How to Do a Long Serve with Forehand Position in Badminton

The long forehand serve is a powerful stroke that gets the shuttlecock high and deep into your opponent's back court. This shot keeps the opposing player from moving up on you too quickly during your serve. It's especially effective in singles play, but you can also use this serve in a doubles match to get the bird to the base line. Here's how to do it.

Instructions

    • 1

      Take the serving position with your racket side foot back and pointing toward the corner of the net and your front foot forward pointing toward the front of the net. Your feet should be about shoulder width apart, and your weight should be on your back foot.

    • 2

      Extend your arm and racket down and back with the head facing the net. The grip is a "handshake" grip with your fingers wrapped around the back side and your thumb on the front.

    • 3

      Grip the shuttlecock between the thumb and index finger of your other hand. Hold it out away from you and just in front of your body to allow a full swing. If you hold it in too close you'll have to bend your elbow to hit it, and the serve will be off.

    • 4

      Turn your shoulder as your swing to get power into the stroke. Keep your arm straight through the swing with little or no wrist movement, and transfer the weight from your back to your front foot.

    • 5

      Follow through by bringing your racket across your body and up all the way to your opposite shoulder.