Overview
Coach Nia Tran from East Bay Badminton Association provides a beginner’s guide to proper grips, shot mechanics, footwork, and serves in badminton. Key techniques and tips for each fundamental skill are clearly outlined.
Grips and Hand Positions
- The forehand grip involves holding the racket as if shaking hands, forming a V with the hand.
- For the backhand grip, place the thumb on the flat side of the racket and the index finger below.
- Overhead backhand grip requires the thumb on the angled groove for power and direction.
Forehand and Backhand Shots
- Forehand overhead shot: Racket up, elbow bent, non-dominant arm in front, pivot, flick wrist, and follow through to the side.
- Overhead backhand shot: Elbow up, racket near left shoulder, extend out, pivot, snap wrist at contact, and follow through.
- Forehand underhand shot: Lock wrist, push body forward, snap wrist upward with racket head angled.
- Backhand underhand shot: Racket in front with grip locked, push forward, snap wrist, and maintain angle for forward trajectory.
Footwork Techniques
- Forehand net shot: Start left leg forward, lunge right, foot points in direction of motion for balance and safety.
- Backhand net shot: Step left then lunge right, feet aimed at direction, maintain body balance.
- Returning to base: Shuffle feet first before stepping back for quick recovery and readiness.
- Forehand/backhand side footwork: Begin with left foot, lunge with right, maintain directional foot placement, balance, and return by shuffling.
- Forehand backcourt: Step back with rear leg, shuffle, finish with weight on right leg, swing, and return to base.
- Backhand backcourt: Step with left, then right, shuffle, keep weight on right leg, hit, pivot, and recover.
Serving Techniques
- Backhand short serve: Stand near front baseline, right leg forward, backhand grip, birdie held by feather, smooth forward motion.
- Forehand short serve: Right foot back, racket face down, hold birdie by feather, drop birdie, contact below waist, and push forward.
- General serving tip: Aim for the white tape on the net for short serves.
- Forehand long serve: Forehand grip, right leg back, birdie in front, release birdie before swinging, hit in front for best timing and height.
- Backhand long serve: Right foot forward, racket angled, birdie in front, pull back wrist, swing forward quickly and powerfully.
Additional Information
- For more resources or to get involved, visit www.eastbaybon.com.