Badminton is a fast-paced sport that is dependent on stamina and footwork. Though these qualities matter in the game, there is also another aspect of the game, which involves the practice of different shots. Each stroke has its own purpose, whereas some help you to attack, some defend, and others help you to outsmart your opponent, keeping the rally alive.
Learning these shots helps you perform well in the game. So are you interested to learn more about these shots? If yes, then let's travel through the blog to know more where I have shared about the different types of badminton shots to master to become stronger and smarter on the badminton court.
Different Types of Badminton Shots
The Clear Shot
The clear shot is one of the fundamental badminton shots that pushes your opponent to the back of their court, where you can gain time to reset your position. Mostly, famous badminton players use this shot when they need time to get back to the baseline before the next return, or even if they don't have a clear opportunity to kill and win the point. The clear shot can also be used as an attacking shot, and take an advantage. Also, see to it that you don't overexert your power in the power shots, as you might risk striking out of the court too often.
In the clear shot, you hit the shuttle high and deep enough to push the opponent towards the back of their court. Mostly, it is used when you are under pressure and you need more time to settle into the field.
The Drop Shot
The drop shots, we can say, are the complete opposite of the clear shots. Unlike in the clear shots where you aim to push your opponent to the back of the court, here in the drop shots, you have to hit the shuttle in the way that it falls just in front of the court, i.e, behind the net. The drop shot is a shot that pushes your opponent to rush forward. The trick is, the closer the shuttle drops near the net, the more difficult it would be to reverse the shot back. However, the drop shots are classified as slow drop shots and fast drop shots.
Here in the drop shots, you pretend to hit a smash, but instead you pull back on your racket power before contact with the shuttles. To play the drop shot, you have to gently guide the shuttle so it lands close to the net on your opponent's side. Most people aim for a drop shot after they've hit a smash or a clear, i.e, when the player is at the back of the court. In short, the shot is useful in confusing the readers and outsmarting your opponent.
The Smash Shot
The smash shot is considered the most powerful shot in badminton, and is also colloquially known as the 'finishing shot'. It is an attacking stroke that is designed especially to finish the rally with speed and power. The smash shot is also known as the drive angled downwards. It can be used when the shuttle is high in the air and can be bent downwards. Well, there are two different versions of the drop shots: the standing smash and the jump smash.
The reason why most players learn how to smash is for power over control or where the shuttle goes. To go on well with the smash shot, all you have to do is hit the shuttle sharply downward into your opponent's court with maximum force. Mostly, the smashes are hit when the shuttle is high above the net, and you have an opportunity to attack your opponent. To make a smash, make a slight jump to gain angle and power, then snap your wrist at the point of contact. Aim at the weaker spots, like your opponent's backhand side.
The Drive Shot
The drive shot is a flat shot that travels across the court just above the net level. It is a very effective shot to keep the rally fast-paced. It is a counter-attacking shot which is very powerful and quick. You have to keep your head held straight, facing ahead. The shot is aimed at your opponent, who will be unable to shift his body in time and will miss the shot. However, the drive shot can be classified into two shots: the forehand and the backhand drive.
The drive shots hit the shuttle horizontally with short, sharp wrist action. Mostly, drives are hit in doubles play to put pressure on opponents, or during rallies when you want to keep the shuttle low.
The Net Shot
The net shot is a soft, controlled stroke played close to the net, designed to tumble the shuttle over to your opponent's side. It requires precision and good touch. However, to hit the net shot, you have to use a gentle push or tap so the shuttle just crosses the net and drops quickly. When you're near the net and want to force your opponent to lift the shuttle, it sets you up for a smash.
Frequently Asked Questions About Different Types of Badminton Shots
What Are the Tips to Improve Your Badminton Shots?
Practise regularly, focus on footwork, work on your grip, train with drills, and stay relaxed. There are chances for you to suffer from badminton injuries if you don't follow.
Which Badminton Shot Is Best for Beginners?
The clear shot is the easiest for beginners to learn. It teaches you control and helps you understand court movement.
What Is the Hardest Badminton Shot to Master?
Many players find the net shot difficult because it requires control, timing, and a delicate touch.
Badminton is a game of speed, and smart shot-making. By learning these different types of badminton shots, the clear, drop, smash, drive, and net shot, you'll add variety to your game and become a more complete player.
Turf Town is a platform to discover the best playing grounds near you. You can also join a group of people who share your interest in the game. The app is available for both Android and iOS users.
Thank you!