Badminton is a sport that requires skill, strength, and quick reflexes. It is a racquet sport that is enjoyed by many people of all ages. Badminton is often considered one of the most popular racquet sports, along with tennis and squash. But what makes badminton unique is the wide variety of strokes that players use to score points. In this article, we will explain what the six strokes are in badminton and how to perform them properly.
The Serve
The first stroke in badminton is the serve. This is the beginning of each rally and is the most important stroke in the game. The serve must be initiated from behind the short service line and must be hit over the net. The serve must also land in the diagonally opposite court. There are two types of serves: the high serve and the low serve. The high serve is often used to start the rally, while the low serve is used to gain an advantage in the rally.
The Clear
The second stroke in badminton is the clear. This shot is used to move the shuttlecock away from the net and to the back of the court. The clear is a defensive stroke that is used to give the player time to reposition themselves and to prepare for the next shot. The clear is usually hit with a long arm swing and a flat racquet face. It is important to keep the shuttlecock low and to hit it with a lot of power.
The Drop
The third stroke in badminton is the drop. This shot is used to hit the shuttlecock close to the net. The drop shot is often used to surprise the opponent and to gain an advantage in the rally. To perform the drop shot, the player must hit the shuttlecock with a light touch and with a lot of spin. This shot requires good technique and precise timing.
The Smash
The fourth stroke in badminton is the smash. This shot is used to hit the shuttlecock hard and fast towards the opponent’s court. The smash is used to end the rally and is usually hit with a lot of power. To perform the smash, the player must hit the shuttlecock with a closed racquet face and with a downward motion. It is important to hit the shuttlecock at the highest point possible and to aim for the corners of the court.
The Drive
The fifth stroke in badminton is the drive. This shot is used to hit the shuttlecock flat and fast across the court. The drive is a powerful shot that is often used to keep the rally going. To perform the drive, the player must hit the shuttlecock with a flat racquet face and with a lot of power. It is important to keep the shuttlecock low and to aim for the corners of the court.
The Lob
The sixth stroke in badminton is the lob. This shot is used to hit the shuttlecock high and deep into the opponent’s court. The lob is a defensive stroke that is used to keep the shuttlecock away from the net. To perform the lob, the player must hit the shuttlecock with a lot of spin and with a high arm swing. It is important to keep the shuttlecock high and to aim for the back of the court.
Conclusion
In conclusion, badminton is a sport that requires skill and quick reflexes. The six strokes in badminton are the serve, the clear, the drop, the smash, the drive, and the lob. All of these strokes require good technique and precise timing to be effective. Learning and mastering these strokes will help you become a better badminton player.