Ultimate Guide on Badminton Drive

So the other day I was playing doubles with my pals and one thing I observed was that whenever I smashed, they were usually raising the shuttle instead of playing a drive shot. In singles, instead of trying to shoot a drive defence, he was either blocking or lifting the shuttle. This experience prompted me to develop this comprehensive tutorial to assist all badminton beginners who are having trouble hitting a great drive shot.

What is a drive shot in badminton

It is a shot in which the shuttle travels in a straight line over the net, which is why domestic players refer to it as a parallel shot because the shuttle’s trajectory is parallel to the net.

Different types of Drive shot in badminton

Drive shot can be categorised into two categories.

• Forehand drive
• Backhand drive

But, because these two categories have different variations depending on the shuttle’s speed and the location where you executed the shot, let’s go over them in more detail.

Types of Forehand Drive

Flat Forehand Drive

It’s a drive in which both players are in neutral position and are exchanging flat shuttles with a forehand grip.

How to do a flat drive forehand

Step 1: Using correct grip

The grip utilised in this shot will be different from the usual forehand grip.

The gripping technique is based on a simple forehand, which means holding the handle in the palm of the hand rather than in the fist, and the racket angle is obtained with a panhandle grip.

Step 2: Getting into position

In terms of getting into position, it is one of the simplest drives.

When attempting a flat drive in badminton, a basic defence position should be taken.

Step 3: Racket swing

The arm movement is employed to generate power in flat drive.

Defensive Forehand Drive

It is the drive that is played when a player is defending a smash, and it is known as counterattack in some regions.

How to perform a forehand defense drive

Step 1: The perfect grip is the first step in performing this shot.

Step 2: Getting in the right spot to make the shot

When playing drive shot, the shuttle is usually close to your body since it is not a good idea to play drive when the smash is approaching the sideline.

The reason for this is that while the shuttle is away from the body, it is difficult to create adequate power in your shots.

Step 3: To hit this shot, you’ll need to move your wrist and arm.

There are two ways of doing it

Full arm action

This technique uses full arm movement to generate force in your driving shot, as the name implies.

Wrist action

This approach is more deceiving since it requires more wrist power while requiring less racket movement.

You’ll be astonished to learn that the quality of your shot is determined by how well you move your wrist.

Forehand Net drive shot

It refers to a shot made from the net area to the backcourt of the opponent.

The primary goal is to throw the opponent off balance.

How to perform a Forehand net drive

Step 1: Mastering the proper grip

The grip will be the same as in the forehand defensive drive; however, some players choose to employ a wide hold in the belief that it will give more power.

However, this is not the case; the Panhandle grip limits the region on which you may exert power as well as the movement of the racket.

Step 2: Getting into position

As we know in defensive drives, the shuttle will be near to your body, but in net drives, the opposite is true.

Step 3: How to move your racket

There are two ways to do defensive drive, as I described earlier in the forehand defensive drive part.

Only your wrist should be used in this type, and there are two reasons for this.

• Full arm movement might cause the shuttle to fly off the court.
• Wrist action is more deceptive and controllable than hand action.

Types of Backhand drive

Flat Backhand Drive

It was a drive that was played when both players were in a neutral position.

Backhand Flat Drive Techniques

Step 1: Correct Grip

Your thumb should be entirely on the handle during flat drives.

Keep the mind that the higher you hold your racket on a flat drive, the better your drives will be.

Step 2: Getting into position

It’s one of the simplest to pick up because all you have to do is take the appropriate stance to get into position.

Step 3: Racket movement

The thumb and your racket swing provide power on flat drives.

Backhand flat drive requires arm movement; as seen in the diagram, the initial step is to take the racket backward, followed by arm movement to make contact with the shuttle.

Backhand Net drive

Definition: It’s the drive from the backhand side of the net to the backcourt of your opponent.

How to perform Backhand net Drive

Step 1: Mastering the proper grip is essential.

Unlike backhand defence, this shot’s drive grip will be completely different.

Step 2: Getting into position

Step 3: To hit this stroke, you’ll need to move your racket.

It’s best to utilise only your wrist during net driving since it makes your shot more deceptive and gives your opponent less time to respond.

Some Drills to Improve your Drives

HITTING THE WALL

Your goal is to hit shuttle between these two lines while in a defensive position with your racket above your waist.

The bottom mark should be at the level of your chest, and the top mark should be at the level of your eyes.