One of the biggest mistakes beginners make in badminton is overlooking the importance of grip. Before you learn smashes, clears, or fancy trick shots, you need to master how to hold your racket correctly. Think of the grip as the foundation of your entire game: with the wrong foundation, your shots lose power, accuracy, and control.
In this guide, we’ll break down the two essential grips—forehand and backhand—and how you can practice them to build a rock-solid foundation for all your badminton strokes.
Why the Grip Matters
The way you hold your racket directly affects:
- Power: A proper grip ensures maximum energy transfer from your arm to the shuttle.
- Control: The right grip angle gives you precision in both attacking and defensive shots.
- Versatility: Switching between forehand and backhand grips allows you to adapt quickly during fast rallies.
- Injury Prevention: A relaxed, correct grip reduces strain on your wrist and forearm.
Think of it like driving a car—you need to know how to hold the steering wheel before you can speed down the highway.
The Forehand Grip
The forehand grip is the foundation for powerful shots like clears, smashes, and drives.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Shake Hands with the Racket
- Hold the racket as if you are shaking hands with it.
- The racket handle should rest diagonally across your palm, from the base of your index finger to the heel of your hand.
- Thumb and Index Finger Position
- Your index finger should curl naturally around the handle.
- Leave a small “V-shape” between your thumb and index finger along the side edge of the handle.
- Relaxed Grip
- Avoid squeezing the racket too tightly—your grip should feel firm but relaxed.
- A loose grip allows quick changes in wrist movement for deceptive and powerful shots.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Holding the handle flat in your palm (reduces mobility).
- Gripping too tightly (slows down reaction speed).
- Over-rotating the wrist (leads to weak or inaccurate shots).
The Backhand Grip
The backhand grip is crucial for returning shots on your non-dominant side, especially in fast-paced rallies.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Start from the Forehand Grip
- Hold the racket in a forehand grip.
- Now, rotate the racket about a quarter turn in your hand.
- Thumb Placement
- Place your thumb flat along the back bevel (the wider surface of the handle).
- This provides extra leverage and control for flicks, drives, and clears.
- Finger Support
- Your other fingers (index to little finger) wrap loosely around the handle.
- The thumb does most of the work in backhand shots, pushing the racket forward.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using a forehand grip for backhand shots (weakens your return).
- Curling your thumb instead of pressing it flat (reduces power and control).
- Over-gripping the handle (slows transitions between grips).
How to Practice Switching Grips
Badminton is a fast game—you don’t have time to think too much about grip changes mid-rally. To build muscle memory:
- Shadow Practice
- Stand without a shuttle.
- Alternate between forehand and backhand grips while simulating shots.
- Wall Drills
- Hit the shuttle against a wall, focusing on grip changes.
- Start slow, then increase speed as you get comfortable.
- Multi-Shuttle Drills
- Have a partner feed shuttles randomly to your forehand and backhand sides.
- Work on adjusting grips quickly and smoothly.
Final Thoughts
Mastering the forehand and backhand grips might feel simple, but these fundamentals separate casual players from serious badminton athletes. With the right grip, every stroke—from a powerful smash to a delicate net shot—becomes easier, more accurate, and more effective.
If you’re just starting out, spend time perfecting your grip before focusing on advanced techniques. Trust me—this small detail will pay off in every game you play.
