BADMINTON SHOTS EXPLAINED: “CLEAR, DRIVE, DROP, SMASH”
Master these 4 core shots and learn how to disguise passes and strokes.
Your opponent will find it difficult to predict your game strategy and match tactics.
As a rule, all shots played in badminton get termed as either offensive or defensive passes.
This guide explains the methodology behind four of the most popular of all badminton strokes.
Mastering these powerful shot returns with good badminton footwork will improve your game. Follow these four teaching points and take your game to the next level.
Teaching Badminton: Defensive Shots
1. Badminton Clear Shot
When you play the ‘badminton clear shot‘ the aim is to make contact with the shuttlecock using the middle of the racket head. If it’s played correctly, the shuttle should fly up high in the air. Often, you want it to land inside the back court markings of your opponent’s half.
The clear shot in badminton gets used most to buy more time and get into prime position. Thus, play the clear shot before you return to your neutral position and wait for the next return.
Strategic use of the badminton clear shot forces your opponent back to a defensive position. Use it most when they are near to their fore-court area close to the net.
2. Badminton Drive Shot
Try to think of the ‘badminton drive shot‘ as being a basic flat shot, passing low and direct over the net. Pros use this shot as a powerful, quick counter-attack and is not too difficult to execute.
There is one easy way to play the drive shot in badminton. Hold the racket with the head facing straight ahead and pointing at the target zone.
BWF badminton rules and regulations allow you to aim shots at your opponent’s body. The aim is to force them into an unnatural position.
It may also create a situation whereby they are unable to react and shift their body in time. You could force them into ducking the shot altogether.
Teaching Badminton: Offensive Shots
3. Badminton Drop Shot
Consider playing the ‘drop shot in badminton‘ when the shuttle is heading with danger towards you. Hit the shuttlecock powerfully and downwards towards your opponent’s fore-court. The aim is to send it as close to the top of the net as possible.
Try to deceive your opponent into thinking you are shooting a drive shot. But, use a little extra force to push the shuttle over the net instead.
The strategy behind the badminton drop shot is dummying your stroke. You might feign a clear or drive shot when your opponent is near to the back court area.
Try slicing the shuttlecock so it bounces nicely over the net from your mid-court. This advanced version will make the opponent dash forward if they are in the back of their half.
When the shuttle drops close to the net it is very hard to return it. Even so, this somewhat risky shot may cost you the rally if it does not cross the net.
4. Badminton Smash Shot
Pro players consider the ‘badminton smash shot‘ to be the best powerful shots in badminton. They often teach this as a drive shot which is also angled downwards. The badminton smash shot is best used at times when the returning shuttle is high in the air. It gives you an opportunity to play it angled downwards.
Let’s say the shuttle comes into your half from a high angle. There is usually enough time to arch your body and get into an attacking position for the strike.
Flick your wrist and aim the shuttle downwards in a steep gradient to a spot far away from your opponent. Hit it hard at the highest point of contact. Players often find the badminton smash shot very difficult to defend.
There are a few extra advanced teaching points in the badminton shots list. They include lifts, spinning shots, the jump smash shot, and net kills.