Republic of the Philippines

Cagayan State University

www.csu.edu.ph

Skills in playing Badminton

• How to hold a racket?

A friendly handshake is all it takes to handle a racket properly. Consider the
racket's handle like a hand reaching out to shake yours. Hold the racket in your
hand as if you were shaking someone's hand. Consider the racket's handle like
a hand reaching out to shake yours. Hold the racket in your hand as if you
were shaking someone's hand.
The thumb should be comfortably positioned against one of the wider
edges of the racket's handle, and the rest of your hand should be holding the
racket as if shaking someone's hand.

• Types of grips in badminton.

The swing motion of our racket arm is referred to as a stroke. It's not even
a shot. Any badminton shot's (clear, smash, and drop shots) is proportional to
how well you can execute your stroke.
Categorically, there are only 2 basic strokes. These 2 strokes require proper
grip on the handle. The forehand grip and backhand grip look almost the same.
The difference – the placement of your fingers. In the forehand grip, the player’s
thumb does not necessarily have to press against the wider surface of the
badminton handle for a forehand stroke. While for backhand grip requires the
player’s thumb to be positioned against the wider surface of the badminton
handle. (It's important not to grip your racket too tightly. Relax your muscles and
softly grip your racket. It will be much easier to transition between the two grips
if you do this.)
 Republic of the Philippines
Cagayan State University
www.csu.edu.ph

• Types of strokes in playing.

Swinging of the racket from the racket arm’s side of your body with your
palm moving first is called forehand stroke while swinging from the free arm’s side
of your body is the backhand stroke. These 2 strokes can be further divided into:

a. Overhead forehand stroke- This is perhaps the most frequent badminton

stroke, and many beginners find it easy to use, even for stronger
badminton shots. This is the stroke that usually generates the most power.
Moreover, this stroke requires forehand grip.

b. Underarm forehand stroke - This stroke does not require a lot of strength. A
quality shot can be produced with a light swing combined with the
correct technique. The underarm forehand stroke requires a forehand
grip.

c. Overhead backhand stroke – This stroke is similar to an overhead stroke;

the only difference is the swinging of the racket. The player should swing his
racket from across his body taking a full swing. For most players, this stroke
is their weakest besides it demands a backhand grip.

d. Underarm backhand stroke - In contrast to other badminton strokes, the

underarm backhand stroke is quite easy to execute. It is usually
performed when the opponent tries to make a drop shot to your free
hand area in the front court. Moreover, this stroke also requires
backhand grip to the player.
 Republic of the Philippines
Cagayan State University
www.csu.edu.ph

Once you've learned these fundamental strokes, you'll be able to use

them to strike a variety of badminton shots (Smash shot, clear shot and drop
shot).

• Clear shot - A high shot which usually targets the back alley allowing
more time for the player to recover.

• Drop shot – A deceptive move used to trick the opponent/s, believing

you are going to execute a clear or a smash and often targets
forecourt.

• Smash shot – It is a powerful stroke fired from a high point straight

downwards your opponents’ court.