How to Get Better at Badminton: 5 Great Tips to Improve
Last updated on December 30th, 2023 at 11:43 am
Everyone wants to master their favourite sport, and badminton is no exception. I know I want to know how to get better at badminton, and so do you! We will be delving deep into the world of shuttles and rackets, breaking down the mystical art of badminton into digestible tips and drills for beginners and advanced players alike.
Mastering badminton is like any sport; it can be challenging to learn, but boy, is it fun when you finally get the hang of it! It’s a dance, a duel, and a chess game all rolled into one. So whether you’re an ambitious newbie or a seasoned player looking to brush up your skills, stay tuned because we’re about to embark on an exciting journey.
Make sure you have all you need to play, a great badminton racket and a shuttle. A court and a partner would also be great, but sometimes you want to train alone in your yard. That’s fine! I’ve got some tricks and tips here on how to get better at badminton in any scenario.
Grab your racket and let’s dive into some top-notch badminton tips for beginners that will help you swing your way to victory.
How to Get Better at Badminton: Badminton Tricks to Win
Racket Control
Now that we’ve set the stage, let’s take a look at our first trick: mastering your racquet. A little something I’ve learned from my years of playing is that familiarity breeds success. So, spend some quality time with your racquet. Twirl it, flip it, spin it. Practice transitioning from a backhand grip to a forehand grip and vice versa.
Practising this outside the court might earn you some curious glances from others, but when someone is familiar with their racket on the court, you can really tell. Letting your racket be an extension of your arm in this way can really improve your hand-eye coordination.
Shuttle Control
Next up, let’s talk about shuttle control. A better understanding of how the shuttle works against the racket and the air is crucial if you’re wondering how to get better at badminton as a beginner. A simple trick that goes a long way in improving your game is juggling the shuttle with your racquet.
This drill not only helps you get a feel for the shuttle but also enhances your hand-eye coordination. Start with easy flips, then, as you get the hang of it, challenge yourself by reducing the height and increasing the frequency of your juggles.
Movement around the court
The third tip is to practice your lunges. This might sound more like a gym routine, but trust me, it’s a game-changer. Lunges help improve your reach and speed on the court and significantly reduce the risk of injuries. Start off slow and small, then gradually increase the intensity and length of your strides. A good lunge can often be the difference between a missed shot and a killer return. This will also help to defend against those annoying drop shots.
Another fun yet challenging practice technique is playing against a wall. This old-school method is fantastic for improving your reflexes and ball sense. Start with slow, controlled hits, then ramp up the speed as you get comfortable. Try setting personal records for the number of continuous hits – it’s fun and adds an element of competition to your practice.
Equipment
When discussing how to get better at badminton, we can’t gloss over the importance of the right equipment. Regardless of whether you’re a novice or a seasoned player, your equipment can greatly influence your game.
The racket is, undoubtedly, your primary tool on the court. Each player’s style is different, so there isn’t a one-size-fits-all racket. The perfect racket for you depends on your style of play, strength, and skill level. For instance, a head-heavy racket could be a good fit for you if you’re an aggressive player with strong smashes. On the other hand, if you’re a beginner or favour quick, defensive play, a head-light or balanced racket might be more appropriate.
Lastly, never underestimate the importance of suitable shoes. A good pair of badminton shoes provide ample cushioning, grip, and lateral support – enabling you to move swiftly and safely across the court.
As with any sport, the right equipment doesn’t instantly make you a better player. However, combined with proper training and technique, it can certainly enhance your performance and help elevate your game.
Shot Placement
This topic is in my opinion, the biggest decider of skill in badminton.
Shot placement is a fundamental strategy that can make or break your game in badminton. When we talk about how to get better at badminton, shot placement is an aspect of the game that deserves a great deal of focus and practice. Why, you ask? Well, it’s simple – smart shot placement can put your opponent on the defensive, throw them off their rhythm, and create opportunities for you to control the game.
You can broadly divide the badminton court into four main quadrants – your opponent’s left and right forehand and backhand areas. Each quadrant offers a unique opportunity to exploit the opponent’s weaknesses. For instance, the backhand area, especially at the back of the court, is often a weak spot for many players. Hence, a well-placed shot there can earn you some easy points.
Aim for the extremes when it comes to shot placement. Whether it’s a smash, drop, or lob, try to place your shots as near to the lines as possible. While you might miss a few initially, with practice, this can become a powerful tool in your arsenal.
Moving your opponent around the court is another crucial aspect of shot placement. By forcing your opponent to move back and forth or side to side, you can tire them out, making it easier for you to score. Moreover, keeping your opponent guessing about your next shot placement can add a psychological edge to your game.
When playing singles, a common strategy is to direct shots towards the sidelines. This forces the opponent to move greater distances. In contrast, when playing doubles, aim to place your shots between your opponents, as it often causes confusion and can lead to missed returns.
Understanding and practising shot placement also involves mastering different strokes. The clear shot is excellent for pushing your opponent to the rear court, the drop shot brings them scrambling to the net, or an aggressive attacking shot that can finish the rally like the smash if it is executed well.
Remember, effective shot placement is not just about hitting the shuttle where your opponent isn’t. It’s about anticipation, understanding your opponent’s playing style, and using your shots to dictate the flow of the match. Like a chess player, always think a few steps ahead. The more you practice, the more you’ll start seeing patterns and opportunities for the perfect shot.
Backhand
If you’re exploring ways how to get better at badminton, mastering the backhand technique is an absolute necessity. The backhand shot, especially from the rear court, is often considered the Achilles heel of many badminton players – both beginners and experienced ones.
The power and precision of your backhand stroke come from a blend of wrist action, correct grip, and perfect timing. It’s vital to remember that generating power in your backhand doesn’t stem from your arm’s strength alone. Instead, it’s more about the snap of the wrist and forearm rotation. A common mistake that beginners make is to hold the racket too tightly. A relaxed grip allows more flexibility and helps produce a more fluid stroke.
One great way to improve your backhand is to constantly practice. You can ask a friend to help you by sending shuttles to your backhand side, and your goal is to consistently return them. Try practising both high and low shots to diversify your backhand skill set.
Finally, do not forget the importance of footwork. Quick, efficient movement enables you to position yourself better for a backhand shot, which significantly impacts the quality of your return.
Incorporating these techniques in your training, along with constant practice, can help you significantly improve your backhand and overall badminton skills.
