Forehand stroke

This refers to any shot struck on the racket side of the body. This is used when returning the bird from
the right side of the body

Backhand stroke

These are shots struck on the side away from the racket (left side for the right-handed and right side for
the left-handed). This is used when returning the bird from the left side of the body.

Overhand stroke

This is used when returning a high shot and in which the arm and the shoulder are fully extended

Drop shot The low shot close to the net made from back of the badminton court that fails or drops
sharply immediately after crossing net.

Net shot The net shot is played from the net and when played correctly, should just tumble over the
top of the net and drop as close to the net as possible on the opponents.

Drive A flat shot that is kept as low as possible to have the opponent run from side to side.

Smash This is the basic offensive shot in badminton. It is a very powerful stroke that is used primarily
for getting the shuttle to land on your opponent’s side of the court as quickly as possible. An attacking
shot made with all the power and speed one can put into it.

Clear the lob Clears are used as a defensive stroke to allow you time to return to the ready position
and regroup and to move your opponent as far away from the net as possible. This is a defensive shot
used to keep the opponent away from the net when caught off balance or out of position or when in
doubt as to what the shot should be played. Use either the forehand or backhand grip.

Overhead clear – it is usually taken from a backcourt position. Forehand Underhand (Net) Clear – it is
usually taken from forecourt position.

The Service The service is the stroke used to initiate play. It is used to begin each point in the match. It
begins as a defensive play, in which you must strike the shuttle below the waist and hit upward over the
net.

Long Short Serve – Bird should clear the net and fall on in or two beyond short service line of
opponent’s court. Long High Serve – Bird travels above the receiving reach and falls within six inches of
rear boundary line. Drive Serve – made by a quick flip of wrist and bird travels in a direct line to the
desired spot.