How to Hit a Low, Short Serve in Badminton

The low, short serve is the most commonly used serve in doubles. It can also be used in singles, when your opponent is not expecting it.

Things You'll Need

  • Badminton Set
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Instructions

    • 1

      Stand three to four feet behind the short line, near the center line.

    • 2

      Turn so that your non-racquet shoulder points toward your target, and your feet are perpendicular to it.

    • 3

      Hold the base of the shuttlecock between the thumb and forefinger of your non-racquet hand and extend that arm slightly lower than shoulder height.

    • 4

      Hold your racquet down low at your side, with your wrist cocked so that the racquet head is behind your wrist.

    • 5

      Drop the shuttle straight down.

    • 6

      Swing the racquet forward in an underhand forehand swing.

    • 7

      Snap your wrist as late as possible, striking the shuttle around waist height in front of you.

    • 8

      Hit the shuttle very lightly with an open racquet face, so that it flies low and short into your opponent's court. The shuttle must fly diagonally and land in the receiver's service court to be a legal serve.

    • 9

      Do very little follow through, to keep the serve short.

    • 10

      Recover quickly to your ready position.