The Ready Position
When you step onto a badminton court, the very first thing you need to master isn’t a smash or a fancy net shot—it’s your ready position. Think of it as the foundation of every movement you’ll make during a game. Without it, you’ll always be a step behind your opponent. With it, you’ll move faster, react quicker, and cover the court more efficiently.
The ready position might look simple, but its details make the difference between an average player and a confident, well-prepared one.
Why the Ready Position Matters
Badminton is the fastest racket sport in the world. The shuttle can travel faster than 300 km/h, which means you have a fraction of a second to react. If your body is in the wrong stance, you’ll waste time adjusting before even moving toward the shuttle.
The ready position solves this by putting you in a balanced, athletic stance that allows:
- Quick reactions to any direction (forward, backward, left, right).
- Explosive footwork to reach the shuttle in fewer steps.
- Stable posture to control strokes with accuracy.
- Energy efficiency, since you won’t waste motion resetting your stance.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Ready Position
Here’s how to set yourself up correctly every time:
- Feet Placement
- Stand with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
- Distribute weight on the balls of your feet (not the heels) to stay springy and mobile.
- Keep your dominant foot very slightly ahead, depending on whether you’re anticipating a forehand or backhand.
- Knees and Hips
- Bend your knees just enough to lower your center of gravity.
- Keep your hips engaged, ready to push in any direction.
- Upper Body & Torso
- Lean forward slightly from the hips, not the back, to stay balanced.
- Keep your core tight—this stabilizes movement and protects your lower back.
- Arms and Racket Position
- Hold your racket up in front of your body, around chest level.
- Angle the racket slightly forward, with the head tilted upward, so you’re ready for both defensive blocks and quick attacking shots.
- Your non-racket hand should be out to the side or slightly forward to help balance.
- Eyes and Focus
- Keep your eyes locked on the shuttle and your opponent’s racket.
- Stay mentally alert—anticipation is half the battle.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even intermediate players often slip into poor habits with their stance. Watch out for these mistakes:
- Standing too upright: slows down reaction time.
- Flat feet: prevents explosive movement.
- Racket hanging low: wastes time lifting it for a shot.
- Feet too narrow: reduces balance and stability.
- Over-leaning forward: makes it harder to move backward quickly.
Drills to Practice the Ready Position
Like any skill, the ready position becomes automatic with practice. Try these simple but effective drills:
- Shadow Footwork with Reset
- Start in ready position at the court center.
- Move to each corner of the court, return to the center, and reset your stance.
- Repeat for 1–2 minutes without a shuttle.
- Coach or Partner Pointing Drill
- Stand in ready position while your partner points to random directions (left, right, front, back).
- Move a step in that direction and quickly return to ready stance.
- Focus on speed and sharp resets.
- Mirror Drill
- With a partner, mirror each other’s movements while always maintaining ready stance.
- This develops reactivity and awareness.
Final Thoughts
The ready position may not look as exciting as a powerful smash or a tricky drop shot, but it’s the secret weaponbehind every successful rally. It’s what allows professionals to move like lightning, anticipate their opponent’s plays, and never look caught off guard.
If you’re serious about improving your badminton game, start every rally—and every practice session—by checking your stance. Master the ready position, and you’ll already be playing like a smarter, faster, and more confident athlete.
👉 Do you want me to continue the series with “Basic Footwork Patterns” next (since it’s the natural progression after ready position), or would you prefer we go into stroke techniques first?
