Badminton Shuttle Serves

June 16, 2010- A serve is extremely important in a game of badminton. One can turn the game around with proper serves each time. Basically, there are two types of shuttlecock serves in badminton as described below:

The Low Serve
The whole idea of serving the shuttle low is that the opponent would have to hit it upwards thus, giving the server a chance to smash attack the opponent. The trick is to bring forth a short serve from your elbow and alternatively use the wrist to make a surprise 'flick' serve.

In case the opponent is in an attacking mode, try changing the length, power and time of the serve. This can confuse the opponent making him commit a mistake. Try to make the hits towards the opposite shoulder of the opponent as it is difficult to manage a serve which is directed on the opposite side of your playing hand.

The High Serve
High serves are generally avoided in a doubles game as it provides the opponent with ample amount of time to make smash hits. Even during a singles game, make a high serve only when necessary. It is better to keep up with your normal racket grip with a slightly larger swig and below the waist shuttle hit.

Here is a step by step procedure to guide you to make a smashing serve every time.

• The very first step to begin a serve is by starting the serve diagonally from the right-hand court and then consecutively from one service box to another. The sides would be alternated as per the point wins.
• Make sure that both your feet are motionless and firmly in contact with the floor.
• The racket should be held properly with racket head clearly below the wrist and racket shaft pointing downwards i.e make an underarm serve.
• Make contact with the shuttle from below the waist.
• Hit the shuttle forwards smoothly with continuous movements.