A competitive racket sport, badminton features players volleying a lightweight shuttlecock, or birdie, back and forth over a net with rules similar to tennis. Badminton requires athleticism, hand-eye coordination and exceptional reflexes to succeed. Serious players execute drills in all aspects of the game to enhance performance, paying particular attention to footwork and shot selection.
Baseline Smash
The overhead smash is the most devastating shot in badminton. To practice the technique, have one player volley the shuttle over the net to a teammate. The server then races back to touch the baseline before charging the net and returning his teammate's volley with an overhead smash. Targets can be set up on the other side of the net to place added importance on accuracy.
Court Coverage
To work on court coverage and quickness, have a player volley one shuttle after another into different areas of the court, especially the far corners. The receiving player must return each shuttle and then run back to her original base position after each one. This drill builds endurance while improving stroke technique and footwork.
Reaction Time
Start with one player on each side of the net. The server stands, while the receiver begins lying on the court. Once the server volleys the birdie over the net, the receiver must hop to his feet and hit a return shot. As soon as he makes the initial hit, the server lies on the court and awaits the return volley. The players always return to lying on the court after hitting a shot. Continue the drill for five minutes, with the up and down movements stressing agility, quickness and reaction time.
Shadow
In this drill, players don't even use a shuttlecock. A player takes her normal stance on one side of the net, while a teammate points with his racket to direct her around the court. The first player must respond to her teammate's every movement, racing in the desired direction as fast as possible. Because no shuttle is involved, the player can concentrate on speed and footwork without having to worry about shot placement.
Wall
Players need to master all strokes and not rely on their forehand or backhand. Hitting a birdie off a wall remains the easiest way to practice specific strokes. Try to find a wall at least 20 feet high so it can accommodate lobs. It also helps to place chalk or a piece of tape 5 feet high to simulate the net height. Simply stand a few feet from the wall and take repeated strokes with your forehand, backhand and whatever other type of shot needs work. Changing the distance from the wall and the force of the strokes can alter the degree of difficulty.
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