Q&A for How to Play Badminton Better

Usually, if your opponent hits a smash directly at you, instinctively you will try to hit it back in the same position, which will most likely make the shuttle hit the net. Instead, quickly step out of the way and hit the shuttle side-on, this will reduce the risk of hitting the net and also defend you against the smash.

Take deep breaths, and try not to think about the negative. Don't worry about winning the round, just focus on playing your best. The calmer you are, the better you'll play (and the more it will unnerve your opponent).

Practice, practice, practice. Start by practicing with parents, relatives and close friends. Then, when you feel like you've got some skill, start going to badminton courses. It doesn't matter if you are slow at first; your speed will improve with proficiency.

Try to keep the opponent off-guard with drop shots and clears to the back of the court, and don't do high shots that would allow time to prepare a smash. Always keep your opponent moving and off-balance.

If you would like to be truly tournament-tier level, then you will have to practice at least a couple of hours each day. Your practice can include endurance strength training along with badminton practice.

You can, but keep in mind that suddenly changing your playing style can weaken your skills until you become accustomed to the new style, so it might set you back.

Hold the racket loose, but still tightly enough so that it doesn't fall out of your hands. Place your fingers so that the space between your thumb and your index finger forms a mix between a "U" and a "V".

There's no true way to predict where your opponent will return the shot, but there are some hints. Look for clues such as where their body is facing. Most players will turn their body towards where they'll hit to. With some players you can watch their racket. For example, a player may draw their racket backwards if they're going to clear a drop, whereas if they were to drop, they wouldn't draw. At more advanced levels, these clues will get less obvious or may even be red herrings, but it's a good start.

Use the thumb and index finger, with the other three fingers below the thumb and the index finger. Make the hold tight especially when it's backhand.

To stop your feet from hurting on a hard court, invest in some good shoes. Go to your local sports shoe store, ask for a "cross trainer" shoe or a "court" shoe with extra support. Do not buy a "running shoe" for badminton as these types of shoes offer little support and do not work well on a hard court surface.

The shorter the racket, the more powerful it is. At the same time, it won't hit as far. If the racket is longer, the distance increases, but the power decreases.

Just practice footwork. There is a different kind of footwork for each and every shot. For example, there is a move called chasing. Also, always make sure you return to the center of the court.

You can do some wall practice if you have a high wall, or just practice the movements until you get a net.

It will make the game longer, which will make you tired or lose stamina. It is better to finish the point fast. If you get a chance to smash, then try to finish it at that point.

Yes, you could try and trick the opponent by, say, pretending to smash the shuttlecock and then gently tapping it over the net as it comes closer to you. Usually, as long as it does not break any rules or qualify as cheating, it's fine to use tricks to up your game!

Run and practice agility exercises.

It's always better to go for a rally when you are using back hand. Also, you need to change the position of holding the rocket. Use thumb finger for more power to hit the shuttle till end of the back line. If you want to drop the shuttle from long with back hand, hold the rocket with all fingers and hit it hard with wrist.

Talk some tactics with him. Let him keep doing long shots and do your part by smashing at an appropriate timing, for example.

Usually, if you smash hard at the wrong spot, some feathers will fall off. It doesn't mean you are doing it wrong. Sometimes you hit so hard the feathers fly off.

All badminton rackets are the same size. You can use any racket, as long as it has eight sides on the handle.

They have more friction and you will have less chance of falling or slipping.

While smashing, it is normally good to put whatever force you can into the shot

Hit against a wall - often the shuttle will bounce unpredictably, forcing you to rely on reaction time and footwork.

Practice, practice.

Do some tournaments and matches against other people at approximately your level, then against people who are playing for higher levels in clubs, etc. This will show where you truly are. If you win loads, then try to get into more challenging matches to see if you are ready for more advanced levels.

You can't stop your opponent. This might be his/her strength. Enhance your defense.

Hit/slice the feathers of the shuttle and it will slightly fly up; scoop it with the racket to pick it up. Or you can scoop the shuttle from the ground scraping your racket on the floor; don't worry, it doesn't damage your racket.

A good racket for cheaper prices is the Yonex isometric series like the B600 or the Muscle Power 2. Middle price range is something like the earlier Yonex Arcsaber series or some of the earlier Nanoray rackets. If you can afford a nice racket, I would really recommend the Voldtric Z Force 2, the Duora 10 or the 88s/d, Arcsaber 11 or Nanoray Z Speed.

Yes, very effective if you know your stuff. If you cannot do the basics consistently, it will only improve your opponents game and worsen yours as it will be too complicated for you. Make sure you can hit all kinds of shots well before trying to do deceptions and fake shots .

It depends on your opponent. If they're tall, then the high and back serve might be smashed. If they're short, then it's less likely.