For many players, the backhand clear is one of the most frustrating yet essential shots to master in badminton. It’s often used as a defensive tool when an opponent pushes the shuttle deep to your non-dominant side. Done correctly, it allows you to reset the rally, gain time to recover, and even pressure your opponent by sending the shuttle all the way to their backcourt.
In this guide, we’ll break down the purpose of the backhand clear, the mechanics behind it, and practical drills you can use to build consistency and confidence.
Why the Backhand Clear Matters
When you’re forced deep into your backhand corner, many beginners make the mistake of attempting a weak return or simply lifting the shuttle short. This creates an easy attacking chance for your opponent. The backhand clear solves this problem by:
- Resetting the rally – sending the shuttle high and deep gives you time to recover to the center.
- Creating tactical variation – keeping your opponent guessing, especially if you mix clears with drops.
- Building confidence – once mastered, you won’t fear opponents targeting your backhand side.
Key Mechanics of the Backhand Clear
Unlike the forehand clear, the backhand clear relies more on wrist snap, timing, and body positioning rather than brute arm power. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
- Preparation & Grip
- Use a backhand grip (rotate the racket slightly so the thumb rests comfortably on the back bevel).
- Raise your non-racket arm to help balance and track the shuttle.
- Footwork
- From the ready position, pivot your body and step quickly into the backhand rear corner.
- Position your feet sideways to the net, with your racket shoulder pointing backward.
- Body Positioning
- Keep your body slightly leaned back, with the shuttle ideally at shoulder height or above.
- If the shuttle is too low, aim for a defensive clear rather than forcing a powerful one.
- Swing Technique
- Start with the racket behind your head in a compact position.
- Push with your thumb against the grip while snapping your wrist forward.
- Imagine “flicking” the shuttle upwards with a smooth, explosive motion.
- Contact Point
- Hit the shuttle at its highest reachable point, slightly in front of your body.
- Direct the shuttle upward and deep toward your opponent’s baseline.
- Follow Through
- Your racket should move across your body naturally after contact.
- Recover quickly to the center base position.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
- Weak Clear (Shuttle Falls Mid-Court):
→ Likely caused by late contact or insufficient wrist snap. Fix it by meeting the shuttle earlier and focusing on the thumb push. - Poor Balance:
→ Many players lean too far back or step incorrectly. Practice correct footwork to maintain balance and power. - Overusing the Arm:
→ The backhand clear is not about big swings. Instead, focus on compact movement with wrist and forearm acceleration.
Drills to Improve Your Backhand Clear
- Shadow Swings (No Shuttle)
- Practice the full motion 20–30 times focusing on grip, wrist snap, and body rotation.
- Shuttle Feeding Drill
- Ask a partner/coach to feed 10–15 shuttles consistently to your backhand corner.
- Focus on getting the shuttle deep to the backcourt, not just “over the net.”
- Half-Court Backhand Clear Challenge
- Stand in the backhand rear corner and try to clear shuttles to the opposite baseline using only backhand technique.
- Aim for height and length over power.
- Progressive Speed Drill
- Start slow, then gradually increase the feeding speed to simulate real match situations.
Tactical Use in Matches
- Use the backhand clear defensively when under pressure, buying time to recover.
- Mix it with backhand drops to keep your opponent guessing—forcing them to cover both deep and short shots.
- In singles, a strong backhand clear prevents opponents from targeting your weakness. In doubles, it helps avoid giving away easy smashes.
Final Thoughts
The backhand clear is a shot that every serious badminton player must have in their toolkit. While it’s often considered difficult, the truth is that with correct grip, footwork, and wrist action, it becomes a reliable and powerful defensive weapon.
Commit to practicing it consistently. Start slow, refine your mechanics, and then push for speed and precision. Master this shot, and you’ll transform a common weakness into one of your strongest assets on court.
