Understand The Low Serve in Badminton

There are quite a few badminton serving rules and techniques and low serve is one of them. A low serve is a service where the shuttlecock is hit low over the net so that it drops close to the ground on the opponent’s side. A low serve is used to put pressure on the receiver as it is more difficult to attack a low-serving player.

Players can choose to serve low to the backhand or forehand of their opponents. Low serves can be used to surprise opponents who are expecting a higher serve.

When executed properly, a low serve is a very effective tool in badminton. It can help players win points and put pressure on their opponents. If you are looking to improve your badminton game, then learning a low serve is extremely important.

How to Execute a Low Serve in Badminton?

When playing badminton, it’s important to learn this skill. Let’s understand how:

• The first thing is where you hold the racket from. You have to hold the racket a bit from the upper side of the handle and NOT from the usual bottom.

• Hold the shuttlecock near the bottom and hit it with an underhand motion. This will send the shuttlecock sailing over the net at a low angle.
• Hit the shuttle bit gently from the upper side of the racket as it will generate less power and hence shuttle will not travel far.

Another way to perform a low serve is to flick your wrist as you hit the shuttlecock. This will make the shuttlecock spin and drop quickly, making it difficult for your opponent to return the shot.

Lastly, you can also try a backhand low serve. To do this, hold the shuttlecock in your non-dominant hand and swing your racket backhanded. This will give the shuttlecock extra spin and make it drop quickly after it crosses the net.

It doesn’t matter which method you use, always keep your eye on the shuttlecock and hit.

Two Most Important Benefits of a Low Serve

• A low serve is more difficult to return and forces your opponent to the back of the court where they are at a disadvantage.
• In addition, a low serve makes it more difficult for your opponent to predict where your next shot will go. It could make your opponent hesitate in their return, giving you an opportunity to take control of the rally.

The low serve may not be the most glamorous shot, but it can give you the winning edge.

Common Mistakes

One of the most common mistakes is not hitting the shuttlecock low enough. The shuttlecock must barely clear the net, and if it doesn’t, your opponent will have an easy putaway.

Another common mistake is not hitting the shuttlecock in the proper direction. When serving low, you should aim for the front corner of your opponent’s court. If you hit it too close to your opponent or too far into their court, he/she will be able to easily control the shot in return.