Badminton is an enjoyable sport. With some of these tips, you will be dominating your opponents.
Step 1
Try to make your opponent move around the court, don't just hit towards them.
Step 2
Don't let your opponent anticipate your next shot. This includes power, direction, or even the kind of shot.
Step 3
Try to alternate where you hit, most players will have trouble predicting what you will do next.
Step 4
When the person you're facing hits the shuttle straight at you, hit it to the side opposite with the hand that he is holding the racket. This is a common but useful technique.
Step 5
Don't return anything awkwardly; for example you shouldn't have to twist your shoulder to return a shot.
Step 6
An effective technique is sending your opponent to the back corner of the court. After they return, do a drop shot. It takes practice as you have to have decent long and drop shots, but this is a killer technique if you done well.
Step 7
Hit the shuttle in the highest position. Don't wait for the shuttle come close you.
Step 8
If you are not sure where to place the shuttle try to hit it to the baseline. This will buy you time to think.
Step 9
If you are playing doubles, serve short.
Step 10
If you are playing singles serve far.
Step 11
Serve with variety and unpredictability, such is the way to deceive an opponent.
Step 12
For singles, always return close to the middle of the court after you hit the shuttle.
Step 13
For doubles, return to the appropriate position. If you are on the offensive, return to the front/back; if you are on the defensive, return to your appropriate side.
Tips
- Don't just whack it back to your opponent. Try a variety of shots, especially if your opponent is far back.
- If your opponent tips it over the net and runs back tip it over. It will be hard for him to reverse direction. If he doesn't run back hit a baseline lift.
- Aim for the four corners of the opposite side.
- If playing doubles, when you serve the server should go close to the net, forcing your opponents to hit it long. Your partner, who is behind you can then return it easily. However, long serves can also be unanticipated and throw an opponent off.
- Try not to jump up for a shot, most likely you'll stumble or not hit it the way you want to(unless you know how). Try to move backwards or if playing doubles, trust your partner to get it. Only jump if you know you or your partner can't get it otherwise.
- Use efficient footwork. You should get to your shots in just one or two steps from a central base. Don't run about the court like a panicked chicken. "Sashay" to your shot, leading with your racquet foot.
- The best way to build footwork is to skip each day.
- When your opponent hits a clear to you, move back quickly to get behind it. With the shuttle now in front of you, you'll have lots of good forehand shots available. You'll be able smash effectively because you can hit it downwards.
- Communication is the key in doubles. Call for shots and tell your partner to 'leave' shots that are going out. Use visual communication, letting the player who cannot see his partner make the tactical decisions. For example, when you are in front of your partner, you decide which shots to take and where to move. Do it quickly, so your partner isn't left guessing.
- Study your opponent's weaknesses. Is his backhand weak? Does he have difficulty returning smashes to the body, returning drops, moving backwards, etc? In doubles, is one player weaker than the other? Is one better at the net then the other?
- Practice against the wall. Try different strokes and returns.
- Practice a lot, and you will get better.
- Practice a variety of drills.
- Remember that badminton is a game of honesty and you get to call the hits that land on your side. He who wins by the bad call will lose by the bad call as well.
- Always try to make your opponent move around the court and they will most often tire out.
- In doubles confuse your opponents by hitting the shuttle between them so they are not sure which of them should go for it.
Warnings
- Don't play with too over-experienced players, start with the beginners first and then go to somebody better or else you will get discouraged.
- Play with someone similar to your skill level.
- Be honest, both with your opponent and by yourself.
- Be confident that you can win any match even you have huge difference
- in the score. You'll deed more concentration when you are in low scoring.
Things You'll Need
- A badminton court.
- A shuttle.
- A badminton racquet.
- An opponent.
- A badminton net.
- 2C : Concentration and Confidence
