Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned badminton player, having the right grip on your racket is essential for playing the game. Gripping your racket correctly will help improve your shots, defensive play and help you to move around the court more easily. In this article, we’ll look at the different ways of how to grip a badminton racket and the key points to keep in mind.
The Basics of Gripping a Badminton Racket
The most important aspect of gripping a badminton racket is getting the correct grip size. If the grip is too big, it will be difficult to rotate the racket, and if it’s too small, it will be hard to maintain your grip. To find the correct grip size, hold the racket in your non-dominant hand and wrap your fingers around the handle. You should be able to fit your index finger between the handle and your middle finger.
Position of the Grip
Once you’ve found the right size grip, it’s time to look at the positioning. Your grip should be in the middle of your palm and your thumb should be placed along the handle, just above the grip. Make sure your thumb is not bent or positioned too low, as this will affect your shots.
Types of Badminton Grips
There are two main types of badminton grips, the Western grip and the Eastern grip. The Western grip is more commonly used by beginners and is the grip used for all forehand and backhand shots. The Eastern grip is more commonly used by experienced players and is mainly used for smashes.
The Western Grip
The Western grip is the most popular grip for beginners, as it’s easy to learn and allows for a wide range of shots. To use the Western grip, you should hold the racket with your dominant hand and your non-dominant hand should be placed on the bottom of the handle. Your index finger should be placed on the top of the handle and your thumb should be on the back of the handle.
The Eastern Grip
The Eastern grip is used mainly for smashes and is used by more experienced players. To use the Eastern grip, you should hold the racket with your dominant hand and your non-dominant hand should be placed on the bottom of the handle. Your index finger should be placed on the top of the handle and your thumb should be placed on the side of the handle.
Gripping the Racket for Different Shots
It’s important to remember that different shots require different grips. For example, the Western grip is used for forehand and backhand shots, while the Eastern grip is used for smashes. Additionally, when playing a net shot, you should grip the racket slightly higher up the handle to help with the power of the shot.
Conclusion
Gripping your badminton racket correctly is an important part of playing the game. It’s important to find the right grip size and then to position the grip in the middle of your palm, with your thumb on top of the handle. Additionally, different shots require different grips, so it’s important to remember to adjust your grip depending on the shot you’re playing. With the right grip and practice, you’ll be playing like a pro in no time.