The badminton basics series will help beginners get a better grasp on the fundamental concepts of badminton. These will include basic techniques, tips, and tactics. You will also find this series under the Badminton Basics tab.
#1: The Grip
Hi everyone!In this article I will talk about grip and its importance. This is the first part of a series of articles covering the most basic aspects of badminton. Beginners especially will find it useful. But if you’re already an experienced player, feel free to skip this read.
What is grip and how is it important?
The grip is simply how you hold a racket. Proper gripping technique is what separates the rookies from the experienced players. A good grip is one that is suitable for the stroke that one wants to play.
Since the grip is how and where you hold the racket, it becomes the point of contact through which the power form the arms, and the motion from the wrist is transferred to the racket. How you hold the racket also determines the angle of the racket head to the direction of the swing. Hence, a grip is a key factor in shot-making, one that often determines how accurate or how powerful your shot is. In some instances, the grip can even be used to trick the opponent.
The correct grip
As stated already, a good grip is one that is suitable to the shot you’re trying to play. But does that mean that the grip changes for each and every shot? “That’s a lot of work!“. Actually, not really. There are two basic variants of the grip. The others, with little bit of tweaking, are variations of these two simple ones.
The Forehand Grip a.k.a the “Handshake“
For serious players is a no-brainer to master the forehand grip. I can’t emphasize this enough, because using this grip makes hitting much easier than it would be otherwise. This grip is used for overhead forehand shots like smashes, drives, clears or drops; as well as the forehand lift. This is because this grip generates maximum power.
The forehand grip or the handshake grip, as the name suggests, is holding the racket as if you were shaking hands with it. Essentially, the racket head would be facing sideways rather than towards you. Confused? Imagine holding a sword. Or a hammer. Refer to the picture below.
Note that the “V” between your index finger and thumb comes right on top (the narrower side) of the handle, aligned with the shaft, while the thumb lies on the wider side of the handle. The racket is primarily held by your fingers, with the palm only providing counter-support. It is important to note that the thumb MUST lie between the index and middle fingers. This way you can generate much more power, because the thumb then acts as the fulcrum about which the racket rotates. Also, hold the racket loosely, so that it can be easily rolled when a change in grip is required.
The forehand grip is useful, but it cannot be used to hit the shuttle when it’s on the side of the less dominant hand, or backhand. For those kind of shots, the backhand grip is applied.
The Backhand Grip
A backhand is hit with the back of the hand facing the shuttle. Whatever shots you play in with forehand, can be played backhand as well, although they are less powerful and more difficult. Here’s how to get a backhand grip:
hold the racket with forehand grip.
roll the racket between your fingers, by around 30° to your right, so that the thumb now rests flat on the wider side of the grip
wrap all your fingers together around the handle, while extending the thumb towards the shaft of the racket
The power in a backhand shot primarily comes from flicking the wrist, so for maximum output, it is necessary that the racket face meets the shuttle at right angles, and at the sweet spot. However, hitting at an angle is useful for cross court shots and deceptions.
Here’s an exercise to practice backhand shots: hold the diagonally opposite ends of your handkerchief in your hand. Place an empty bottle or a used shuttle in front of you, at chest height and a bit to the left (or right if you’re left handed). Now try hitting the bottle or shuttle off by flicking your handkerchief. The motion that you used with the handkerchief is the same as what you’d use with a backhand shot! Keep practicing until your flicks land accurately and powerfully.
For hitting backhand clears, this grip is somewhat awkward as it not possible to provide full face of the racket when the shuttle is behind the body. Therefore, you need to rotate the racket back a bit towards the forehand side so that the thumb now rests on the very short surface between the top and wider sides of the handle. Like holding a pair of tongs!
These two gripping techniques are pretty much all you need to get started. I suggest that you practice them everyday until you’ve got hold over them. Also, practicing with a suspended shuttle will be helpful.
Did you try these out? Would you like more info on improving your gripping technique? Please comment below! And feel free to write to me if you have any questions.
