How to Practice Your Footwork in Badminton

The importance of good footwork in badminton cannot be emphasized enough - it is the foundation of every shot you make and underlies the effectiveness of your overall strategy.

Things You'll Need

  • Badminton Set
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Instructions

    • 1

      Stretch thoroughly before you play or practice badminton.

    • 2

      Begin in an alert and ready position, with your eyes on the shuttlecock.

    • 3

      Lead with your forward foot when moving in a diagonal direction.

    • 4

      Take short, quick steps.

    • 5

      Use short shuffling steps to reach the shuttlecock.

    • 6

      The last step you take before hitting should always be with your racket foot.

    • 7

      Practice your footwork without a shuttlecock.

    • 8

      Start in the center position and move in a figure-eight pattern, utilizing the entire court.

    • 9

      Start slowly, to get comfortable with the short shuffling steps. Then speed up your figure-eight pattern, pausing as if to hit in each corner of the court.

    • 10

      Keep your head and eyes forward at all times. Try not to turn your back on the shuttle.

    • 11

      Stay light on the balls of you feet.

    • 12

      Bend your knees slightly during all hitting motions.

    • 13

      Lunge forward to quickly gain a little extra distance.

    • 14

      Practice backpedaling to the baseline.

    • 15

      Practice recovering to your ready position after each hit.