In badminton, the whole game style and the strategies are built on quite a number of techniques but don’t worry, they are not as difficult to learn as you might think. One of the basic techniques that is very essential is that you should be able to correctly control the grip of the racket. Proper racket grip is necessary to develop and improve all sorts of strokes in the game.

It is very important to grip correctly because almost all badminton technique relies on your wrist motion and how flexible it is. Some of your movements will be restricted and there will be chances of you learning the incorrect techniques by gripping the racket in the wrong manner. So it's essential to grip the racket properly to make sure you learn badminton the correct way and perform as best as you can. It will also boost your confidence as you grow in the game.


You should also change your grips frequently for a better and comfortable game. 
Click here to buy Badminton Grips.

 

So let’s begin with the Basics…

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  • You need to know that the shape of each racket 

handle is octagonal. The 8 sides of the handle 

are called bevels. These bevels allow you to correctly 

grip the racket


  • Never hold the racket tightly. If you do it, you won't be able to change your grip on time. Remember that only when you're about to strike the shuttlecock, then only you should tighten your grip.

 

  • Make sure to never hold the racket's handle in your palm. You have to make use of your fingers.

 

  • Hold the racket in such a manner that the base of the handle is at the end of your palm. It will give you more power to play your shots.

 

  • Only use your thumb, index and middle finger to control your racket. Your last 2 fingers should rest on the badminton grip comfortably to balance the racquet's weight. This will allow your wrist to be more flexible and move freely.

 

You might get into the habit of holding your racket tight. But you shouldn’t because a tight grip in badminton will lower your strength and encourage the use of your shoulder and bicep muscles rather than the power of your wrist and finger. The racket has to be loosely held a moment before impact and then loose again just a moment after impact. The only time the grip is tightened is at the moment of contact, and it is this difference in tension that will produce power.

So this was all about the basics to hold your racket. Now we will move towards different types of grip techniques you should know. We will also tell you about when to use which grip and how you can transit between them. 

 

  

GRIP TECHNIQUES


  1. Forehand badminton grip:

Most of the shots you play in Badminton are using forehand grip with the help of wrist movement that allows you to move your waist freely. This is the most basic position you will get prepared with your racket before a serve or during the match. Therefore it's essential to master this grip as it will be your first-hand support in the game. It is usually used for hitting shuttlecocks that are on your forehand side and for overhead shots also.

It is important for your racket to point straight down and also your grip should be relaxed. Now let’s discuss your fingers’ role. Your thumb and index finger should form a V shape while holding the racket and the lowest section of the V should align with the head of your racket. Only the side of the thumb should touch your racket’s handle. To do this, you can either wrap it or have it directly around the handle. You will also see that your thumb's bottom part will not touch the racket at all. Pick up your racket and try it now. Furthermore, the remaining fingers should have gaps with the exception of the index finger and middle finger, where the distance will be greater, otherwise the gaps will be more or less the same. Make sure that the index finger is curled around the handle and not straight under any circumstances. This is a common mistake that can result in injury.

You can also move your grip up the handle to increase accuracy while serving, or when you're in the forecourt or midcourt, but you should feel comfortable with it. Do not try anything in which you are not comfortable. One of the interesting facts is that the angle of your hand towards your racket should look like a handshake – easy and relaxed.


  1. Backhand badminton grip: 

Do not directly jump to learn this technique. You need to master the forehand technique to learn the backhand grip, because starting from the basic grip is the simplest way to learn a new additional grip. For backhand grip, you need to position your racket for a forehand grip and turn it around 45 degrees to give the handle a backhand grip. However, this angle is only an approximate reference, as you will need to act and adapt and adjust depending on the scenario. The thumb pad should be put on the handle's wide bevel, which will also provide your shots with a power boost. Don't forget that like the forehand grip, your racket should rest and relax on the fingers and not on your palm.

 

If you practice it properly and with accuracy, you should be able to master both grips with these steps in no time.

Expert’s Tip: Remember holding your racket in a way to generate a V shape from your fingers. In case you end up with a U-shaped grip, you need to try again. This rounder grip implies that the racket is held too tightly and will not be as flexible as the correct grip.  

 


  1. Smash grip in Badminton:

Usually most players don't understand in some cases that they must use a different grip for smashes. Instead they will be using the basic forehand grip to make smash which is actually very bad if you want to hit a strong and effective smash.

 

You would be wondering now what is the difference?
The only difference is that during a forehand grip, the racket head is vertical to ground whereas in smash grip it is mildly angled about 10 degree while everything else seems the same. Obviously you want maximum power during smashing and using a forehand grip will trigger shuttle slicing, whereas with smash grip you will hit shuttle with flat face.

 

This grip will enable you to quickly transfer power from your shoulder to your wrist and then lastly racket resulting into a powerful shot.

 


NET SHOT GRIP TECHNIQUE 


  1. Forehand grip for net shot:

The technique is almost the same to hold the racket in your fingers as a usual forehand grip, but the only thing you need to modify is to hold the racket in your fingers and make the racket rotation by moving your fingers and wrist. The amount of force that you will apply when making a shot is very important and that is why it is advisable to hold the handle in your fingers so that the net shot becomes more accurate and precise 



  1. Backhand grip for net shot:

For backhand grip the main objective for you is that you should be to keep the racket in your fingers, which will allow you to make the delicate touch that is essential when playing any net shot.

 

Changing grip more quickly

 

There's a reason that you need to use a different grip for each shot and it's because of the position of your body and the position you're taking the shuttle. Suppose if the shuttle is in front of your body now you can't use the forehand grip because in that way you'll be slicing the shuttle so you'll have to use a different grip at that moment when you're doing the same net kill from the forehand.

You don't have to totally change your grips because the manner all these grips are designed by simply shifting your three fingers under your forefinger and thumb you can switch entirely from any grip depending on what shot you are hitting. I guess now you would be able to understand more accurately that why you need to keep your racket in your fingers not in your complete fist.

Knowing the grips is great, but you should be able to use them quickly, effectively and on time. Therefore, practice to change between grips as quickly as possible because it is essential to be able to switch between them immediately. It is important as badminton is a fast-paced sport and the situation in it changes quite fast. 

Practicing is the best way to get better at this and enhance your speed of grip changing

Wall exercise is one of the things you can do at home or when you're free. Hold a racket and then start switching from one grip to another as quickly as you can and you'll see a difference in your grip speed soon.


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