Attacking and Defending Skills for Badminton

High Serve

To begin rally by pushing opponent to rear of the court. 

Whipping action, forehand relaxed and transferring your weight from back foot to front foot.

The back of the tram lines = out.

This is a defensive shot.

Low Serve

To begin rally by drawing opponent to the front of the court. 

Pushing action, forehand or backhand relaxed grip.

This is an attacking shot.

Net Tumble 

Attacking shot used to draw opponent to front of the court to open space behind. 

Take shuttle early to execute a fast reply and put opponent under pressure.

Short grip on racquet handle for extra control. Lunge with racquet for maximum reach.

Net Kill

Attacking shot to finish the rally. Played into space or directly at opponent’s body to make it difficult to return.

Take shuttle early to execute a fast reply and put opponent under pressure. Short grip on racquet handle for extra control. Lunge with racquet leg for maximum reach. 

Short swing so as not to hit the net.

Clear

Generally a defensive shot played to rear court high and long to gain time to return to base. Also to maneuver opposition to the rear so that he can then be moved to the front and put under pressure. 

"Bow and Arrow" approach to the shot. Throw racquet head at shuttle. Keep elbow up for maximum power and disguise. Take shuttle high and in front of you. 

Smash

Attacking shot played to finish rally when shuttle is half court or full court. 

Bring wrist over in a downward direction at last minute. Keep elbow up for maximum power.

Drop

Attacking or defending depending on the circumstance. Attacking is opponent is in the rear court and is unable to reach the front. Defending if you are out of position and a drop shot is all you can play.

Bring wrist over in a downward direction at the last minute but softer movement than a smash. Keep elbow up for maximum power. 

Block

Defensive shot used to get back at a smash.

Defending with a backhand grip is generally considered to be easier as it allows for great movement of racquet head. Angle to shuttle away from the opponent if possible. Aim to keep the shuttle as low as possible over the net.

Grip

Technical 

Footwork

Technical