Cleverly read your opponent's positioning—and respond with effortless grace!

3 min read
Cleverly read your opponent's positioning—and respond with effortless grace!

1
Observe the opponent


Check the manual waist:

Observe the opponent's movements and prepare to shift your own center of gravity in advance.



First lift, then raise:

Watching the opponent's swing motion, they shift their weight and lift their shoulders, preparing to take off.



Chasing the ball, keeping pace:

When moving, always watch the trajectory of the shuttlecock—and make sure to step into position before it hits the ground.



Bow at the appointed time:

Run to the hitting point, then shift your weight as you prepare for the swing;



Hip Twist No. 1:

No matter the footwork, the hips always move first.



There are several footwork techniques:

How to land precisely depends on your ability to predict the distance and then carefully coordinate small, rhythmic steps with each stride.



Arms swinging in a full circle:

In your footwork, your arms should also move in coordination—definitely don’t let them hang limp as you walk; keep them in motion!



Dancing on the Edge:

When performing a chop strike, beginners are better off not jumping—doing so increases the difficulty and leads to more mistakes.



Worry-free retreat:

No matter what, the backstep is the hardest to master at first—but once you get it down, the whole game comes alive!


2
Practical Application


Cross-step:

Cross behind, with the left foot crossing behind the right foot;


▲Posterior cruciate


Tight-stance step:

Forehand net approach step, small crossover step;


▲ Small Side Step


Internet access pace:

Forehand net approach steps;



▲ A small backward crossover + a wide lunge


Forehand net play + recovery step;


▲ Key focus: All recovery steps involve small, deliberate strides.


Forehand net approach + return to position + mid-court net-step movement;


▲ Watch your step


Midfield net approach step + forward crossover step to the net;


▲Anterior crossover: Left foot crosses in front of the right foot


Diagonal net play + backhand intercept-and-step movement;

▲Approaching for the kill

Taking a step back:

Forehand step-back + return to position + forehand step-back movement;


▲ Step backward


Forehand backpedal + cross-court net play;


▲ Watch out for small, quick steps when crossing diagonally online.


Backhand approach step for a smash;

▲ When receiving a drop shot and the ball is far from your body, step forward with your right foot and then shift your weight to the left.


Backhand volley + recovery footwork;

▲ A small forehand cross-step followed by a big step-volley, then a quick shuffle back to the baseline


Backhand net approach step;

▲ A small stepping start followed by a big cross-step to the net


Head-level serve reception footwork;

▲ Small crossover step backward followed by an overhead header


Retreating steps with a receding hairline;

▲ A turn combined with a step change


Retreat diagonally from the top of the head;

▲ First, a small shuffle step combined with a pivoting change of pace

▲ Dynamic Stride

▲Forehand and Backhand Lob Steps

▲ Stunning Skateboard Drop Kick


More article recommendations:

Should you rely on your upper arm to generate power when lifting the ball? Master these 3 key points, and turn passivity into proactivity.

What’s better to watch when receiving a badminton serve—people or the shuttlecock?

How to increase ball speed without hitting out—check out these expert tips!

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