How to Improve Your Accuracy in Badminton: 4 Best Ways

The key to any great badminton shot — aside from power and speed — is accuracy. Because when you’re inconsistent and off-target, you can set your opponent up for easy smashes and free points. But when you master your accuracy, you can give yourself the edge you need to overcome even the most challenging opponents.

If you’ve ever wondered how to improve your accuracy in badminton, you’re in the right place. Read on to discover four of the best tips for improving your control and precision on the court.

1. Practice Your Footwork

As you work on your accuracy, you’ll find that your footwork can sometimes be an unexpected hero. That’s because proper footwork can steady your body and give you extra time to set up your shot perfectly before you swing.

If you want footwork that supports precision, know that timing is everything. In many (but not all) cases, hitting the shuttle just as you step down can help you produce more controlled shots.

Pro tip: If you need help taking your footwork to the next level, be sure to check out this guide on shadow footwork drills. 

2. Practice Hitting the Shuttle to One Target

Repeatedly hitting the shuttle to one target can help you build accuracy in badminton — no matter which shot type you’re using, and no matter which part of the court you’re aiming from.

With a partner’s help, you can even make this into a drill. Here’s how:

• Have your coach or partner feed you shots while standing in one spot on their side of the court. Each of their shots should be flying towards random areas on your court.
• Try to return each shot directly to where your partner is standing. During this drill, you’ll get a chance to use a mix of smashes, clears, lifts, and other strokes.
• Repeat for 8 to 10 minutes at a time, for as many sets as you like. In each set, you can have your coach or partner move to a new position for you to aim to.

3. Pay Attention to Your Follow-Through

Another essential skill for badminton accuracy is your follow-through. This simply refers to your ability to “complete” the swing when you hit a shot. 

Many recreational players unknowingly pull their rackets back right after making contact with the shuttle. However, this can interfere with your shots’ momentum (and it can be rough on your arms and shoulders.)

So, the next time you get a chance to train, try to let your arm follow its natural, complete motion after swinging your racket. 

4. Make the Most of Half-Court Drills

When it comes to accuracy, precision, and control, the limited space of a half-court can help you improve.

There are countless half-court drills you can do with a partner, but if you want to keep things simple, you could opt for a game of singles. Beyond that, here’s a great video on other half-court exercises to try out:

Final Tips on How to Improve Accuracy in Badminton

If you want precision and accuracy to be a pillar part of your badminton game, the racket you use matters. A stiffer shaft can help you land your shots more precisely, but you may need to generate a little extra power to use it effectively.

And as with all things in life, practice makes perfect. The tips covered in this post can help you slowly start boosting your badminton accuracy. But to see improvements for the long haul, it’s essential to stay consistent with your training. You’ve got this!

For more badminton tips and tricks, visit BadmintonJustin.com today. Or, subscribe to the YouTube channel for training highlights and regular videos to level up your game.