Pro Tips: How to Hit a Low Backhand Serve Badminton — Teaching Points

If you’ve ever wondered how to hit a low backhand serve in badminton, you’re not alone. This shot can help you set the pace of rallies, gain an advantage over your opponent, and level up your game as a whole. And no matter your experience level, it’s an invaluable skill to have on the court.

But even though the low backhand serve seems simple, it can be deceivingly tough to master. Luckily, certain tips can make the learning process easier.

Read on to learn how to hit a low backhand serve in badminton, including the technique, positioning tips, and best ways to practice.

What Is a Low Backhand Serve in Badminton?

A low backhand serve involves a flick-like backhand motion that sends the shuttle on a short, flat trajectory. When done correctly, the shuttle should graze just over the net, landing on or near your opponent’s front service line. 

In many cases, a low backhand serve can help you start a rally with an edge over your opponent. Because when you hit a low shot in front of them, they can be forced to return it with a high, floaty shot. In turn, this can put them on the defense and set you up for an offensive advantage. 

How to Hit a Low Backhand Serve

Here’s what you should know to create a sharp and seamless low backhand serve in badminton:

Position

Positioning yourself well on the court is the first step in creating a powerful serve. 

If you’re playing doubles, you can stand as close to the front service line as possible before executing your serve. On the other hand, singles players may want to start a few extra steps back. This way, you’ll have plenty of time to recover and defend your court — no matter how quickly your opponent returns the shot. 

Grip Technique

When it comes to grip technique, the classic backhand grip is all you’ll need to execute a great low backhand serve. 

To use this grip, you’ll simply need to hold the racket with your thumb resting on the flat side of the handle. By positioning your hand this way, you can use your thumb to control the angle and power behind your serve. 

Beyond that, remember to:

• Keep your pointer finger and thumb slightly relaxed before you swing.
• Hold the racket higher up on the handle, rather than at the very end. This can help you gain more precision over how the racket moves. 

Holding the Shuttle

How you hold the shuttle is an often-overlooked but crucial part of the low backhand serve. Rather than tossing it in the air before you swing, try these steps to improve your consistency:

• Using your pointer and middle finger, grab the feather edge of the shuttle and hold it just above your racket.
• Instead of placing the shuttle in front of your racket’s sweet spot, hold it towards the top end of the frame. The higher tension here will help you create a sharper, more controlled serve.
• Be sure to hold the shuttle at an angle, slightly tipped forward, in front of your racket. If you angle it incorrectly, you run the risk of your shot flying up in the air or straight into the net. 

The Swinging Motion: Bringing It All Together

A complete low backhand serve happens when all of the above tips come together. Before you swing:

• Get into position with your weight leaning on your front leg. 
• Hold your racket in the backhand position out in front of you, slightly tilted toward the ground.
• Hold the shuttle in position over your racket, near the top edge of the string bed.

Finally, you’ll use a short backhand “flicking” motion to send the shuttle flying just over the edge of your opponent’s diagonal service court. And if all goes well and you hit a great shot, don’t stop there — after that, it’s time to jump into action and defend your court!

The Takeaway

Because the low backhand serve is such a delicate shot, you may have to work through some trial and error to get a handle on the distance, angles, power, and overall technique. It takes time, and that’s just part of the process. 

If you want to master this shot more quickly, it can help to schedule time every week to practice at your local badminton court. Try a variety of serving drills, play matches with partners, or even work with a coach to get your technique down to a T. Good luck!