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In badminton, many players often focus solely on offensive tactics, leading to frequent losses due to inadequate knowledge of defensive postures and grip techniques. To excel in badminton, players must master various techniques from basic to advanced levels. Among them, mastering defensive racket grip technique is crucial. However, not everyone knows how to hold the racket defensively in badminton. Let us guide you through that technique right here. This article will help you improve that skill, leading to better results in every game against opponents.
1. Defensive Posture Preparation in Badminton
Defensive posture preparation in badminton helps players execute techniques accurately and with power during training and competitions. With a proper preparation stance, players refine both basic and advanced badminton skills, enhancing their proficiency over time.
Preparation posture consists of two types: low badminton posture and high badminton posture.
1.1 Low Defensive Preparation Posture
- Stand with both feet parallel to the front half of the foot, shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent.
- Distribute body weight evenly on both feet, maintain a natural curve in the back, tilt the head slightly back, grip the racket with your dominant hand, racket face positioned in front of the body at waist level.
- The other hand remains naturally relaxed. This preparatory stance is often used in training or defensive play during competitions.
1.2 High Badminton Posture
The high badminton posture is executed as follows:
- Stand with the foot opposite the racket hand in front, the foot same side as the racket hand at the back, and place weight on the front half of the foot, with feet shoulder-width apart.
- Shift body weight slightly forward onto the front foot, with a slight bend in the knees, and a natural curve in the back.
- Grip the racket with your dominant hand, keeping the racket face elevated at eye level.
- The other hand remains naturally relaxed. This badminton stance is commonly used in badminton matches, when preparing to receive a serve, or when employing overhead smash techniques.
2. Various Defensive Racket Grip Techniques in Badminton
Mastering Left-handed Defensive Grip
The left-handed defensive grip is specifically tailored for maneuvers on the left side of the court. However, utilizing this grip for badminton defense often results in weakened wrist strength, compromising control over the racket. Correcting this grip is essential for optimal performance.
To improve proficiency with the left-handed defensive grip, focus on strengthening wrist muscles through targeted exercises. Regularly practicing the technique of gripping the racket with the left hand will instill a habit of utilizing it during defensive play. This strategic approach can catch opponents off guard and provide more defensive options.
Positioning the racket slightly outward based on the left-handed grip is crucial. Both the thumb and index finger should point outward, with the thumb naturally resting on the wide surface of the racket handle. Meanwhile, the middle, ring, and pinky fingers should grip the handle to create a uniform gap between the palm and the racket handle, thereby maximizing defensive effectiveness.
When holding a racket with your dominant hand, focus on hitting shots towards our right side. For instance, when serving right-handed, smashing, or dropping the shuttlecock, all movements originate from the right. Conversely, if you hold the racket with your left hand, aim your shots towards our left side. Using the non-dominant hand for shots leads to weaker force and potential point loss.
3. Key Defensive Tips
- With a defensive grip, ensure flexibility for maneuvering through tough rallies. Concentrate on anticipating the opponent's shot direction to swiftly position yourself for the best defensive stance, ready to intercept incoming shots effectively, gaining an advantage for subsequent plays.
- Adopt a defensive grip akin to a goalkeeper shielding the goalpost against an opponent's strike. Accurately predict scenarios, move swiftly, and decisively act to counter the play.
- The key to neutralizing powerful shots from opponents is mastering defensive positioning.
- Standing slightly behind the center of the badminton court gives you extra time to observe the trajectory of your opponent's shots.
- Train your reflexes and overcome fear of the shuttlecock; hesitance leads to natural reflexes to avoid shots, potentially resulting in points for the opponent or passive play. Avoiding shots may lead to direct points for opponents, push you into a defensive stance, or result in weak returns, giving your opponent an advantage.
- Incorrect defensive racket grip may lead to unnecessary injuries during training or matches.
Above are the insights into proper preparation stances and defensive racket grips in badminton. We hope readers grasp this information to refine their training or competition performance smoothly, ensuring a solid mindset and equipment when stepping onto the court. It is our aspiration that through this article, readers gain a deeper understanding of the appropriate defensive badminton racket grip.
Posted by: Trần Xuân Trình
Keywords: Proper Preparation Stances and Correct Defensive Racket Grip
