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Footwork (split step)

Badminton / Popular

Time the split step to react explosively to the opponent's hit.

What coaches agree on

  • Set up with your feet wider than shoulder-width apart and your knees bent, keeping your center of gravity low.
  • Angle your feet toward the corner you expect your opponent to hit to, rather than landing square with your feet even.
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  • Keep your legs loose and relaxed in the ready position so you can spring into a shot explosively.

Common mistakes

  • Jumping high into the air during the split step instead of staying low and quick to the ground.
  • Returning to base on a fixed rhythm instead of timing the split step to the instant the opponent actually hits the shuttle.