Just as baseball has different types of pitches, badminton has various shots. By using a variety of shots, you can strategically guide your opponent, tire them out, or force them into making mistakes. So, what kind of shots are there? Let’s explain them here.
For beginners, start by learning how to do a Clear, Drop, Hairpin, and Lob!
At the end of this page, I will link a video that explains the basic shots. Be sure to check it out!
The basic badminton strokes are essential techniques used to adapt to different situations and are a crucial part of the game. Below is an explanation of the main strokes and their characteristics.
Basic Badminton Strokes
Clear
There are two types: Attacking Clear and Defensive Clear.
A clear is a stroke that sends the shuttle high and deep into the opponent’s backcourt.
The attacking clear is used to quickly send the shuttle to the opponent’s backcourt, preventing them from launching an attack. The defensive clear is a higher shot that gives the player time to recover and prepare for the next play.
Drop
A shot that drops the shuttle close to the net.
It is effective when your opponent is in the backcourt or when you want to bring them closer to the net.
By controlling the speed, the shuttle should fall just over the net.
Smash
The most aggressive stroke, where the shuttle is hit sharply down into the opponent’s court.
It’s a shot aimed at scoring directly without giving the opponent time to react. It’s typically hit from a high position with a lot of power directed downwards.
Speed and power are essential, making body movement and timing crucial.
Drive
A flat, fast shot hit close to the net.
It is used to make the opponent react quickly and is an attacking shot that flies in a straight, low trajectory.
It is especially effective in doubles and is used to maintain fast-paced rallies.
Hairpin
A gentle shot that lifts the shuttle close to the net and drops it near the opponent’s net.
This stroke pulls the opponent closer to the net, setting up the next attacking opportunity.
It requires delicate and precise control.
Push
A light shot pushed into the opponent’s court from near the net.
When the shuttle falls near the net, it is quickly and gently pushed into an open space in the opponent’s court.
This stroke is often used in doubles.
Lob
A defensive shot where the shuttle is lifted high from the front of the net to the opponent’s backcourt.
It is used to defend against an opponent’s attack and send the shuttle to a safer position.
By mastering these basic strokes and using them effectively, you can expand your strategic options in badminton and create more opportunities to score points.