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Drive

Badminton / Popular

Play fast flat exchanges through the mid-court with compact preparation.

What coaches agree on

  • Keep your grip and arm relaxed until the last instant, then generate power with a sharp squeeze of your fingers, thumb, and wrist rather than swinging your whole arm.
  • Keep your backswing short and compact, leading with your elbow rather than winding up, so you meet the shuttle earlier and recover faster for the next shot.
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  • Time your lunge so your racket foot lands right as you strike the shuttle, which adds power from your step and keeps you balanced.

Common mistakes

  • Hitting a full-power drive when the shuttle has dropped below net height sends it upward instead of flat, handing your opponent an easy attack.