Badminton · Level 1: Beginner · Sub-level 1.3
First Skills
10 tests · 100 facts · updated 29 October 2026 · markdown
A beginner's first skills start with the grip. The forehand grip is taught like shaking hands with the racket, held relaxed so the fingers can squeeze firm at the moment of the hit. For backhand strokes the thumb presses flat on the wide back bevel. A short grip gives fast control near the net, a long grip gives reach and power, and the flat-faced panhandle grip limits the strokes a player can make.
From the ready position, with knees bent, weight on the front of the feet and the racket raised, a split-step timed with the opponent's hit prepares the first move. Players lunge to reach shuttles near the net, use chassé and side steps to keep facing the net, and turn side-on to move back. Every serve is an underarm hit, played diagonally into the opponent's service court: doubles players mostly serve low, singles players often serve high and deep. Overhead strokes, the clear, drop and smash, are best met high and in front; underarm strokes include the lift, played high and deep from near the net. A clear, a high deep overhead, gives time to get back to base, the central position from which every corner can be reached.
The facts below cover the grip, the ready position, movement, the first serve, overhead and underarm hitting, net play, the clear, recovery to base and building a first rally.
Each test below is ten questions on Insporta. The list under a test is what the questions check: one fact per question, with the source it was written from. Read it before the test, or come back from a wrong answer.
Test 1Holding the racketTake a test
Beginners start with the forehand grip, like shaking hands with the racket.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
The racket is held as if shaking hands with it.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
The thumb presses flat on the wide back bevel for backhand strokes.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
A relaxed grip lets the fingers squeeze firm at the moment of the hit.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
The panhandle grip turns the face flat and limits the strokes.
Source: General badminton reference · recall
Small grip changes let the racket face meet the shuttle on each side.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · applied
A short grip gives fast control; a long grip gives reach and power.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
A common way to teach the handshake grip.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Moving the hand down the handle lengthens the lever.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
A short grip helps quick, controlled shots around the net.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · applied
Test 2The ready positionTake a test
Bent knees let the player push off fast.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
Weight on the front of the feet allows a quick first move.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
A raised racket is ready for fast shots.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
Watching the opponent's racket gives early information.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
The split-step lands the player balanced and ready to push off.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
Timed with the opponent's hit, it prepares the first move.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
Ready means able to move fast to any corner.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
The split-step is timed with the opponent's hit.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
From the feet upwards.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
Bent knees, weight forward and the racket up make the ready position.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · applied
Test 3Moving to the shuttleTake a test
Players lunge forward to reach shuttles near the net.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
Right-handers usually lunge on the racket foot.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
Chassé and side steps keep the body facing the net.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
Getting there early gives a balanced, better shot.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
Recovering to base prepares for the next shot.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
Turning side-on and stepping back is faster and safer.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
Bent knees keep the body low and stable.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
Approach, hit, recover.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
Movement is split into start, approach and recovery.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
A long forward step to a low shuttle is a lunge.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · applied
Test 4The first serveTake a test
Every serve is an underarm hit.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Serves go diagonally into the opponent's service court.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 1 · recall
Singles players often serve high and deep.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Doubles players mostly serve low to stop the opponents attacking.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
The flick looks like a low serve but goes over the receiver.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
The backhand low serve is compact and accurate.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Looking at the target helps accuracy.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
A short push over the net, then racket ready.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Low, then flat, then flicked over, then high.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Racket in front, close to the short service line: the backhand low serve.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · applied
Test 5Hitting overheadTake a test
Contact high and in front gives power and control.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
The free arm helps balance and line up the shuttle.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Turning side-on lets the body rotate into the stroke.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
The basic overhead family is the clear, drop and smash.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
If every overhead looks the same, the opponent cannot read it.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Overhead strokes are typical of the rearcourt.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
The weight moves forward into the shot.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Prepare, swing, contact, follow through.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
The drop is soft; the smash is the hardest.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Hitting from above the head is an overhead stroke.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · applied
Test 6Hitting underarmTake a test
Underarm strokes are played from below, often near the net.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
A lift sends the shuttle high and deep from a low position.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
A high lift gives time to get back to base.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 8 · recall
Lifts are played from near the net to the back.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
A deep lift pushes the opponent to the rear.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Players lunge on the racket foot to reach low shuttles.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
A short lift lets the opponent attack.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 8 · recall
Reach, get under, swing up, recover.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
From a soft net shot to a high defensive lift.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
A high underarm shot from the forecourt to the back is a lift.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · applied
Test 7Playing at the netTake a test
A net kill punches a loose shuttle down near the net.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
A raised racket meets the shuttle above the tape.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
A spinning net shot tumbles over the tape, hard to return.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Touching the net in play is a fault.
