Serving is one of the most crucial skills in badminton, setting the tone for every rally. While many beginners overlook the importance of a good serve, advanced players know that a strong, accurate serve can either put your opponent on the defensive or, at the very least, prevent them from gaining an easy advantage.
One of the most effective serving styles in singles badminton is the high serve. When executed correctly, it sends the shuttle deep into your opponent’s backcourt, forcing them into a defensive return. In this guide, we’ll break down the high serve step by step so you can perform it with both power and precision.
When to Use the High Serve
The high serve is primarily used in singles play, where the court is long and narrow. Its main purposes are:
- Forcing your opponent to the backcourt, giving you time to take a ready position.
- Reducing their opportunity to attack aggressively at the net.
- Controlling the pace of the rally by starting on your terms.
In doubles, the high serve is much less common because opponents can attack quickly at the net, putting you at an immediate disadvantage.
Step-by-Step Breakdown of the High Serve
1. Grip
- Use a forehand grip (like a handshake with the racket).
- Ensure your grip is relaxed, not too tight—this allows a smooth, controlled swing.
2. Stance and Positioning
- Stand diagonally opposite your opponent in the service court.
- Place your non-racket foot forward (left foot if you’re right-handed).
- Keep your body sideways to the net for better swing range.
- Distribute your weight evenly, with a slight lean forward.
3. Shuttle Hold
- Hold the shuttle by the feathers, not the cork.
- Keep it steady at waist height, slightly in front of your racket foot.
- Avoid gripping too tightly; a gentle hold ensures a clean release.
4. Swing Preparation
- Start with your racket behind you, arm relaxed.
- As you prepare to swing, shift weight from your back foot to your front foot.
- Keep your eyes on the shuttle for timing accuracy.
5. Contact Point
- Drop the shuttle naturally (do not throw it upwards).
- Strike the shuttle below your waist—as per badminton rules.
- Aim to hit the base of the shuttlecock with a smooth, upward motion.
6. Follow Through
- Extend your racket arm upward and forward.
- Your racket should finish pointing toward the target area.
- After contact, quickly return to a ready position in the center of the court.
Key Tips for a Powerful & Accurate High Serve
- Use Your Whole Body: Power comes not just from your arm, but also from the weight transfer between your legs and the rotation of your torso.
- Focus on Height and Depth: The ideal high serve should travel in a steep arc, landing near your opponent’s back boundary line.
- Consistency First: Accuracy matters more than power. Practice hitting the same deep corner repeatedly before trying to add extra speed.
- Disguise Your Serve: Keep your motion smooth and consistent, so your opponent cannot predict if you’re serving high, low, or flick.
- Stay Relaxed: Tension in your arm leads to jerky, inaccurate serves. A fluid motion ensures both accuracy and control.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Serving Too Flat: If the trajectory is low, opponents can smash right away.
- Overhitting: Too much power sends the shuttle out of bounds.
- Dropping the Shuttle Incorrectly: Throwing the shuttle upward or sideways ruins timing and consistency.
- Poor Recovery: Failing to return to a ready stance leaves you vulnerable to fast returns.
Drills to Improve Your High Serve
- Target Practice Drill
- Place markers (cones or shuttle tubes) at the back corners of the court.
- Aim your high serves to land as close as possible to the markers.
- Repetition Sets
- Perform 20–30 serves to each side without stopping.
- Track how many land within one meter of the back boundary line.
- Pressure Practice
- Have a partner stand at the backcourt to receive your serve.
- Their goal is to attack aggressively if the serve is short. This pressure forces you to focus on depth and accuracy.
Final Thoughts
The high serve may seem simple, but mastering it requires precision, consistency, and confidence. A well-executed high serve not only keeps your opponent on the back foot but also gives you the opportunity to dictate the flow of the rally.
As with any skill in badminton, practice is the key. Start slowly, focus on technique, and gradually build up power and consistency. With enough repetition, the high serve will become one of your most reliable weapons on the court.