So, what does it take to start your journey in the badminton world?
Badminton can be played with just two equipment: A racket (or racquet) and a shuttlecock. But it has become somewhat necessary to wear shoes, playing without proper cushion and grip on the surface makes one prone to injury. Professional players wear high-performance apparel and accessories in addition to shoes.
Racket (Or Racquet)
A racket is used by a player to hit the shuttle. (DUH!!) Rackets earlier used to be made of wood, but soon began to be made in steel and aluminium. Aluminium provides an ideal material, since it is lightweight and yet strong enough. But the advent of new tech such as graphite and carbon nano-tubes has been a game-changer, allowing both reduced weight and increased strength. Sometimes, a racket made of carbon is infused with other material such as titanium to improve certain qualities, like flexibility and torsional rigidity.
What happens when a shuttlecock hits the racket?
The frame of the racket has holes (called the grommet) to facilitate the passage of a string both vertically and horizontally to form a grid or net-like surface. This string is tightened using some force, so that the string-bed remains in tension. The tension in the string-bed provides a somewhat hard, but a bit flexible surface for the shuttle to land on while hitting. Like a trampoline!
Okay, so are all rackets similar?
Rackets vary greatly in factors such as weight, head shape, grip size, length, etc, although the basic structure remains the same. I’ve attempted to explain each of these below in simple terms, along with how their variation affects the performance of the racket.
However, in case you wish for a detailed study on racket mechanics, here’s an excellent thesis written by Maxine Kwan, where he studies the performance of a racket from a purely physics point of view.
What factors affect a racket’s performance, and how?
All rackets have the same basic shape, but they vary greatly in many attributes. It is therefore, obvious that different attributes provide performance profile, which may or may not be suited to a player’s style.
Weight of the racket: this is the overall weight of the racket, generally without the strings. Racket weighs typically between 80 and 120 grams, although some with significantly lesser weights have been made. Needless to say, a heavier racket will require more strength and energy to swing, while a lighter racket is easier to wield.
Shape of head: Modern rackets are increasingly being made in an “isometric” shape, although the traditional oval shape is still used in some models. This mainly affects the “sweet spot”, which is an area on the string bed which provides maximum power. An isometric-shaped head gives a wider area of sweet spot, making the racket easier to hit with. An oval-shaped head has a reduced width, but increased length of the sweet spot, making the racket a bit more difficult to hit with, but the increased length provides better accuracy and power. Some rackets attempt to provide a bit of both: by adopting an isometric shape with a smaller head.
Balance point: Point on which the racket can be equally balance lengthwise. There are three balance points:
Head-heavy rackets have more of their mass concentrated around the head. Such rackets give higher power and stability at the expense of swing speed.
Head-light rackets have higher mass at the handle than at the head. These rackets give exceptional swing speeds, albeit with lesser power generation.
Even-balanced rackets provide reasonably good swing speed and power.
Shaft length: The length of the shaft (along with the length of the head) naturally determines the “reach” of a racket. Longer shafts tend to be more flexible than shorter ones, although the use of composite materials and adjustments in the thickness have resulted in slimmer shafts that are rigid to greater degree. Also, a longer shaft will generate greater head speed, as the radius of the swing is increased. But again, this will require more power compared to a shorter shaft.
Shaft flexibility: Shaft flexibility affects the transfer of power from the handle to the head. A stiff flex shaft will be more rigid, providing better power transfer and control, but requires accurate shot-making. A flexible shaft is designed to provide a bit more power due to the slingshot effect. However, it gives lesser control and stability. A medium flex shaft attempts to combine the best (or worst!) of both worlds.
String thickness & tension: All rackets have string tension ranging between 18 and 36 lbf (80 to 160 N). Thicker strings last longer, while thinner strings give a better power. Very high tension in the string may cause the frame to bend and break if the shuttle is not hit properly, or if it hits the frame of the racket at a high speed.
Grip length: A longer grip length provides more control and accuracy while handling, and a shorter grip length improves power generation for clears and smashes.
