Badminton is a widely popular sport in which two opposing players or teams hit a shuttlecock back and forth over a high net using a racquet. As a recreational sport, badminton is enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. It is also an Olympic sport, with professional players competing for medals at the highest level. While much of badminton is about skill and technique, the serve is a key element of the game. Understanding where to serve in badminton can give you the edge over your opponent.
The Basics of Serving in Badminton
The basic rules of badminton require the server to hit the shuttlecock from within the service court. The service court is a rectangular area on the badminton court which is 6.1 meters long and 1.98 meters wide. The service court is divided into two equal halves by a centre line. The shuttlecock must be hit diagonally to the other service court, and the opposing player must then return the shot in a single hit.
The Serve
The serve is the first shot of a rally and the player serving must hit the shuttlecock from within the service court. The serve must be hit over the net and into the diagonally opposite service court. The shuttlecock must be hit below waist-height and it must pass over the net and land within the opponent’s service court.
Types of Serves
There are a number of different types of serves in badminton. The most common types are the high serve, the low serve, the flick serve and the drive serve.
High Serve
The high serve is a serve that is hit above the waist and is intended to land close to the back boundary of the opponent’s service court. This type of serve is usually used to start a rally and to take the opponent by surprise.
Low Serve
The low serve is a serve that is hit below the waist and is intended to land close to the net in the opponent’s service court. This type of serve is usually used to surprise the opponent and to prevent them from hitting an attacking shot.
Flick Serve
The flick serve is a serve that is hit with a lot of spin. This type of serve is usually used to make it difficult for the opponent to return the shot.
Drive Serve
The drive serve is a serve that is hit with a lot of power. This type of serve is usually used to put pressure on the opponent and to force them to make a mistake.
Serving Strategies
When serving in badminton, it is important to use a variety of different serves and to vary the speed, spin and placement of your serve. This will make it more difficult for your opponent to anticipate your next shot. It is also important to use the serve as part of a wider strategy. For example, you can use the serve to set up the next shot, to disrupt your opponent’s rhythm or to force them into a defensive position.
Conclusion
Serving in badminton is an important part of the game and understanding where to serve can give you the edge over your opponent. The basic rules of badminton require the server to hit the shuttlecock from within the service court, and it must be hit over the net and into the diagonally opposite service court. There are a number of different types of serves in badminton, including the high serve, the low serve, the flick serve and the drive serve. When serving, it is important to use a variety of different serves and to vary the speed, spin and placement of your serve. This will make it more difficult for your opponent to anticipate your next shot.