Badminton doubles is an exciting and competitive game that requires skill and strategy. To be successful, players must be able to effectively return their opponents’ serves. There are a variety of serves used in doubles badminton, and each requires a different technique to return. This article will discuss how to return various serves in badminton doubles.
The Basics of Returning a Serve
Before discussing the specific techniques for returning different serves, it’s important to understand the basics of returning a serve. The goal of returning a serve is to get the shuttlecock back over the net, into the opponent’s court. This requires a combination of power and accuracy.
When returning a serve, players should keep their non-hitting arm up in front of their body and their playing arm behind their body. This position helps to create momentum for the shot and provides a stable base for players to work from.
Players should also keep their feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart and their weight distributed evenly on both feet. This will help players stay balanced and ready to move quickly to return the shuttlecock.
Players should also focus on timing and technique. When returning a serve, players should watch the shuttlecock closely and try to anticipate its trajectory. This will allow them to position themselves accordingly and hit the shuttlecock at the right time.
The Clear
The clear is the most basic serve in badminton and is used to gain control of the rally. It is typically hit with a low trajectory and is meant to land in the back of the court.
When returning a clear, players should keep their non-hitting arm in front of their body and their playing arm behind. They should also stay light on their feet and use their core muscles to generate power for the shot.
Players should also focus on keeping the shuttlecock low and hitting it with a flat trajectory. This will help to keep the shuttlecock in play and allow players to maintain control of the rally.
The Drop
The drop serve is used to surprise opponents and is typically hit with a high trajectory. It is meant to land in the front of the court, close to the net.
When returning a drop serve, players should keep their non-hitting arm up, their playing arm back, and their weight on their back foot. This will help them generate power for the shot and keep them balanced.
Players should also focus on keeping the shuttlecock low and hitting it with a flat trajectory. This will help to keep the shuttlecock in play and allow them to maintain control of the rally.
The Smash
The smash is the most powerful shot in badminton and is used to end rallies. It is typically hit with a high trajectory and is meant to land in the back of the court.
When returning a smash, players should keep their non-hitting arm up in front of their body and their playing arm behind. They should also stay light on their feet and use their core muscles to generate power for the shot.
Players should also focus on keeping the shuttlecock low and hitting it with a flat trajectory. This will help to keep the shuttlecock in play and allow players to maintain control of the rally.
The Lob
The lob is used to surprise opponents and is typically hit with a high trajectory. It is meant to land in the back of the court, near the net.
When returning a lob, players should keep their non-hitting arm up, their playing arm back, and their weight on their back foot. This will help them generate power for the shot and keep them balanced.
Players should also focus on keeping the shuttlecock low and hitting it with a flat trajectory. This will help to keep the shuttlecock in play and allow players to maintain control of the rally.
Conclusion
Returning serves in badminton doubles requires skill and strategy. To be successful, players must be able to effectively return their opponents’ serves. There are a variety of serves used in doubles badminton, and each requires a different technique to return. This article discussed how to return various serves in badminton doubles, including the clear, drop, smash, and lob. By following the tips outlined in this article, players will be better equipped to return their opponents’ serves and maintain control of the rally.