Some of the common racket manufacturers are Yonex, Carlton, Li-Ning, Victor, Ashaway, Wilson, etc.
Which racket should I buy?
It is clear that there is no “best badminton racket” or “perfect badminton racket”. Every racket has certain qualities that will suit a particular style of play. For example, an attacking style of play would focus on powerful smashes and quick finishing, thus requiring a stiffer shaft and heavier head. A longer racket may be more suitable for singles play, where the player has to cover more court. A lighter racket has greater swing speed, making it ideal for quick drives and defensive shots.
In the table below, I’ve tried to summarize the effects of these parameters on racket performance, and I hope it helps you to determine what kind of racket is more suitable for your style of play.
I understand if the table is too complicated for you to study. I mean, some people just want to grab a racket and play instead of studying theory! To make it simple, you may want to go with a lighter racket if you’re a beginner, and then work your way up to heavier and more powerful rackets as you learn!
Here is a hack to decide on a racket. Simply visit a badminton or sports store near you, ask them to hand you a few specimens, and try each one out by wielding and swinging them around. You will find certain rackets much more comfortable by the weight and “feel” than the others.
Shuttlecock
Shuttlecock is the projectile that players hit with their rackets. It “shuttles” back and forth between the two playing sides (and the feathers on it resemble those on a cock; hence the name). It is of an open conical shape, with a hemispherical base made of cork cover with a thin leather layer. A shuttlecock typically weighs between 4.7 and 5.5 grams. The conical part is made with either goose feathers or nylon.
Feather shuttles typically contain 16 feathers, all of nearly the same length (70mm) and angle. These are thrust into the cork, with the feathers partly overlapping each other for aerodynamical reasons. They are glued into place, and secured with a thread woven along the middle of the cone, also glued. Feather shuttles are very brittle, and are often required to be replaced few times during a single match. Most professional players prefer to play with feather shuttles, and all major tournaments, from district-level to the internationals, use only the best quality shuttles. Shuttles are mainly produced in China and Japan using ethical methods that are generally harmless to the birds. Feather shuttles produced in India and Bangladesh have been subject to controversy with regards to treatment of the ducks from whom the feathers are obtained.
Nylon shuttles are much more durable than feathers, although the costs of the highest quality nylons are at par with the highest quality feathers. Nylons are generally used by amateur players, as they are more economical. Nylon shuttles differ from feather shuttles in their trajectory- they will land at an angle, while feathers tend to land vertically. Nylons are also able to maintain their speeds and trajectories throughout multiple games, whereas feathers often bend, break or simply lose their function due to wilting of the feathers.
What type of shuttlecock should you play with?
Loyal enthusiasts and professional players always play with feather shuttles, as it requires a fair amount of technical skill and power. Players at the amateur and casual level prefer nylon shuttles. The primary reason for this is the cost, as nylon shuttles are much more durable than feather shuttles. Some also believe that nylon shuttles are easier to play with, as they show true flight (maintain their trajectories), and are relatively easier to hit than feathers.
Shoes
Being a movement-intensive sport, a good grip between the
foot and court surface; along with proper shock absorption is essential.
Badminton shoes are generally designed to provide multi-directional gripping as
well as appropriate levels of cushioning. They have non-marking soles made of
rubber or similar high-grip material. Almost all badminton shoes are lace-ups,
though some with Velcro straps are specialised to suit certain needs. A good pair
of badminton shoes in general will provide the following, at least to some
extent:
Resistance against slippage in any direction
Cushioning to absorb shock upon landing and to provide a boost when launching
Proper fit & support to prevent twisting
Lesser weight to facilitate quick movement
Technological advancements have made modern shoes lighter, stronger, more aerodynamic and energy efficient and whatnot!
