How to Improve Backhand Clear in Badminton

The backhand clear is a useful recovery shot in badminton, but it is also one of the most difficult to play. Backhand clearances are usually a player's last resort when on the backhand side and when he's looking to recover a deep and dipping shuttlecock. Play the backhand clear both as an attacking and a defensive shot, which is defined by whether it is played as an overhead or underhand stroke.

Things You'll Need

  • Partner
  • Video camera
  • Tripod
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Instructions

    • 1

      Practice your defensive backhand clear on the court with the help of a friend or badminton club mate. Ask your partner to hit low shots to your backhand side while you practice stepping across with your racket in the backhand grip. Turn so you are shoulder- or back-on to the net, and stoop to deliver the racket through the shuttlecock with a backhand stroke. Angle the shuttlecock high over the net, aiming to send the shuttlecock deep into your opponent's side of the court for it to be the most effective. Return to the center of the court immediately after you have hit the backhand clear. The main advantage of the backhand clear as a defensive stroke is your ability to regain a strong court position.

    • 2

      Develop an attacking backhand clear by stepping into the shuttlecock, if possible, and striking the shuttlecock downwards from above your head. Read your opponent's play, and advance in toward the net as you turn shoulder-to-backwards onto the net, with the racket held in a backhand grip and angled upwards over your head. Deliver the racket head through the shuttlecock, angling it downwards and as close to the net as possible to make your shuttlecock hard to return. Play your attacking backhand clear before dropping back into the center of the court to prepare for your opponent's return. If you play this attacking stroke well, your opponent will only be able to return the shuttlecock high over the net, giving you time to ready yourself.

    • 3

      Set up a video camera on a tripod, and set it on the baseline area of your side of the court. Continue this training drill, hitting as many backhand clears as possible. Analyze the footage that you have collected and, if possible, ask an experienced badminton club mate or coach to have a look at the video and give you tips for improvement. Ask your club mate and coach to show you how they play both attacking and defensive backhand clears, focusing on their grip, stance and wrist motion before considering where the shuttlecock lands on the opposite side of the court.