The drive is an attacking shot that is usually played from the sides of the court when the shuttle has fallen too low for it to be returned with a smash. The shuttle shall be between your shoulder and knee height.
It is widely used in doubles as players want to keep the shuttle low. Although to a lesser extent in the singles, it is an important stroke as well.
A flat and fast drive is useful in getting the shuttle behind your opponent, potentially causing them to make a weak return. You can also change your tactics and play a flat but slower drive shot that falls in the frontcourt or midcourt area. It all depends on the situation you are in and the on court positioning of your opponent.
Badminton drive shot can be played diagonally crosscourt or straight down the line. Your stroking motion is similar to a sidearm throwing motion. Footwork is important as you need to shuffle or glide to your sides to make the shot.
Forehand Drive
Here are some pointers for the forehand drive:
- Adopt the forehand grip.
- Lead with your racket leg and side step towards the shuttle on your forehand.
- Your racket foot shall be pointing towards the sideline.
- Lock your wrist and draw your racket arm back in a sidearm, backswing motion.
- Your forehand grip and backswing place the racket parallel to the floor with your palm up.
- Put your body weight on your racket leg as you swing your racket arm forward.
- Extend your racket arm, roll your forearm over, and contact the shuttle as your wrist unlocks.
- Hit the shuttle in front of your racket foot at the highest point possible.
- Turn your racket inwards for cross court shots.
- Racket head square to the shuttle for shots straight down the line.
- Follow through naturally with your racket arm.
- Shift your body weight from your racket leg to your non-racket leg.
- Move back to your base position.
Backhand Drive
Here are some pointers for the backhand drive:
- Adopt the backhand grip.
- Lead with your non-racket leg or crossover with your racket leg to your backhand side.
- Lock your wrist and draw your racket arm back in a sidearm, backswing motion.
- Your backhand grip and backswing place the racket parallel to the floor with your palm down.
- Put your body weight on your leading leg as you swing your racket arm forward.
- Extend your racket arm, roll your forearm over, and contact the shuttle as your wrist unlocks.
- Hit the shuttle in front of your leading foot at the highest point possible.
- Turn your racket inwards for cross court shots.
- Racket head square to the shuttle for shots straight down the line.
- Follow through naturally with your racket arm.
- Shift your body weight from your leading leg to your non-leading leg.
- Move back to your base position.
Badminton Drive shots may not win you points outright but it can create openings for a winning shot. Equip this weapon in your arsenal...
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