Badminton is a great sport that can be enjoyed by all ages. It offers a great cardiovascular workout and is a great way to stay active and have fun. One of the most important skills to master in badminton is the backhand. Learning how to perform a backhand in badminton will give you an edge over your opponents and make you a more competitive player.
What is a Backhand in Badminton?
A backhand in badminton is a stroke that is hit with the back of the racquet, rather than the front. It is usually hit in a defensive position, with the player standing on their left side and facing their opponent. The backhand is typically used to hit the shuttlecock when it is on the opposite side of where the player is standing.
Benefits of a Backhand in Badminton
The backhand is an important stroke to master in badminton as it is often used to defend, rather than attack. It can be used to hit the shuttlecock when it is out of reach, or to return the shuttlecock when your opponent has hit it to the other side of the court. The backhand can also be used to surprise your opponent with a quick and unexpected return.
Techniques for Performing a Backhand in Badminton
Grip
The first step to mastering the backhand in badminton is to get your grip right. A good grip will ensure that you are able to hit the shuttlecock with power and accuracy. The most common grip for a backhand is the forehand grip, with the thumb being placed at the top of the racquet and the other fingers wrapping around the handle.
Stance
The stance for a backhand is similar to the forehand. The player should stand on the left side of the court, facing the opponent, with the feet shoulder-width apart. The player should also be prepared to move quickly to the side in order to reach the shuttlecock.
Arm Movement
The arm movement for a backhand is similar to the forehand, but with a few key differences. The arm should stay close to the body and should move in a more circular motion. The elbow should be slightly bent and should move in a circular motion, rather than a straight line.
Racquet Movement
The racquet movement for a backhand is slightly different from the forehand. The racquet should be held slightly above the shoulder and should move in an arc-like motion. The racquet should move from the back of the body to the front, with the head of the racquet facing the shuttlecock.
Contact Point
The contact point for a backhand is similar to the forehand. The shuttlecock should be hit on the backhand side of the racquet, with the head of the racquet facing the shuttlecock.
Follow Through
The follow through for a backhand is similar to the forehand, but with a few key differences. The arm should remain close to the body and should move in a circular motion. The racquet should move in an arc-like motion and should finish at the side of the body.
Practice
The best way to master the backhand in badminton is to practice. Spend time working on your grip, stance, arm movement, racquet movement, contact point, and follow through. With practice, you will be able to hit the shuttlecock with power and accuracy.
Conclusion
Learning how to perform a backhand in badminton is an important skill for any badminton player. It is a great defensive stroke that can be used to surprise your opponent or to reach the shuttlecock when it is out of reach. Mastering the backhand in badminton requires practice, but with the right technique and a little bit of time, you can become a more competitive player.