The low serve is one of the most essential skills in badminton. While it may look simple, mastering it can give you a huge tactical advantage—especially in singles and doubles play. A well-executed low serve forces your opponent to lift the shuttle, giving you the chance to attack first and control the rally.
In this guide, we’ll break down the low serve: its purpose, variations, key technical points, common mistakes, and practical drills to sharpen your game.
Why the Low Serve Matters
- Keeps Opponents on the Defensive: A tight serve just over the net forces your opponent to play upwards, limiting their attacking options.
- Controls the Tempo: Instead of giving away an easy smash opportunity with a high serve, you dictate the pace of the rally from the very first shot.
- Crucial in Doubles: At higher levels, almost all doubles rallies begin with a low serve, as high serves are too risky against aggressive players.
- Element of Surprise: Mixing in occasional flick serves (disguised as low serves) keeps opponents guessing.
Technique Breakdown: How to Perform the Low Serve
1. Grip
- Use a forehand grip for forehand serves and a backhand grip for backhand serves.
- Most advanced players prefer the backhand low serve in doubles for better control and disguise.
2. Stance
- Stand with your racket leg forward, non-racket leg behind.
- Keep your knees slightly bent, body relaxed, and eyes on the shuttle.
- Position yourself close to the service line, but not stepping over it.
3. Contact Point
- Hold the shuttle by the feathers with your non-racket hand.
- Drop it gently and make contact below your waist (as per BWF rules).
- Aim to brush the shuttle smoothly so it travels just above the net.
4. Swing Motion
- Keep the swing short and controlled, not powerful.
- Use your wrist and fingers to guide the shuttle.
- Avoid any jerky or exaggerated movements that give away your serve.
5. Trajectory & Placement
- The shuttle should pass close over the net and land near the opponent’s service line.
- In singles: aim slightly deeper to prevent the opponent from rushing forward.
- In doubles: keep it tighter and shorter to stop aggressive net kills.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Serving Too High: Gives your opponent the chance to smash.
- Overstepping the Service Line: Results in a fault.
- Predictable Serving: Always serving to the same spot makes you easy to read.
- Lack of Relaxation: Tension in the wrist and arm often leads to inconsistent serves.
Drills to Improve Your Low Serve
- Target Practice: Place cones or markers near the service line and aim to land 10 serves in a row within the target zone.
- Consistency Challenge: Serve 50 shuttles in one session, tracking how many are successful.
- Deception Drill: Alternate between low serves and flick serves using the same motion to develop disguise.
- Pressure Simulation: Practice serving while a partner stands ready to pounce—this trains you to stay calm under match pressure.
Pro Tips from a Coach
- Stay Low: Keep your body posture low after serving so you’re ready to react quickly.
- Use Breathing: Exhale as you serve to release tension and stay fluid.
- Mental Routine: Develop a pre-serve ritual (bounce the shuttle, adjust grip) to calm nerves and increase consistency.
- Watch the Best: Study top doubles players like Zheng Siwei or Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo—their low serve precision sets the tone for their dominance.
Final Thoughts
The low serve may look basic, but it’s one of the most powerful weapons in badminton. Mastering it will not only reduce your unforced errors but also set you up to control rallies from the start. Whether you’re playing singles or doubles, practicing this serve with discipline and focus can elevate your game instantly.
The next time you step on court, remember: the rally begins with you. Serve smart, serve sharp.
