7 Important Fundamental Skills of Badminton

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, mastering the fundamental skills of badminton is essential for improving your game. In this blog, we will cover the basic skills that every badminton player should know, including proper grip, footwork, and shot technique.

By understanding and practicing these fundamental skills, you will be able to take your badminton game to the next level. So, grab your racket, and let’s get started!

1) Grip

How to grip a Badminton Racket correctly? This is the first and most important skill that you should understand. The grip is the way you hold the racket and it plays a crucial role in achieving control of shots while avoiding injuries. There are 2 primary types of badminton racket grips that are explained below:

• Backhand Grip: A proper backhand grip is when the base knuckle of your index finger is placed on the top of the racket handle, while your thumb and middle finger are wrapped around the handle. This grip allows for a more relaxed and flexible wrist movement, which is essential for executing backhand shots.
• Forehand Grip: A proper forehand grip, on the other hand, is when the base knuckle of your index finger is placed on the side of the racket handle, while your thumb and middle finger are wrapped around the handle. This grip provides more power and control for forehand shots.

It’s important to note that holding a racket should feel similar to a friendly handshake. Avoid gripping the handle too tightly as it can lead to wrist injuries in the long term. It is also important to experiment and find the grip that feels most comfortable for you.

2) Stance

Stance is another fundamental skill in badminton that is essential for maintaining balance and control while playing. 

There are three main stances in badminton: the attack stance, the defence stance, and the net stance.

• The attack stance is used when you are trying to hit a powerful shot. It is characterized by a wide and low base, with your feet positioned slightly more than shoulder-width apart. This stance allows you to generate maximum power for your shots and to move quickly to the next shot.

• The defensive stance is essential for returning powerful shots hit by your opponent. When defending against a smash, it is important to be prepared with the correct stance. To set up a defensive stance, face your body towards the net and place your racket in front of your waist at a height that is slightly pointing forward. This positioning allows you to react quickly to the incoming shot and to generate power for your return shot. Additionally, keeping your non-racket arm comfortable and in a neutral position will help you maintain a better balance.

• The net stance is used when you are playing at the net. It is characterized by a narrow and low base, with your feet positioned close together. This stance allows you to move quickly and react quickly to the incoming shot. It also enables you to play shots like net shots and drop shots effectively.

3) Footwork

When it comes to playing badminton, space is limited on the court and it’s important for athletes to make the most of every move they make. That’s where proper footwork comes in – it’s crucial for an effective and organized game.

To improve your skills, it’s important to learn the essential badminton footwork techniques, such as the sideways shuffle, lunge, and jump smash. In fact, some coaches even consider footwork to be more important than other skills.

Here are some tips for mastering your footwork on the court:

• Always remember your starting point. This is where you’ll want to return to after each shot, so it’s important to have a clear understanding of where you are on the court.
• Be mindful of how far you’re moving backward. You don’t want to go too far back, as it will take longer to get back into position for the next shot. Aim to move only 2-3 steps backward.
• When shuffling sidewards, stick to just one step. This will help you stay in control and maintain your balance.
• And finally, when moving forward, stick to 2-3 steps. This will give you enough room to set up for your next shot without overexerting yourself.

4) Serve

When it comes to playing badminton, one of the most important skills to master is your service game. Not only do you need to have a good technique, but you also need to make sure that your service is legal in order to avoid penalty points. To help you with this, let’s take a look at the different types of service in badminton and the rules and dimensions you should be aware of.

There are two main types of service in badminton: the high serve and the low serve.

• The high serve is aimed at the back-end corner of your opponent’s court and is typically used against players who have a strong smash. The idea is to make the shuttle drop steeply downwards at the back of the court, and you can expect your opponent to reply with a lob or a drop shot. It’s often recommended to aim the high serve at your opponent’s backhand area, as this is typically the weaker side for many players.
• The low serve, on the other hand, is aimed at the front of the court. The idea is to let the shuttle fly just above the net, landing in the front corner of the court. This type of service can be risky, as your opponent will have the opportunity to dash forward and smash the shuttle back at you if your execution isn’t good.

5) Smash

When it comes to the game, the smash is the king of all strokes. It’s the one that everyone knows and wants to master. A smash is when you hit the shuttle with a lot of force, usually toward your opponent’s body or down to the ground. When executed perfectly, it’s almost impossible to defend against. But, as we all know, mastering the smash is not easy. It requires a combination of aggression and technical skill.

There are three types of smashes:

• The Forehand
• The Backhand
• The Jumping Smash

Each one has its own unique technique and requires different skills to execute. The forehand smash is when you hit the shuttle with your racket on the same side as your dominant hand. The backhand smash is the opposite, where you hit the shuttle with your racket on the opposite side of your dominant hand. And the jumping smash is when you jump and hit the shuttle while you’re in the air.

6) Drop Shot

Drop shots in badminton are a tricky thing to master. They’re not as simple as just hitting the shuttlecock gently over the net, but they’re a great way to score points and deceive your opponent.

To execute a drop shot properly, you need to use both your backhand and forehand. The goal is to move your opponent to the front of the court, which creates space for you to take advantage of in the middle and back of the court. Depending on the situation, you can use a slow drop shot or a fast one.

When you’re first learning how to do drop shots, it can be frustrating. But once you get the hang of it, it’s a skill that can take your badminton game to the next level. If you’re an intermediate player and you can master the drop shot, you’ll be well on your way to becoming an expert.

7) Lob shot

The lob shot in badminton is a pretty cool move to master. Imagine you’re hitting the shuttle in an upside-down “U” shape, lifting it over your opponent’s head. The goal is to land it as close to the backline as possible, in a spot where they can’t easily hit it back. It’s a great way to create space in the front and middle of the court, giving you more opportunities to score.

You can do a lob shot with either your backhand or forehand. It’s a basic skill that you can learn through practice, even if you’re not taking the coaching. It’s a great tool to have in your badminton arsenal, especially if you’re looking to mix up your game and keep your opponent on their toes. So, give it a try and see how it can give you an edge in your next match.