Selecting a shoe
The most important properties to look for when deciding on a shoe are weight, grip, and fit. Lightweight shoes will help you move much faster. A good fitting shoe provides a comfortable feel and is easier to play with. A good grip is obviously necessary to prevent slipping and related injuries. The good thing is that any decent badminton shoe will more or less provide these, so anyone can afford them. Proper cushioning, although useful, is not a necessity, at least for amateur players.
There are many brands that make badminton shoes, using their own proprietary technologies to enhance performance. Some of the common ones are Yonex, Li-Ning, Victor, etc.
Badminton apparel
There are no strict rules on what to or what not to wear. Tops and shorts are the most commonly badminton apparel, and women may wear a short-skirt instead of shorts. The tops vary in design, in that they may or may not have a collar; they may be sleeveless or short-sleeved. Full-sleeved tops are not recommended as they restrict arm movement. Shorts are preferred over track-pants for similar reasons. However, amateur players may disregard these factors and wear track-pants or pajamas.
Badminton apparel fabric must provide two important functions: sweat absorption and breath-ability. Cotton clothes tend to get heavier as they get drenched and stick to the skin, hence high-performance apparel is made from synthetic material such as nylon, polyester and acrylic fibers.
Earlier, it was mandatory for professional players participating in major tournaments to wear only white coloured clothes. This rule has since been scrapped, and any article of clothing may be made with any combination of colours. This has led to much more fashionable sports apparel, from glitzy to understated to pure and simple designs.
Accessories
Accessories are mainly used to support the players or
enhance performance. There is a vast range of these, right from sweatbands and
grips to joint supports and custom insoles. A player may use these according to
his needs and requirements.
Hello everyone. I am Nadeem and I believe playing badminton is much more easier than watching it.
Forgive me if this sounds cliched, but I am passionate about playing badminton. The sheer physical exercise of it is as delightful to me as are the other lovely aspects of the game.
Being “in the game” for over seventeen years now, badminton has taught me some very valuable lessons, from personality development to building relationships. I think it’s time to give something back, hence this blog. I will not only share my opinions on the events in the badminton world, but also try to engage everyone interested in a meaningful discussion, so that we all learn something out of this, and leave here better educated, motivated, or even inspired.
My foremost aim as regards the content is to organize this blog in a fluid manner, and below I have attempted to explain the same:
In the “About” section, you will find about my beginnings as a badminton player and why I love badminton so much. I hope it resonates with you!
“Introduction to Badminton” attempts to describe the sport itself in simple terms. Along with this, you will find- a brief history of the sport, current worldwide state, and the impact of badminton as a sport in India.
In the “Blog” section, my first priority is to explain the basics of badminton- the courts, the equipment, and basic strokes and strategies. This will not only provide you with a very lucid summary of how the sport is played, but will also give me a chance to warm up my writing skills! Once this is done, I intend to cover the vast array of topics out there in badminton world- from top-ten lists and personal opinions to interviews and guest articles. Your participation in the discussion is important, so do use the comment box if you have a question or opinion. You can subscribe to these blogs, so that you do not miss the latest content!
In the “Reviews” section, you will find honest reviews of some of the equipment/products that have been personally used and tested. Visitors are most welcome to speak their minds through the comments section; and in any case, do feel free to contact me through the provided email.
The “Contact” page will obviously contain my email. Feel free to do so if you have a question, or wish to collaborate. Eventually, I will provide links to other social media as the audience grows. But for now, it’s just a personal blog.
In addition to the above, I intend to add a few cool new sections that will make this blog more fun to follow.
What do I hope to achieve with this blog?
Although it does begin as a platform to give my two cents, the ultimate purpose of this blog is to build a robust badminton community where people freely engage with there fellow badminton lovers. This could be via comments on the blogs, reviews, or my special “Letters to the Editor” section, where the best written opinions and informative pieces will be published for everyone to see! Although I am still learning the ropes of blogging, I do not shy away from my critics, and if I do receive a well-written critique, I will publish it, and will respectfully try to answer it.
So without further ado, let’s begin on this journey together, and hope that it brings badminton closer to the hearts of more and more people every day. CHEERS!
Badminton Bros 