Source: BWF Laws of Badminton 2027 (player's view), Law 13.4.1 · recall
Taking it high gives more options, including the kill.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Pushes send the shuttle flat into the midcourt.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Below the tape, the shuttle must be hit upward.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · applied
Read, approach, punch, ready.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
From a spinning net shot to the kill.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
A loose shuttle above the tape is punched down: that is the kill.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · applied
Test 8Hitting a clearTake a test
A clear goes high and deep.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
A high clear gives time to return to base.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 8 · recall
The attacking clear passes just over the opponent's reach.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Clears are overhead strokes from the back.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
A clear that falls short invites a smash.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 8 · recall
The clear is an overhead stroke; underarm deep shots are lifts.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
The drop shot uses the same preparation.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
High, then steeply down at the back.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Attacking clears are flattest; defensive clears highest.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
A high, deep overhead shot is a clear.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · applied
Test 9Returning to the baseTake a test
The base is a central position from which every corner can be reached.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 8 · recall
The singles base is close to the centre of the half.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 8 · recall
From the base, all corners are within reach.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 8 · recall
High shots give more time; flat ones less.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 8 · applied
Players adjust their base to the shot they have just played.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 8 · recall
After hitting, players push back to their base.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
Watching the opponent gives early clues for the next shot.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
Base, approach, hit, recover.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
Higher shots give more time to recover.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 8 · recall
Players recover to the central base after each shot.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · applied
Test 10A first rallyTake a test
Players warm up by hitting with each other before the match.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 9 · recall
Early rallies build control and timing.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
High, slow shots are easiest to return.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Easy early success keeps learners motivated.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Eyes on the shuttle help timing.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
High shots slow the rally down so beginners can keep it going.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Short targets like ten in a row build rallies.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Players often warm up from short shots to long ones.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 9 · recall
High shots give time; smashes give little.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Gentle high shots back and forth build a rally.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · applied
Questions people ask
- How do you hold a badminton racket?
- Beginners start with the forehand grip, holding the racket as if shaking hands with it. The grip stays relaxed until the fingers squeeze firm at the hit.
- What is the ready position in badminton?
- Knees bent, weight on the front of the feet and the racket raised. It lets the player move fast to any corner.
- What is a split-step?
- A small move timed with the opponent's hit that lands the player balanced and ready to push off in any direction.
- Do you have to serve underarm in badminton?
- Yes, every serve is an underarm hit, played diagonally into the opponent's service court.
- What is a clear in badminton?
- A high, deep overhead shot to the back of the opponent's court. Underarm shots that go deep are called lifts instead.
- What is the base position?
- A central position from which every corner can be reached. Players push back to it after each shot and adjust it to the shot they have just played.
- How can beginners keep a rally going?
- Gentle, high shots back and forth slow the rally down and are the easiest to return. Short targets such as ten in a row help build rallies.
Sources
BWF Coaches' Manual Level 1 (2017), BWF regulations and history, Olympedia; original questions authored, nothing reproduced. Numbered rules belong to the Rules category (Badminton - Laws of Badminton).
- BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 760
- BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 625
- BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 810
- BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 92
- General badminton reference1
- BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 11
- BWF Laws of Badminton 2027 (player's view), Law 13.4.11