Grips, shots & footwork

4 min read

In this chapter3 topics

3.1Grips

Forehand V grip

Hold the racket like a handshake. Your thumb and index finger form a relaxed V on the handle. Keep the grip loose and tighten briefly as you hit.

Forehand grip illustration · Watch Badminton Famly’s four-grip comparison

Badminton Famly · Thomas Laybourn · Watch Forehand V grip demonstration on YouTube

Backhand thumb grip

For backhand shots in front of you, place the thumb pad on the broad back bevel of the handle, roughly parallel to the shaft. Keep your fingers relaxed.

Thumb grip illustration · Watch Badminton Famly’s four-grip comparison

Badminton Famly · Thomas Laybourn · Watch Backhand thumb grip demonstration on YouTube

Bevel grip

A useful adjustment for some backhand shots beside or slightly behind you, including overhead shots. Turn the handle a little from the basic grip so your thumb rests along a diagonal bevel rather than flat on the broad back. The exact position changes with the shot.

Bevel grip illustration · Watch Badminton Famly’s four-grip comparison

Badminton Famly · Thomas Laybourn · Watch Bevel grip demonstration on YouTube

Practise the change: relax your fingers between shots, then adjust the handle for the next contact point. A panhandle grip has specific uses at the net, but is not the starting grip for a full forehand overhead.