At first glance, badminton appears to be a simple game. Opponents use racquets to hit a shuttlecock, or birdie, back and forth over a center net. However, you can use many different strategies during a badminton match. And strategy is all the more important in singles badminton, where players face off head-to-head without the assistance of teammates.
Tiring
The first and most obvious strategy in singles badminton is simply to tire out your opponent. Without a doubles partner, singles competitors have twice the ground to protect. Covering all four corners of the playing surface can prove an exhausting exercise. Using the entire court and running your opponent from side to side and from the net to the backline can tire him out and lead to easy winners.
Returning
Keep a close eye on opponents when they're serving. If the server displays a tendency to step backward after service, try to return with short drop shots to the front court. On the other hand, if the server charges the net after service, employ deep lobs to exploit the exposed backline. Varying the depth, pace and location of returns keeps opponents off balance.
Serving
Smart singles badminton players use service to set up their opponents. Consistently serving high, deep shots into the opposing back court can lull your opposition to sleep. Once you have established the pattern of high serves, firing a low hard serve can catch your opponent by surprise and help you capture a quick point.
Pinning
In singles badminton, use the entire length of the playing surface. Pinning your opponent to the backline with repeated deep shots effectively stretches the court. Continually pinning the opponent along the backline opens up the front court for short drop shots. You also can pin opponents into one specific back corner before placing a shot in the opposite front corner.
Defense
You must control the angles in singles badminton. While hitting shots to the corners can produce scoring chances, it also provides your opponent with more advantageous return angles. Hitting a shot into the middle of the court robs your opponent of any beneficial scoring angles. If your opponent seizes control of a rally, dropping shots into the middle of the court can slow the pace down and provide an opportunity to regroup.
Smashing
Reserve overhead smashes for decisive blows. Soften your opponent with effective clears and drops before attempting a forceful smash to win the point. If used too early or too often, smashes lose all significance and only serve to sap needed energy.
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