Basic Badminton Techniques: Grip, Footwork and Shots

Good basic badminton techniques make the game more fun: rallies last longer, you get less tired, and you can actually put the shuttle where you want. This guide covers the fundamentals every beginner should learn first: how to hold a badminton racket, the ready position, footwork and the six core shots.

New to the sport? Our complete badminton guide covers the court, gear and rules.

How to hold a badminton racket

The grip is the foundation of every shot. A tight "frying pan" grip (racket face flat to the floor, palm on the back of the handle) is the most common beginner habit and it limits your power and reach.

Forehand grip

1. Hold the racket by the neck with your non-playing hand, racket face perpendicular to the floor (on its edge).
2. "Shake hands" with the handle: the V between your thumb and index finger sits on the top edge of the handle.
3. Wrap your fingers loosely, with a little space between the index and middle finger.
4. Keep the grip relaxed. Squeeze only at the moment of contact.

Backhand grip

From the forehand grip, rotate the racket slightly and place the pad of your thumb flat on the wide back bevel of the handle. The thumb pushes the racket through backhand shots.

The ready position

Between shots, return to a balanced ready position:

• Feet about shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent.
• Weight on the balls of your feet, not your heels.
• Racket up in front of your body, around chest height.
• Eyes on the shuttle and your opponent.

In singles, your "base" is roughly the center of the court, slightly behind the middle. Get back there after every shot.

Badminton footwork basics

Footwork is what separates beginners from intermediate players. You don't need fancy patterns to start, just a few habits:

• Split step: Make a small hop just as your opponent hits the shuttle, so you can push off in any direction.
• Lunge to the net: Step forward with your racket-side leg (right leg for right-handed players). Keep your back straight and let the front knee point the same way as your toes.
• Chassé to the back: Use side shuffle steps to move back, turning your body sideways so you're ready to hit overhead.
• Recover: Push back to the base after every shot.

A good warm-up before footwork drills is always worthwhile. If you have joint pain or an injury, check with a qualified professional before training.

The six core badminton shots

Serving

• Short serve: Usually backhand, a short push so the shuttle skims over the net and lands near the short service line.
• High serve: Forehand, an underarm swing that sends the shuttle high to the back line. Common in singles.

Remember the serving rules: hit the shuttle below 1.15 m from the floor, keep both feet on the ground, and use one continuous forward motion. See badminton rules for beginners for the full list.

Overhead shots: clear, drop and smash

All three use the same preparation, which is what makes them deceptive: turn sideways, racket up, non-racket arm pointing at the shuttle. The difference is in the contact:

• Clear: Full swing, hit upward and through.
• Drop: Same swing, but slow the racket down at contact.
• Smash: Contact further in front of you and hit downward.

How to hit a forehand clear in badminton

1. Get in position early. Move behind the shuttle with chassé steps so it will come down slightly in front of your racket shoulder.
2. Turn sideways. Point your non-racket shoulder toward the net and raise your non-racket arm toward the shuttle.
3. Prepare the racket. Use a relaxed forehand grip and bring the racket back behind your head, elbow up at around shoulder height.
4. Swing up and through. Push off your back foot, rotate your hips and shoulders, and extend your arm to hit the shuttle at the highest comfortable point.
5. Use your forearm, not just your wrist. Let your forearm rotate through the shot and squeeze the grip at contact for power.
6. Follow through and recover. Let the racket follow through across your body, then step back to your base position ready for the reply.

Net shots and drives

• Net shot: Reach with the racket in front and take the shuttle as high and as close to the net as you can. Use a gentle touch, letting the shuttle roll off the strings.
• Drive: Hold the racket in front at chest height and use short, punchy swings. Drives are essential in doubles; see badminton doubles strategy.

How to practice these techniques

• Shadow practice: Practice footwork and swings without a shuttle for a few minutes each session.
• Rally drills: Clear-to-clear, then clear-drop-net patterns with a partner.
• Multi-shuttle feeding: A partner throws or hits shuttles to one area while you repeat the same shot.
• Play short games: Games to 11 points give you more varied practice in less time. You can keep score with Kèo's free scorekeeper.

For a structured plan, read how to get better at badminton. The right equipment helps too; see choosing a badminton racket.

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