A.
Basic Grip
As we continue exploring and learning the world of badminton as a
sport, it is necessary to find out the basic grip in playing badminton. At this point, we are
going to take a moment to figure out the two basic grips and how it is performed
properly. Let’s start!
The two types of hand grip that we need to consider learning this module are as
follows:
i. the “Thumb Grip” (backhand grip)
ii. the “V Grip” (forehand grip)
i. Thumb Grip (backhand grip)
The thumb grip is used to play basic backhand stroke in front of the body.
Examples include net shots, net lifts, net kills, backhand serves drive (when struck in
front of the body). The thumb is “committed” to the back of the racket handle, with a
slight gap between the hand and the racket handle.
Diagram 1: Thumb Grip
ii. V – Grip (forehand grip)
The V – grip is used to play strokes where the shuttle is level with the player, on
both the forehand and backhand sides.
The thumb and first finger of the hand creates a “V” shape on the racket handle.
The position of the bottom of the “V” is important and is shown in the illustrations below.
Diagram 2: V – Grip
B. Basic Stroke
Hopefully you’ve been practicing the use of proper badminton grips (fore/back)
and getting used to the pronation/supination movements.
The next thing is to take these techniques and turn it into a stroke. A stroke is the
swing motion of our racket arm. It is not a shot. We need proper strokes to execute
certain shots!
The power of any badminton shot (clear, smash, drops, etc) is directly related to
how well you can perform your stroke.
So, we must learn strokes first!
There are 4 basic strokes:
i. Overhead forehand – the most common we see the first to learn
ii. Overhead backhand – many people’s main weakness
iii. Underarm forehand – a low shot on the forehand side
iv. Underarm backhand – a low shot on the backhand side
i. Overhead Forehand Stroke
The overhead badminton forehand stroke is very common and is used most often
in badminton. If you’re a beginner, learn how to perform this stroke first before
proceeding to learn other types of badminton shots.
In badminton, this stroke generates the most power. The power of a badminton
forehand stroke comes from correct technique, NOT how much strength you exert into a
swing. The larger the swing motion, the more momentum generated. Hence, more
power.
Therefore, the KEY to generate power in any badminton shot is to make a
complete swing in your strokes.
In fact, it is INCORRECT to use too much strength for your badminton forehand
stroke. When you focus on power, you’ll most likely get the technique wrong. That
means the quality of your shot will be poor!
For you to be more familiar with this stroke, kindly watch the video from the link
provided: [Link]
ii. Overhead Backhand Stroke
The badminton backhand stroke is many people’s main weakness. They tend to
get the technique for this stroke wrong.
It’s important to keep in mind that the backhand stroke for badminton is NOT like
tennis or squash backhand! The CORRECT technique to perform a badminton
backhand stroke is more complicated than a tennis backhand.
Many people (casual or amateur players) tend to perform their backhand in
badminton like a tennis backhand. That is why they fail to generate power with their
backhands in badminton. Besides, it’s IMPOSSIBLE to perform high quality backhand
shots if the technique is poor.
Therefore, avoid the common mistake of swinging like a tennis backhand.
For you to have an idea of how to perform this stroke properly, kindly watch the
video from the link provided. [Link]
iii. Underarm Forehand Stroke
The badminton underarm forehand stroke is performed when you take a shuttle
in front of you (normally when your opponent hits a drop shot to you).
It’s fairly easy to inject power into underarm strokes (compared to overhead strokes).
Therefore, you do not need to worry about failing to generate sufficient strength into
your underarm strokes.
Power of the Underarm Forehand
Swing Motion: The correct badminton underarm forehand swing pattern is important if
you want to hit quality badminton shots and maintain good body balance. This stroke
does not require a lot of strength. Since underarm strokes are usually performed at the
front of the court, not much strength is needed to perform a baseline clear (hitting the
shuttle to the back of the court). Therefore, a gentle swing motion, combined with
correct technique, is all that is needed to produce a quality shot
Wrist Action: Your wrist action plays an important role in contributing to the power in
your badminton underarm forehand. GENTLY flick your wrist towards the direction you
want the shuttle to fly
Gripping: It’s important that you use the forehand grip to perform an underarm
forehand stroke. Make sure you do not hold your racket too tightly or you’ll limit the
movement of your wrist.
Watch: [Link]
iv. Underarm Backhand Stroke
The badminton underarm backhand stroke is fairly easy to perform compared to
other badminton strokes.
This stroke is usually performed when your opponent hits a badminton drop shot
to your backhand area at the front of the court.
Don’t worry about generating sufficient power in this stroke. It’s fairly easy to do
so. In fact, worry about generating too much power while performing an underarm
stroke.
If you hit an underarm clear at the front of the court too hard, the shuttle will
easily land OUTSIDE the court.
Generating Power
Swinging Motion: You don’t need to swing too hard for an underarm stroke. A gentle
underarm swing is sufficient to send the shuttle right to the back of the court. However,
correct technique is still important to provide you with good body balance. The tutorial
below shows you the correct way of performing a badminton underarm backhand
stroke.
Wrist Action: Most of the power of this stroke comes from the flick of your wrist. But
you don’t need a strong flick to send the shuttle to your opponent’s baseline. A gentle
flick is enough. It’s the gentle underarm swing and the gentle flick of your wrist that
works together to generate the power for this stroke.
Gripping Technique: Since it’s fairly easy to produce power to hit a high clear, I find it’s
not necessary to switch to a backhand grip. Use the forehand grip to perform a
badminton underarm backhand stroke. However, remember NOT to grip your racket too
tightly or else your wrist action is limited.
To complete your understanding in studying this stroke, kindly watch the video
from the link provided. [Link]
Diagram 3: Four Body Areas
When the shuttle flies towards a particular area around your body, you’ll need to
use different strokes to hit the shuttle. The picture above shows you the 4 different
areas around your body where you’re required to use the 4 different badminton strokes
to return the shuttle.
Once you learn how to perform these basic strokes, you can then use these
strokes to hit all types of shots in badminton; Clear, Drop and Smash.
References:
Team USA. (2020). Brief History of Badminton. Retrieved from:
[Link]
World Badminton. (2019). Laws of Badminton. Retrieved from:
[Link]
