How to Do a Short Serve with Forehand Position in Badminton

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 if he does, he'll often hit into the net. Either way, you get the point.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Take your stance with your shoulders and body slightly turned, with your racket side foot back and the heel raised. Your other foot is forward. Put your weight on your front foot, and keep your feet about shoulder width apart.

2. Grip the racket with your fingers to the front and your thumb on top. Hold your racket down and back with your arm extended and the face of the racket square with the net.

3. Hold the bird by the feathers between your thumb and index finger out away from you and slightly in front of your body just below waist level. Don't drop the bird onto the racket, but let the racket come up to meet it. This makes for a softer shot that will just clear the net.

4. Swing the racket up in an arc from low to high, catching the bird just around waist level and taking it out of your fingers. Continue the swing to about your chest level, like a smooth little swat, but don't follow through. This gives the bird quick acceleration that dies out just past the net.

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