Badminton

Badminton shuttlecocks can zip through the air at a lightning 200 miles per hour. Here's how to set up a regulation-size court so you won't get left in the dust.

Badminton is a sport that's enjoyed everywhere from backyard picnics to international competitions, including the Olympics. Your level of competitiveness will determine the type of set you need.

Before you begin using the proper badminton swings, follow these steps to learn how to hold your racket. Using both the forehand and backhand grips, and being able to switch easily from one to the...

In badminton, you'll always need to start in your ready position and quickly return to it after every shot.

The importance of good footwork in badminton cannot be emphasized enough - it is the foundation of every shot you make and underlies the effectiveness of your overall strategy.

Use the backhand swing for all badminton shots on the nonracket side of your body. Practice hitting your backhand as well as your forehand for a balanced game.

The backhand overhead clear is one of the most difficult shots in badminton. However, if used properly it can be an extremely effective weapon against deep shots to your weak side.

Primarily utilized after a high serve or a clear shot, the drop shot should just barely clear the net. It is most effective when disguised as an overhead clear.

Catch the shuttle late and low, barely hitting it so that it just clears the net - it should land too short for your opponent to get to. This is particularly useful when your opponent is expecting...

The smash is the most powerful offensive shot in badminton. Fire the shuttlecock with all the force you can muster, so that it hits the floor before your opponent can reach it.

One of the most common hits in badminton is the drive shot, which drives the shuttle parallel to the ground and close to the net.

When your offense suddenly turns to defense, use the block to defend your court, without giving up your offensive position.

The restrictions on serving afford the server only a minor advantage from the serve. Knowing the right service return offers you the chance to gain the advantage right back.

In singles, each player must cover the entire court. Try to make your opponent run all over the court until he or she is out of position.

The most important aspect of playing badminton doubles is coordination with your partner.

Use the following method to score your badminton games and matches.

Use the overhead forehand swing when the shuttle is coming from a high trajectory, such a deep serve or a clear shot.

Use the underhand forehand for shots that are low and in front of you.

The overhead clear shot is the primary return for a deep serve or deep clear from your opponent. Return the shuttlecock high and deep, which will allow you time to set up for your next shot.

The clear shot is similar to the lob shot in other racket sports. The shuttle flies high and deep into your opponent's court, giving you time to get back into your ready position. It's especially...

The most common serve in singles badminton is the high, deep serve. The higher and deeper you can serve the shuttle, the more difficult it is to return.

The low, short serve is the most commonly used serve in doubles. It can also be used in singles, when your opponent is not expecting it.

The drive serve is a hard, flat serve. It should be used only occasionally, to capitalize on the element of surprise.

A difficult but deadly doubles serve, the flick serve is most effective when disguised as a simple backhand serve.

The backhand serve is good, safe serve, and is used most often in doubles.

It is important that every serve in badminton be legal. Watch your opponent's serve closely, and don't hesitate to call a service fault if you see one.

As with most sports, in badminton there is an unwritten etiquette that should always be observed on the court.

Badminton is an exciting, indoor or outdoor, racquet sport you can play with some friends or play competitively through a club. Check out the basics right here, then read further to improve your...

In a sport like badminton, a racket with the right grip, balance, string tension and weight can provide a player with that extra power and control needed to be a champion. Here's some tips to help...

Badminton is a game where you volley a shuttlecock back and forth over a net. A shuttlecock is either made with a feather tail and cork tip or plastic tail with a rubber tip. You play on a court,...

Badminton is a fun sport. As a 10 years veteran badminton player, I would try to give you some easy steps to win in a badminton match!

The deep clear is one of the fundamental shots of badminton. Along with the drive, the drop shot and the overhead smash, the deep clear is a shot you should be able to hit with confidence and...

Drop shots in badminton are very delicate and can help you earn points to win the game. If you execute them well and at the right moment your opponent will never see them coming and will be...

A badminton player who has mastered all the strokes but who is flat footed and unable to move around the court will be at the mercy of opponents who are more nimble on their feet. Here are some...

Buying the right badminton set depends on how serious you are about the sport. If you are interested in a badminton set simply for afternoon fun in the backyard, your criteria for selection will...

Selecting the best badminton racket depends on what type of badminton player you are. If you prefer pure power to careful control and placement, you will want a particular type of racket....

Just as in tennis, your serve can provide the key to winning in badminton. This is the one time you control where the birdie will fly, so take advantage of it and hone that serve for precision and...

Badminton footwear is arguably the most important gear for a badminton match. If your feet are uncomfortable or you don't have the proper shoes, you won't be at your best. Good shoes can improve...

Mastering the perfect swing can allow you greater control and power while playing badminton. The ideal badminton swing requires proper body position, correct racket grip and movement, and full...

Receiving the drop shot in badminton means getting to the forecourt quickly to return a short volley from your opponent. Your opponent's strategy with this shot is to get you off balance and drop...

The backhand flick serve is a short quick serve designed to throw your opponent off guard and force her into an awkward position to either miss the shuttlecock completely or return a weak shot to...

Learning proper footwork is the foundation to becoming a good badminton player. Being agile enough to move quickly from side to side, while keeping your eye on the shuttlecock and your opponent's...

The long forehand serve is a powerful stroke that gets the shuttlecock high and deep into your opponent's back court. This shot keeps the opposing player from moving up on you too quickly during...

Hitting a short backhand serve is an effective way to play aggressive badminton. It puts the shuttlecock in your opponent's forecourt, forcing her to run to return it. At the same time, it allows...

Hitting a short forehand serve gets the shuttlecock to skim just over the net and drops it in your opponent's forecourt. When it's done right, your opponent won't have time to get to it, and even...

As the goal of badminton is to hit the shuttlecock over the net, knowing how to complete this action is important to the game. Like other games, practice is an important element in learning to hit...

A firm underhand swing is often used to get the shuttlecock up and behind an opponent who is playing in close to the net. It can send her scrambling back toward the base line for a difficult...

Part of learning how to play badminton is learning how to grip the racket in the proper manner. Beginners need the basics, so use the following as your basic guide to learn how to grip a racket in...

People enjoy playing badminton for recreation. However, you can also play this sport competitively in tournaments. Whether you play for fun or competition, you should make stretching part of your...

Badminton is an enjoyable sport for people of all ages. However, in order to have success from the beginning, you must perfect your stance. Once you learn this technique, you can start each game...