If there’s one shot every badminton player needs to master early, it’s the clear shot. The clear isn’t just about hitting the shuttle high and far—it’s about controlling the rally, buying time, and pushing your opponent out of position. A well-executed clear forces your opponent to the baseline, creating openings for smashes, drop shots, or simply giving you breathing space to reset.
In this guide, we’ll break down what a clear shot is, why it’s crucial, and how you can practice and master it step by step.
What Is a Clear Shot?
A clear is a stroke that sends the shuttle high and deep into your opponent’s back court. Depending on the situation, it can be:
- Defensive Clear – Played high and deep to give you time to recover.
- Attacking Clear – Played flatter and faster, surprising your opponent and preventing them from moving forward.
Both are essential tools in your arsenal, allowing you to dictate the pace of the game.
Why the Clear Matters
- Buys Time: Defensive clears let you recover from tough positions and reset your stance.
- Controls Space: By pushing your opponent to the baseline, you open up the mid-court and front court for attacking opportunities.
- Builds Rhythm: It’s a safe and reliable shot to establish control during long rallies.
- Foundation Skill: Without a consistent clear, it’s almost impossible to progress to more advanced strokes like smashes or deceptive drops.
Proper Technique for a Clear Shot
1. Grip
- Use the basic forehand grip for most clears.
- For backhand clears, switch to the backhand grip with your thumb pressing against the bevel for support.
2. Stance & Preparation
- Stand sideways to the net with your non-racket shoulder facing forward.
- Position yourself under the shuttle early—footwork is key.
- Raise your non-racket arm for balance and tracking.
3. Swing & Contact
- Start your swing from behind the shoulder (like throwing a ball).
- Hit the shuttle at the highest point possible.
- Contact should be slightly in front of your body.
- Snap your wrist at impact for power and control.
4. Follow-Through
- Your racket should finish across your body or pointing forward.
- Recover quickly to your base position after the shot.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Hitting too flat: The shuttle lands mid-court, giving your opponent an easy smash.
- Late contact: Waiting too long reduces power and accuracy.
- Poor footwork: If you’re not under the shuttle early, your shot will be weak or inconsistent.
- Overusing arm strength: Remember, power comes from the whole body—legs, core rotation, and wrist snap.
Training Drills for a Better Clear
- Shadow Practice
- Without a shuttle, rehearse your footwork and swing motion.
- Focus on smooth weight transfer and full arm extension.
- Multi-Shuttle Drill
- Have a partner feed multiple shuttles to your rear court.
- Aim each one deep into the opponent’s back court, alternating forehand and backhand.
- Consistency Challenge
- Play a game where you can only use clear shots.
- This helps build endurance, control, and precision under pressure.
- Target Practice
- Place cones or markers near the baseline.
- Try to land as many clears as possible within that zone.
Pro Tips from Coaching Experience
- Use your legs: Push off your back foot to generate upward force.
- Keep relaxed shoulders: Tension kills both accuracy and power.
- Watch the shuttle trajectory: A perfect clear should rise steeply and drop almost vertically near the baseline.
- Mix up attacking and defensive clears: Variation keeps your opponent guessing.
Final Thoughts
The clear shot may look simple, but it’s the backbone of every badminton player’s game. Mastering it allows you to control rallies, defend under pressure, and set up your attacks effectively. Without a reliable clear, even the strongest smash won’t save your game.
So the next time you step on the court, spend extra time perfecting your clear shots. Once you can consistently hit the shuttle deep to the back court, you’ll notice an immediate improvement in your confidence, control, and overall gameplay.
