Mastering the Clear Shot in Badminton Tips and Techniques

Before we dive into the tips and techniques, let’s first understand what a clear shot is and why it is important in badminton. A clear shot is a high and deep shot that is used to move your opponent to the back of the court. It is usually played from the back of the court and is aimed towards the back of your opponent’s court. The main purpose of a clear shot is to gain time and space to prepare for your next shot or to force your opponent to make a weak return.

A well-executed clear shot can put your opponent on the defensive, giving you the opportunity to attack and score points. On the other hand, a poorly executed clear shot can give your opponent an easy chance to attack and win the point. Therefore, mastering the clear shot is crucial for any badminton player who wants to excel in the sport.

There are two types of clear shots in badminton – the forehand clear and the backhand clear. The forehand clear is played with your dominant hand, while the backhand clear is played with your non-dominant hand. Both shots have their own set of techniques and require different levels of skill. Let’s take a closer look at each type of clear shot.

Forehand Clear

The forehand clear is the most commonly used clear shot in badminton. It is played with your dominant hand and is usually used to send the shuttlecock to the back of your opponent’s court. To execute a forehand clear, follow these steps:

1. Start with your feet shoulder-width apart and your racket held at waist height.
2. Shift your weight to your back foot and raise your racket to shoulder height.
3. Swing your racket in an upward motion, using your wrist to generate power.
4. Make contact with the shuttlecock at the highest point possible.
5. Follow through with your swing, extending your arm towards the direction you want the shuttlecock to go.

Backhand Clear

The backhand clear is a more challenging shot as it requires the use of your non-dominant hand. However, it is an essential shot to have in your arsenal as it allows you to cover more areas of the court. To execute a backhand clear, follow these steps:

1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, facing the side of the court.
2. Hold your racket with your non-dominant hand at waist height.
3. Shift your weight to your back foot and raise your racket to shoulder height.
4. Swing your racket in an upward motion, using your wrist to generate power.
5. Make contact with the shuttlecock at the highest point possible.
6. As you make contact with the shuttlecock, rotate your body and extend your arm towards the direction you want the shuttlecock to go.

Now that we have a better understanding of the clear shot, let’s look at some tips that will help you improve your technique and master this important shot in badminton.

1. Practice Your Footwork

Footwork is crucial in badminton, especially when it comes to executing the clear shot. Your footwork should be quick and precise, allowing you to move around the court and get into position to hit the shuttlecock. To improve your footwork, practice drills that focus on moving quickly and efficiently around the court. This will not only help you with your clear shot but also with other shots in badminton.

2. Work on Your Grip

Having the right grip is essential for executing a powerful and accurate clear shot. For the forehand clear, use a basic grip where your thumb and index finger form a “V” shape on the racket handle. This will give you more control over your shots. For the backhand clear, use a panhandle grip where your thumb is placed on the back of the racket handle. This will allow you to generate more power and accuracy in your shots.

3. Use Your Wrist

Your wrist plays a crucial role in generating power and accuracy in your clear shots. As you swing your racket, use your wrist to snap the racket at the point of contact with the shuttlecock. This will give you more power and control over your shots. However, be careful not to overuse your wrist as it can lead to injuries.

4. Focus on Timing and Contact Point

Timing and contact point are two important factors that can make or break your clear shot. Make sure to time your swing so that you make contact with the shuttlecock at the highest point possible. This will give you more power and height in your shots. Additionally, aim to make contact with the shuttlecock slightly in front of your body to achieve better accuracy and control.

5. Practice Different Variations

To become a master of the clear shot, it is important to practice different variations of the shot. This includes changing the speed, angle, and placement of your shots. By practicing different variations, you will be able to surprise your opponent and keep them on their toes. It will also help you develop a more versatile and effective clear shot.

Apart from the tips mentioned above, there are certain techniques that can help you improve your clear shot and take it to the next level. Let’s take a look at some of these techniques.

1. Use Your Non-Dominant Hand

As mentioned earlier, the backhand clear is an important shot to have in your arsenal. To improve your backhand clear, practice using your non-dominant hand for other shots as well. This will help you develop better control and coordination with your non-dominant hand, making it easier to execute a powerful backhand clear.

2. Incorporate Footwork into Your Shots

Footwork is not just about moving around the court, it also plays a crucial role in your shots. By incorporating footwork into your shots, you can generate more power and accuracy. For example, when executing a forehand clear, use your back foot to push off the ground and transfer your weight to your front foot. This will give you more power in your shots.

3. Vary Your Shot Speed

To keep your opponent guessing, it is important to vary the speed of your shots. This applies to the clear shot as well. By changing the speed of your shots, you can force your opponent to make mistakes or create openings for yourself to attack. Practice hitting slow, medium, and fast clears to develop better control over the speed of your shots.

5 Drills to HIT the PERFECT BADMINTON BACKHAND CLEAR

4. Use Deception

Deception is a key element in badminton and can be used to great effect in your clear shots. By using deceptive shots, you can trick your opponent into thinking that you are going to hit a certain shot, only to change it at the last moment. This will catch your opponent off guard and give you an advantage. Practice using deception in your clear shots to become a more unpredictable player.

5. Improve Your Core Strength

Having a strong core is essential for executing powerful and accurate clear shots. Your core muscles play a crucial role in generating power and stability in your shots. To improve your core strength, incorporate exercises such as planks, sit-ups, and Russian twists into your training routine. This will not only help you with your clear shot but also with other shots in badminton.

The clear shot is an important weapon in any badminton player’s arsenal. By mastering this shot, you can gain an advantage over your opponent and take your game to the next level. Remember to practice your footwork, work on your grip, use your wrist, focus on timing and contact point, and practice different variations of the shot. Additionally, incorporate techniques such as using your non-dominant hand, incorporating footwork, varying shot speed, using deception, and improving your core strength to further improve your clear shot. With dedication and practice, you can become a master of the clear shot and dominate the court in your next badminton match.