Badminton is a wonderful and enjoyable sport to play, and one of its most essential shots is the backhand overhead clear. It is a shot that requires skill and practice, but once you have mastered it, you will be able to put your opponent under pressure when returning their smashes. Here is a guide to help teach you how to do a backhand overhead clear.
Position
The first step in learning the backhand overhead clear is to understand the proper positioning. You should stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and slightly staggered, with your weight distributed evenly between your feet. Your non-dominant foot should be slightly ahead of your dominant foot, and you should be facing slightly to the side. Your knees should be slightly bent, and your racquet arm should be extended outwards and slightly above your shoulder.
Grip
The next step is to learn the proper grip for the shot. A common grip for the backhand overhead clear is the backhand grip. To do this, you should hold the racquet in your dominant hand with your palm facing down and your thumb facing inwards. Your non-dominant hand should then be placed on the racquet handle in a way that your thumb and index finger form a “V” shape. This grip should feel comfortable and secure.
Swing
The swing for the backhand overhead clear is similar to the swing for the backhand underarm clear, but with a few key differences. The swing should begin with the racquet arm extended and the racquet head slightly below the level of your shoulder. As you swing the racquet, you should turn your body and rotate your hips, allowing you to generate more power. The racquet should then be brought up and over your head, with the racquet head pointed towards the shuttlecock and the racquet arm above your shoulder.
Follow-Through
The follow-through is the final step in the shot and is an important part of executing the backhand overhead clear. After you have hit the shuttlecock, you should keep your racquet arm extended and your body facing towards the shuttlecock. Your racquet arm should then be brought down and across your body in a smooth and controlled motion. This will help to ensure that your shot has the accuracy and power that you desire.
Practice
The backhand overhead clear is a shot that requires a lot of practice and repetition to master. You should begin by practicing your positioning and grip, and then move on to the swing and follow-through. Make sure to practice your shot with a partner so that you can get used to the timing and speed of the shot. As you practice, focus on making the shot fluid and consistent, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes.
Conclusion
Learning how to do a backhand overhead clear takes a lot of practice and repetition. It is an essential shot in badminton, and once you have mastered it, you will be able to put your opponent under pressure when returning their smashes. Make sure to practice your positioning, grip, swing, and follow-through, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. With enough practice, you will be able to confidently execute the backhand overhead clear.