When you are playing badminton, one of the most important shots that you can master is the drop shot. This is a very effective shot that can help you win points and games. Here is a complete guide on how to execute a perfect drop shot in badminton.
What is Badminton Drop Shot?
A drop shot in badminton is a shot where the shuttlecock is hit softly and lands just over the net. The main purpose of this shot is to make it difficult for your opponent to return the shuttlecock.
Types of Badminton drop shots (Forehand and backhand)
There are two main types of drop shots in badminton, the forehand drop shot and the backhand drop shot. Whereas there are 2 types of styles to execute drop shots, and they are as follows;
- Basic Drop shots (Fast Pace or Slow Pace)
- Slice Drop Shot / Deceptive Drop Shot
Basic Drop Shot (Fast Paced)
This is the most basic type of drop shot and is often used as a surprise tactic. To execute this shot, you need to hit the shuttlecock with a quick wrist snap. This will give the shuttlecock extra speed and make it difficult for your opponent to react in time. The power of the shot also depends upon the weight of the racket and player strength, take a note of the same while analyzing your game.
As shown in the diagram, the player executes the shot in such a way that the shuttle passes above the net and lands behind the front service line of the opponent. Some player who are not long enough to execute this shot by just standing. To encounter this problem, some player execute this shot by jumping forward, producing an sharp angle to hit shot.
A player like Viktor Axelsen, Lin Dan, and Tai Tzu Ying are well-known for their fast-paced drop shots.
How to Execute Basic Drop Shot (Fast Paced)
For beginners, Hold your racket in a relaxed basic grip. The forefinger and the thumb should be at the top of the racket for more control. Make sure the racket strings are pointing at the shuttle.
When you hit the shuttle, to make a drop shot execute with extra speed, make sure to hit the shuttle with a quick wrist and arm coming slightly inward to the body.
Technique Used :
- Prepare yourself in such a way that when you leave the shuttlecock in the air, it must land before your non-racket foot).
- Raise your both arms together
- Take a Jump (If you are short height)
- And finally, hit the shuttlecock at the highest point with a quick wrist movement to execute the Basic Drop Shot (Fast Paced).
Basic Drop Shot (Slow Paced)
This type of drop shot is often used as a defensive shot. To execute this shot, you need to hit the shuttlecock with a slow and controlled wrist snap. This will give the shuttlecock less speed, this is basically executed to force an opponent to lean forward from his original position.
As shown in the diagram, the player executes the shot in such a way that the shuttle passes just above the net and lands before the front service line of the opponent court.
This is an effective shot against tall players as it will make them bend their knees more to reach the shuttle, giving you an opportunity to attack them with other shots.
How to Execute Basic Drop Shot (Slow Paced)
For beginners, Hold your racket in a relaxed basic grip. The forefinger and the thumb should be at the top of the racket for more control. Make sure the racket strings are pointing at the shuttle.
When you hit the shuttle, to make a drop shot execute with less speed, make sure to hit the shuttle with a slow and controlled wrist and arm coming slightly inward to the body.
Technique Used:
- This shot is played by placing your non-racket foot in front and keeping your weight on the back foot.
- Raise your arm and racket together.
- Then take a small jump forward and hit the shuttle at the highest point with a controlled or slow wrist movement.
Slice or Deceptive Drop Shot
A deceptive drop shot is used to surprise your opponent as it changes the direction and speed of the shuttle at the last second. This type of drop shot is executed by first hitting the shuttlecock high in the air and then quickly changing the direction of your racket at the last second.
This will make the shuttlecock drop sharply and change direction in mid-air, making it difficult for your opponent to react in time.
How to Execute Deceptive Drop Shot
For beginners or intermediate player, hold your racket in a relaxed basic grip. The forefinger and the thumb should be at the top of the racket for more control. Make sure the racket strings are pointing at the shuttle.
When you hit the shuttle, to make a deceptive drop shot execute with extra speed, this is done by slicing the shuttle with your racket at the last second. This will make the shuttlecock spin and change direction in mid-air, making the shuttle fall around the front line of the opponent’s court.
Advice for practice
We have gone through all drop shots with the technique used and execution method. But how much important is the practice to be a pro in drop shot? So, here are some tips which will help you in practicing your drop shots-:
You can use a backboard or a net to practice your drop shots. This will help you in improving the accuracy of your drop shots. For beginners, practice drop shots to aim at the front line of the court as this will help you in controlling the shuttle.
After practicing for some time, try to increase the speed and power of your drop shots. This will help you in deceiving your opponents with the speed and power of the shuttle. Do not forget to practice your drop shots with both your backhand and forehand strokes. This will help you in improving your drop shots with both strokes.
Thus, these were some badminton advice that will help you in practicing your drop shots and become a pro in it. So, what are you waiting for? Start practicing your drop shots today!
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