How to Hit a Drive Serve in Badminton

The drive serve is a hard, flat serve. It should be used only occasionally, to capitalize on the element of surprise.

Things You'll Need

  • Badminton Set
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Instructions

    • 1

      Stand at least 4 feet behind the service line to account for the flat angle of the serve.

    • 2

      Stand with your feet perpendicular to your target, about shoulder-width apart. Point your shoulder toward your target.

    • 3

      Hold the shuttle out at shoulder height, pinching the weighted base between your thumb and forefinger.

    • 4

      Hold your racket low, with your wrist cocked back.

    • 5

      Make sure your racket head is below your serving hand for this serve to be legal.

    • 6

      Drop the shuttle and swing from the shoulder, as in the short and deep serves (see Related eHows).

    • 7

      Lead your swing with your hand and the butt of your racket.

    • 8

      Snap your wrist to strike the shuttle. Hit it just below waist height with a flat racket face.

    • 9

      Aim for the shuttle to barely clear the net, but with a good amount of force. Aim this serve right at your opponent, about shoulder height, with the intention of catching her off guard.

    • 10

      Limit your follow-through, keeping the racket face square to the net.