If you are playing singles, stand 2–3 ft (0. 61–0. 91 m) behind the short service line, which is the line closest to the net. If you’re playing doubles, stand 2–3 ft (0. 61–0. 91 m) behind the inside back line. This isn’t the very back line, but the next one in.
Your serve will only be in if it lands in the diagonally-opposite side of the court. If your score is an odd number, serve from the left service court.
The rules also state that you should not drag your foot along the ground during the serve, although you can pivot.
Your last 2 fingers should be wrapped around the racket’s handle. Leave a space between all of your fingers to ensure you’re not gripping the racket too tightly.
You’ll hold the racket in your dominant hand, and the shuttle in your non-dominant hand.
Hold your other fingers straight out so you don’t accidentally hit them with the edge of the racket.
Most serves in badminton are more about pushing the shuttle gently rather than hitting it as hard as you can.
While the majority of your serves will probably be low serves, don’t forget to change them up so your opponent doesn’t know what to expect.
It can be difficult to learn the timing of a high serve, so make sure you wait a moment to allow the shuttle to drop into the path of your racket. [12] X Research source Aim for the ceiling, rather than back of the court. This will help your serve stay in bounds. A high serve is the only serve which must be performed as a forehand swing.
Push your thumb in the direction you want the shuttle to land to control the direction of your swing. The movement in your swing should be mostly forward, rather than upward.
Players with less skill often can’t hit a drive, but if you’re playing against a skilled opponent, a drive serve can be a risky gamble, because if they hit it back, they’re likely to score a point. Try to hit the shuttle forward rather than upward, so it doesn’t go out of bounds.
If you’re right-handed, turn your hand counterclockwise. If you’re left-handed, turn your hand clockwise.
Hold the racket out and pointing downward to give yourself enough room to hit the shuttle.
Since you’re not dropping the shuttle, be sure you’re holding it below the line of your waist. It’s okay if the shuttle is touching the racket strings.
You don’t want the shuttle to fall, so it’s important to hold it until the last second. If you don’t add any extra power or wrist movements, a basic backhand hit will be a low serve.
Flick serves are most effective when they’re used sparingly so they catch your opponent off guard. Try to make it look as much like a low serve as possible. [20] X Research source
There are certain rules prohibiting certain drive shots, like S-curves. Stand at very front of court for a drive swing, and use a short, sharp swing to avoid breaking these rules. [22] X Research source
