Badminton Grip Techniques

Badminton can be enjoyed in the yard with family and friends or it can be played competitively in an indoor arena. In either case, learning basic fundamentals of badminton can make the game more enjoyable. Badminton coaches should start by teaching the proper way to grip the badminton racket. A badminton player will hit shots more crisply and consistently if gripping the racket properly.

  1. Forehand Grip

    • Grip the racket as if you were shaking someone's hand. Form a V with your thumb and index finger on the top of the racket handle. Spread your fingers slightly along the handle with the index finger placed higher up the racket than the thumb. Grip the racket firmly but not too tightly. A tighter grip can lock the wrist. In badminton you want a loose wrist to quickly snap when striking the shuttlecock or bird.

    Backhand Grip

    • Place your thumb along the flat side of the racket, higher up the handle than your index finger. Put more pressure on the racket with your thumb when swinging. This allows you greater reach for the backhand shot. Move your fingers closer together for the backhand shot than the forehand grip, and hold the racket more firmly.

    Frying Pan Grip

    • This grip allows you to play either a backhand or forehand shot without changing your grip. The V of your thumb and index finger should run down the flat edge of the handle. Turn the racket 90 degrees from a normal forehand position. The face of the racket should now be horizontal to the floor or ground. The grip works especially well in a single's match when you will be switching quickly from a forehand to backhand shot.

    Larger Grip on the Handle

    • Wrap your existing badminton racket with a badminton wrap to enlarge the handle. A larger handle helps relax your grip. Relaxing your grip loosens your wrist, giving you greater snap and power on your shots. A smaller handle tends to make you grip the racket tighter, which can lock your wrist. A locked wrist results in a stiffer shot, causing the bird to float rather than spring off the racket with power.