Badminton serves are an important part of the game. They can be short, fast and powerful, or long, slow and controlling. Long serves are particularly difficult to return, as the shuttlecock is often too far away to reach in time. It requires a different approach to returning the shuttlecock compared to a short serve. This article will explain how to return a long serve in badminton.
Understanding Long Serves
The key to returning a long serve is to understand what makes it so effective. Long serves are generally slow and deep, and often land near the back of the court. This means that the returning player has less time to react, as the shuttlecock is often too far away to reach. Long serves also make it difficult to attack, as the shuttlecock is often too high or too low to be hit with power.
Gauging Distance
The first step in returning a long serve is to gauge the distance between you and the shuttlecock. You need to assess how far away the shuttlecock is, and how much time you have to reach it. This will help you decide which stroke to use. If the shuttlecock is far away, then you may need to use a defensive stroke. If the shuttlecock is closer, then you may be able to reach it in time and use an attacking stroke.
Developing Good Footwork
Good footwork is essential for returning a long serve. You need to be able to move quickly and accurately to reach the shuttlecock. This means that you need to practice your footwork regularly, so that you know how to move efficiently and effectively. Developing good footwork will also help you to stay balanced and ready to play your next shot.
Using Defensive Strokes
If the shuttlecock is too far away to reach in time, then you will need to use a defensive stroke. The most common defensive strokes are clears and drops. Clears are played with more power, and are usually hit to the back of the court. Drops are played with less power, and are usually hit towards the front of the court. Both strokes should be hit low and with a flat trajectory, so that the shuttlecock does not travel too far.
Using Attacking Strokes
If the shuttlecock is close enough to reach in time, then you may be able to use an attacking stroke. The most common attacking strokes are smashes and drives. Smashes are powerful strokes which are usually hit to the back of the court. Drives are less powerful strokes which are usually hit towards the front of the court. Both strokes should be hit with a high trajectory, so that the shuttlecock travels far and deep.
Developing Good Timing
Good timing is essential for returning a long serve. You need to be able to time your shots accurately, so that you can hit the shuttlecock with the right amount of power and spin. This means that you need to practice your timing regularly, so that you know when to hit the shuttlecock and how to control the power and spin of your shots.
Conclusion
Returning a long serve in badminton can be difficult, as the shuttlecock is often too far away to reach in time. However, by understanding what makes a long serve so effective, gauging the distance between you and the shuttlecock, developing good footwork, using defensive and attacking strokes, and developing good timing, you can learn how to return a long serve effectively.