Badminton is a fast-paced game, and one of the crucial skills to have is a powerful and accurate serve. The high forehand serve is one of the most difficult serves to master, but with practice and the right technique, you can become a powerful server.
What is a High Forehand Serve?
A high forehand serve is a powerful serve that is hit diagonally from the back of the court to the opponent’s forecourt. This type of serve is one of the most difficult serves to master, yet it is the most effective in badminton. This serve is often used to open up the court and put your opponent on the defensive.
Preparing for the Serve
Before you can hit a powerful high forehand serve, you must first prepare your body and mind. The first step is to ensure that you have the correct grip and arm position. The grip should be loose and relaxed, and the arm should be extended out in front of you. Your feet should also be shoulder-width apart and be pointing in the direction of the target.
The second step is to ensure that you have the correct body position. The shoulders should be relaxed and facing the net, the hips should be slightly lower than the shoulders, and the knees should be bent slightly. This body position allows you to generate power from your legs and hips, which is essential for a powerful forehand serve.
Execution of a High Forehand Serve
Once you have the correct grip and body position, you are ready to execute the high forehand serve. The steps for this serve are as follows:
1. Begin by bringing the racquet back and up above your shoulder. This will help generate power from your shoulder and arm muscles.
2. Swing the racquet forward and down toward the court. Your arm should remain relaxed and extended throughout the swing.
3. As your arm reaches the bottom of the swing, your wrist should snap forward, creating a powerful slapping motion. This will generate power and spin on the shuttle.
4. As your arm continues to move forward, your body should rotate slightly, generating even more power.
5. As the shuttle is released, your arm should be fully extended and the racquet should be pointing towards the shuttle’s target.
6. Finally, as you finish the serve, your body should be facing the net and your feet should be firmly planted on the court.
Practice Makes Perfect
Practicing is essential for mastering the high forehand serve. You should practice the serve regularly and focus on the technique described above. It is also important to practice with a variety of different shuttles, as this will help you develop a better feel for the shuttle and how it responds to different types of serves.
Tips for Serving a High Forehand
• Focus on the technique. The key to a powerful forehand serve is in the technique, so make sure you practice the steps outlined above regularly.
• Keep your arm relaxed. A relaxed arm will generate more power than a tense one.
• Aim for the backcourt. The high forehand serve is most effective when it is hit deep into the backcourt, so aim for the back of the court when you serve.
• Practice with different shuttles. Different shuttles will respond differently to different serves, so it is important to practice with a variety of shuttles.
• Focus on your footwork. Good footwork is essential for generating power and accuracy on the serve.
Conclusion
The high forehand serve is one of the most difficult serves to master, but with practice and the right technique, you can become a powerful server. Follow the steps outlined above and practice regularly to become a master of the high forehand serve. With practice and dedication, you’ll be able to serve a powerful and accurate forehand that will give your opponent fits.