Different types of grip in badminton
Ever wonder why your badminton shots lack power or control? It might have to do with your grip! Using the wrong grip can hinder your performance and even lead to injuries. This guide will break down the 4 fundamental badminton grips and explain when to use each one.
The Grip Fundamentals:
- Relaxed Grip
All 4 grips emphasize a relaxed hand position. Gripping too tightly limits power and control, and hinders quick grip changes between shots. - Quick Transitions
Being able to switch grips smoothly is key to playing badminton effectively. Practice grip changes without a shuttle first, then incorporate them into your drills.
The 4 Key Grips:
1. Forehand Grip
Imagine shaking hands. This grip is used for various forehand shots like clears, smashes, drops, drives, and net shots.
2. Backhand Grip
Hold the racket with your thumb on the wider grip section and strings facing the floor/ceiling. This grip is for backhand drives, lifts, net shots, and serves (in doubles).
Important Note: For powerful backhand shots from the rear of the court, you'll need a different grip.
3. Bevel Grip
Start with a backhand grip and rotate the racket so the strings are diagonal and your thumb rests on the bevel/ridge. This grip is used for:
o Backhand rear-court shots (clears, smashes, drops)
o Some forehand/backhand net shots
o Singles defense (when stretched)
Thumb position for the bevel grip depends on shuttle location:
Level or in front of you: Standard backhand grip with thumb on top.
- Behind you: Bevel grip with thumb further around for better power and accuracy.
4. Panhandle Grip
This grip positions your thumb on the side of the racket, pinching it with your fingers. While it might feel natural for beginners, it's actually used for:
o Late backhand rear-court shots
o Retrieving backhand net cords
o Some net kills/drives (depending on preference)
Mastering Grip Changes
- Practice without a shuttle: Visualize the shots and the corresponding grips. Then, incorporate movement to get comfortable with transitions.
- Practice with a shuttle: Start with a routine that involves grip changes after each shot (backhand to forehand, etc.). Gradually progress to unpredictable feeds from your partner to simulate real-game scenarios.
The ultimate goal is to develop unconscious grip changes, a hallmark of skilled badminton players. With regular practice, you'll be wielding the racket with confidence and precision in no time!
