Badminton Coaching Tips

As in most sports, practice makes perfect in badminton. Proper drills can improve agility, coordination and speed. Regardless of whether you're a recreational or competitive player, adding drills to your practice routine is a great way to address your weaknesses and strengthen your game.

  1. Practice Serves and Strokes

    • Many beginners struggle with these aspects of the game. Typically, a missed serve occurs because the player drops the shuttlecock and swings the racket at the same time. You should swing after releasing the shuttle. Also, when playing singles, use a high serve to force your opponent to play more in the backcourt, giving you an advantage and forcing him to hit a difficult return.

      Backhand shots are particularly difficult to execute. Even seasoned players generally avoid hitting a backhand unless they have to. Ideally, though, you want to hit a backhand before the shuttlecock passes your body completely.

      Have players you're coaching practice hitting a backhand until they feel comfortable enough to use it in games.One way to do this is to have them hit an old shuttlecock against a wall. This drill can be used for practicing almost every stroke. It is an effective way to improve footwork and strengthen the arm and wrist muscles. Players should also learn how to switch grips quickly. Hitting a shuttlecock against a wall is effective practice for all levels of play.

    Effective drills

    • To improve footwork, have players lay shuttlecocks down in each corner of the court. The players should move as quickly as possible from corner to corner, placing the shuttlecocks upright. This helps speed as well as balance.

      To improve net skills, position the player close to the net, so that she can touch the top by lunging forward. Throw shuttlecocks at her directly over the net.

      One way to improve backhand form is to continually throw shuttlecocks to the player's backhand side.

      Players of all levels can try these helpful drills.