How to Hit an Overhead Clear Shot in Badminton

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.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Badminton Set

1. Get back, beneath and behind the shuttle, as it falls deep in your court.

2. Step your racquet foot back with most of your weight on it. Your non-racquet shoulder should point toward your target.

3. 

   Hold both arms up, with your racquet out behind you and your other arm out for balance.

4. 

   Bend your racquet arm at the elbow so that your racquet head is about shoulder height behind you. Your racquet hand should be near your ear.

5. 

   Start your swing by extending your arm while rotating to face your target. Keep your wrist cocked.

6. Snap your wrist to make contact with the shuttle, in front of your racket shoulder.

7. Hit with an open racket face, so the shuttle is fired high and deep into your opponent's court.

8. 

   Follow through, first by completely snapping your wrist and then letting your arm carry through the stroke.

9. Finish with your weight on your front foot.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid dropping the racquet too far back, into the "back scratch" position. This is too low, and will make your response too slow.

• Be careful not to hit a deep shot that is going out of your court - this is already your point, provided you let it fall. When in doubt, however, hit it.