Badminton is a sport that requires a good level of skill and technique, and a badminton racket is an essential part of the sport. As with any sport, the correct way to hold a badminton racket is important. Here, we discuss the correct way of holding a badminton racket.
Why is the Correct Way of Holding a Badminton Racket Important?
The correct way of holding a badminton racket is important as it affects the performance of the player and their ability to hit the shuttlecock with accuracy and power. Holding the racket correctly also reduces the risk of injury and helps to maintain good technique.
Gripping the Handle
The first step in holding a badminton racket correctly is gripping the handle. The handle should be held with the fingers and thumb in a relaxed position. The handle should be held firmly, but not too tightly, and the base of the thumb should be slightly lower than the fingers.
Position of the Wrist
Once the handle is held, the wrist should be slightly bent and the racket head should be slightly above the hand. The wrist should not be too stiff or rigid, as this can cause injury, but should be slightly relaxed.
Forehand Grip
The forehand grip is used for most shots in badminton, and is the most common grip used. The forehand grip is a two-handed grip, with the dominant hand at the top of the racket and the other hand at the bottom. The dominant hand should be slightly above the other hand, and the thumb and index finger should be slightly overlapping.
Backhand Grip
The backhand grip is used for shots that require more power, and is similar to the forehand grip. The dominant hand should be at the bottom of the racket and the other hand should be at the top. The thumb and index finger should be slightly overlapping, and the wrist should be slightly bent.
Variations
There are some variations of the two-handed grip, such as the reverse backhand grip, which is similar to the backhand grip but with the dominant hand at the top and the other hand at the bottom. There is also the continental grip, which is a one-handed grip used for defensive shots. This grip is similar to the forehand grip but with the non-dominant hand at the back of the racket.
Conclusion
Holding a badminton racket correctly is essential for good performance and reducing the risk of injury. The handle should be held firmly but not too tightly, and the wrist should be slightly bent. The most common grip is the two-handed forehand grip, but there are some variations such as the reverse backhand and the continental grip. With practice and the correct technique, badminton players can improve their performance and reduce their risk of injury.