How to Do Footwork in Badminton

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 position, can make all the difference in your game. It gets you in position to hit either a forehand or a backhand shot.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Get the basic pattern of the side move. It's a quick two-step move and extension in either direction. This drill assumes you're right handed, but if you're left handed, just reverse right and left.

2. Take the basic stance at mid-court, facing the net with your weight on the balls of your feet about shoulder width apart and your knees slightly bent.

3. Move to your right by crossing your left foot over in front of your right, then push off your left foot and bring your right foot forward and out to the side in a big lunging step motion.

4. Extend your upper body out over your right knee as you plant your right foot and fully extend your racket and arm to the right at about eye level and parallel to the ground. Keep your eyes on the net.

5. Return to the starting position at mid-court by making quick shuffle steps back to the left. Keep facing the net with your eyes forward.

6. Cross your right foot over your left to begin the side move to your left. When you plant your left foot, turn your body so your back is toward the net and push off to take a big lunging step with your right foot. Turn your head to face the net.

7. Lean your upper body over your right knee and fully extend your arm and racket to the left at eye level in the backhand shot position. Return to mid-court with quick shuffle steps, keeping your eyes on the net throughout the drill.

Tips & Warnings

• This drill is also good as a warm up before you play and a good conditioning drill to increase stamina and agility.

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