How to Play Badminton as a Newcomer

Badminton is an interesting sport and a popular form of exercise. You can play singles or doubles with the equipment of a badminton racket, a feather or plastic shuttlecock and a badminton field. As a newcomer to badminton, you need to master some basic techniques.

There are some fundamental rules about hitting the shuttle. Try to remember and practice the following three steps when you hit the shuttle. First, always hit the center of the shuttle. You should hit the round rubber center of the shuttle every time and practice with your hand to get more familiar with the shuttle. Second, hit the shuttle at the top of its track. This will allow you to take more advantage of the shuttle’s speed and height compared with letting the shuttle come close to you. Third, try to hit the shuttle toward the back line. If you have enough strength and the back line is wide open, you should aim the shuttle there. Be careful to aim the shuttle closer than the back line to avoid committing a fault hitting the shuttle out of bounds behind the back line.

Next, let’s pay attention to the footwork. You should always try to return to the middle of the court whenever you return the shuttle back. This will protect you from running around by your opponent and prepare you for the next shot. Besides, keep moving your feet while you are waiting for the shuttle. Make tiny movements with your feet until the shuttle is in perfect position and adjust yourself to return the shot.

Then, practice the low volley and high volley under different circumstances. When your opponents are not in the position to return the low volley in time, you can hit the shuttle at a high contact point lightly and drop it closer to the racket so that the shuttlecock will fall quickly and precisely. Otherwise, hitting a high volley toward the back line when your opponent is standing in front of the service line. You should adjust yourself until the shuttle is within your stretching arm. Meanwhile, swing the racket back above your shoulder to accumulate energy, then swing the racket forward and hit the shuttle.

In the end, you should never give up. Do your best to hit the shuttle, because the harder you try, the more proficiently you will be able to coordinate your body to return the volley.