How to Hit a Birdie

Some people believe that the game of badminton evolved from the ancient Chinese game "Ti Juan Zu," in which players kicked, as opposed to hit, the "birdie" to move it. Today, we play the game with a racket that is specially designed to send the birdie soaring over the badminton net -- as long as the proper technique is used. Before getting started, check your birdies to ensure they're completely intact. Tears in the plastic can slow the birdie down, making it difficult to play the game.

Things You'll Need

  • Badminton racket
  • Birdie (or shuttlecock)
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Wrap your dominant hand around the badminton racket and adjust your hand position so that you can comfortably move your wrist. Hold the racket facing down and face the back of your hand toward the net.

    • 2

      Hold the weighted end of the birdie between the thumb and forefinger of your non-dominant hand. Position the birdie just below your waist and face its "feathered" end toward the ground.

    • 3

      Throw the birdie straight up in the air in a swift, underhanded motion. Keep your eye on the birdie to gauge the optimal time to hit.

    • 4

      Lift your racket in a quick, swinging motion while positioning its flat side in the direction of the birdie. Make contact with the birdie and it will glide or soar ahead, depending on the amount of force you've used.