thumb and fingers together for an unexpected cross-shot at the last moment.
This return strategy can be particularly effective when your opponent serves the shuttle in the front corner of your service court or directly towards your racquet shoulder. This forces them to use more strength to reach for it and could potentially result in mistakes and unforced errors on their part.
Short servers who want to counter their opponents’ momentum could benefit from using a steep half smash as another return strategy. To hit this shot successfully, aim the shuttle above the back line of your service court when hitting this shot.
Recent research demonstrated that amateur badminton players had superior sports performance but not balance performance or agility when compared to controls. Since this study used cross-sectional methods, causal links between badminton training and athletic performance cannot be established with certainty; however, some may suggest that lower limb kinematics produced during badminton practice could explain some differences in balance performance between participants and controls.
3. Soft return
Watch a pro Badminton match and you will notice how players take different approaches to serving each ball. Most will opt for high smashes while some use trickier techniques like steep half smashes which force their opponent to play lift shots instead. If given an opportunity, master this type of serve!
Improve your badminton service return skills by hitting the shuttle into either of the tram lines at the front side of the court. This will force your opponent into playing defensive shots and prevent them from hitting too hard in straight lines. Although hitting these areas may prove challenging at first, with practice it becomes possible.
As well as returning cross-shots with your shuttle at or close to the net, try returning cross-shots with it at or near to the net with it to surprise your opponent and set up an advantageous attacking position. To accomplish this, stand close enough to the service line so that lunging forward and reaching for it are possible; many don’t realise just how close one can stand yet still be able to perform this type of return successfully.
As part of your practice for this shot, it’s wise to adjust your ready stance according to what type of serve is being delivered. Aim for as close an approach as possible so as to achieve maximum offensive potential without giving away easy points; furthermore work on improving both stance and footwork skills.
4. Half smash
A half smash is an effective strategy to disrupt an opponent’s rhythm and open a window of opportunity for your partner’s net kill.
When your opponent serves to your body or centerline of your frontcourt, this technique is an ideal option to generate momentum for a shot and maintain stability and balance. To execute it successfully, position both feet shoulder-width apart with weight distributed on one non-racket foot and push off with it quickly for momentum generation – helping keep stability and balance intact in your shot.
As you execute this shot, ensure your hand is placed higher on the racket handle for improved accuracy and aim to hit the shuttlecock on its downward trajectory. This will make it more difficult for your opponent to return your shot, and prevent them from chasing after it.
Typically, half-smash is best utilized at various points during a game to throw your opponent off guard and keep them guessing. If you’ve managed to force them onto the forecourt however, then now might be an appropriate time for this powerful stroke.
Improving your Badminton serve and return skills requires consistent practice. Take time to vary your approach, focus on key movements and positions and work with a coach if available; play against different opponents while keeping a training log or journal to monitor your progress – by following these tips, you’ll see steady improvements in your game!
5. Aggressive net shot return
Most non-professional badminton players are generally satisfied with their skills level once they understand the game, but to maximize pleasure and enjoyment from badminton it is necessary to further delve into technique and refine some aspects such as your serve which is one of its cornerstones.
One of the easiest and simplest ways to improve your badminton serve is by paying close attention to its bounce and hitting it off its sweet spot. While this may be challenging at first, there are several effective strategies you can employ that will help you build this essential skill more quickly.
Another way to enhance your badminton serve is to focus on speed of your shot. While it might be tempting to play slowly back, more aggressive shots will put opponents on their heels quicker and allow you to gain control early in rallies.
Finally, your drills should focus on honing various types of returns. When returning short serves, for instance, hit the shuttle downwards so as to force your opponent’s upperhand shots upwards, giving yourself a greater chance at winning the point. When returning long serves however, aim your shuttle at either the top corner of their court or directly at their racquet shoulder in order to jam them and end the rally in your favor.
As soon as it comes to badminton, flexibility and adaptability should be your top priorities. Incorporate these tips into your routine and you will witness significant progress in your badminton serves in no time!