Badminton TechniquesBadminton is all about speed, power and well positioning. Smash alone is not the only way to win a rally but you need to follow a strategy or play tactically. It's not difficult but needs practice and awareness during play. Don't worry if you have just started playing badminton, the more you play the better you will be.
Below are some brief techniques for doubles and singles games if you are interested. There are also some instructional badminton videos made by the Badminton England. Enjoy! (You may want to use earphones or adjust the volume first before viewing these videos) DoublesServe
The common serve is a low serve, forcing the receiver to get close to the net and making it hard for the opponent to create an attack shot. The receiver is often led to hit the shuttle up in order to clear the net, causing the return to be high and sometimes close to the net for a clear smash or forehand 'kill'. If you serve high, it must be done fast because it gives the receiver the opportunity to smash right away. High serve is played when you realise the receiver is a little out of position (too front to the net) or you want to make the receiver take a step back reaching his partner defensive line. Position If you are serving low, take the position on the front and part of the midcourt area immediately. That means you will cover returned net play and the front of the court. Your partner shall stand behind you to cover the back court. This is known as the Attacking Formation ('Front-Back' formation). If you serve high, you and your partner will have to stand side-by-side. This is called the Defensive Formation ('Side-side' formation). You and your partner will each cover the front and back of the half court where you stand (either left or right of the court). Attacking and Defending Teamwork is key in doubles games. Also mutual awareness of your partner's position on court. When attacking ('front-back' formation), try to hit the shuttle to the space between your two opponents or towards the front court. Your opponent's returns close to the net will often be high, giving you a better chance of an attack or smash. However, beware not to set up easy smash or forehand 'kill' for your opponent near the net. When your opponents seem to be out of position, take advantage of the open spaces created. Defensive formation ('side-side') provides greater defensive coverage. An ability to switch quickly from one formation to the other is key to winning a rally in doubles. When changing from a defensive formation to an attacking formation, a high and deep clear works best, because that gives you enough time to reposition while keeping your opponent heading towards the baseline. |
Instructional videos for reference
Low serve
High serve
Attacking in doubles - forehand net kill
Defending in doubles - forehand long
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The following videos pretty much summarise tactics in doubles games. They are quite long but worth to watch.
Singles
Serve
High or long serve is usually played during singles games. Serve high forces your opponent to move back to the baseline and as a result opens up the forecourt for you to take advantage of.
It is also to your advantage if you serve low occasionally as you may just catch your opponent out of position and win a point straightaway.
You also need to observe your opponent's strengths and weaknesses. You may want to choose a low serve if your opponent is extremely good in returning your serve by smash powerfully even from the baseline.
Position
In singles games, it is important to try to return to central base position in the midcourt so that you are in the best possible position to return the shuttle. However, movement towards this base position may get you wrong-footed when your opponent returns your shot, so you should always bear that in mind.
When in difficult positions, shuttle should be hit high to your opponent's baseline so that you have time to recover to the base position.
Attacking and Defending
For me, attacking and defending in singles games depend on your opponent's strengths and weaknesses. While playing in the early stages of a game, you need to pay attention to your opponent's strengths and weaknesses.
For example, some players may have weakness in returning a backhand shot, so adopt a strategy to 'attack' the opponent's backhand. By doing so, the opponent may return a weak shot and create an open space for your smash or forehand 'kill'. Some players are really strong in smash, so try to minimise opportunity for opponent to smash. For example, try to serve low rather than high.
Always adopt a strategy that exploits your opponent's weaknesses and try to keep the play away from his/her strengths.
High or long serve is usually played during singles games. Serve high forces your opponent to move back to the baseline and as a result opens up the forecourt for you to take advantage of.
It is also to your advantage if you serve low occasionally as you may just catch your opponent out of position and win a point straightaway.
You also need to observe your opponent's strengths and weaknesses. You may want to choose a low serve if your opponent is extremely good in returning your serve by smash powerfully even from the baseline.
Position
In singles games, it is important to try to return to central base position in the midcourt so that you are in the best possible position to return the shuttle. However, movement towards this base position may get you wrong-footed when your opponent returns your shot, so you should always bear that in mind.
When in difficult positions, shuttle should be hit high to your opponent's baseline so that you have time to recover to the base position.
Attacking and Defending
For me, attacking and defending in singles games depend on your opponent's strengths and weaknesses. While playing in the early stages of a game, you need to pay attention to your opponent's strengths and weaknesses.
For example, some players may have weakness in returning a backhand shot, so adopt a strategy to 'attack' the opponent's backhand. By doing so, the opponent may return a weak shot and create an open space for your smash or forehand 'kill'. Some players are really strong in smash, so try to minimise opportunity for opponent to smash. For example, try to serve low rather than high.
Always adopt a strategy that exploits your opponent's weaknesses and try to keep the play away from his/her strengths.
