Badminton · Level 2: Elementary · Sub-level 2.2
Footwork and Movement
10 tests · 100 facts · updated 29 October 2026 · markdown
Badminton movement follows a cycle of start, approach, hit and recovery. The start responds to the opponent's hit, the approach takes the player to the shuttle, and recovery anticipates where the next shot will go. The components are the split-step, running steps, the chassé, the cross-behind, the hop and pivot, the lunge, and the jump and landing, learned on their own and then joined so players flow.
The split-step is a shallow jump just before the opponent hits, letting the body rebound off the floor, and the foot that lands first sets the direction: left first to move right, front foot first to move back. In a chassé the trailing foot closes up to the leading one; crossing one foot behind the other covers ground going back. To reach the rearcourt players turn side-on rather than backpedal, which is slow and can cause falls. Lunges lead with the racket foot, the heel lands first and the knee stays in line with the foot. A jump smash is played at the top of a jump, and the scissor action of the legs brings the back foot forward to land and recover.
The facts below cover the movement cycle, each step and jump, moving to the front and back of the court, shadow footwork and multi-feeding, and balance.
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 1The movement cycleTake a test
Start, approach, hit and recover.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
The start happens in response to the opponent's hit.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
Approach is the travel towards the shuttle.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
Recovery anticipates where the opponent will hit next.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
The manual notes common movements in approach and recover.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
Components are learned alone, then integrated so players flow.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
The components are split-step, running steps, chassé, cross-behind, hop/pivot, lunge, jump and landing.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
Start, approach, hit, recover.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
The cycle applied to a forecourt shot.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
Travelling in and coming back are approach and recovery.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · applied
Test 2The split-step in detailTake a test
A shallow jump just before the opponent hits lets the body rebound off the floor.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
The foot that lands first decides the direction: left lands first, move right.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · applied
Front foot first means moving back.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · applied
A wide, bent landing gives balance for an explosive push.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
A short contact time lets the player move off quickly.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
The manual says no split-step covers all directions equally; experience picks the likely ones.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
Split-steps happen wherever the player is at the opponent's hit.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
Back foot first sends the player forward.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
Land, bend, push.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
A small hop timed with the opponent's hit is the split-step.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · applied
Test 3Running steps, chassé and cross-behindTake a test
In a chassé the trailing foot closes up to the leading one.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
The cross-behind crosses one foot behind the other to cover ground.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
Players often cross behind as they move back for overheads.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
Normal running steps cover longer distances.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
Side steps keep the body facing play.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
Short lateral moves use chassés.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
Front crossings can trip the player.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · applied
Step, close, step, plant.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
From a hop to running steps.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
Crossing behind lets the player cover ground going back.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · applied
Test 4Hop and pivotTake a test
A small hop with a pivot turns the body.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
Players pivot to turn sideways and move back.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
Side-on lets the hips and shoulders rotate for power.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Pivoting helps players recover from the net.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
Pivots happen on the balls of the feet.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
Without a pivot, players hit square-on and late.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
The practice links a shallow jump and pivot to a new split-step.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
Split, pivot, move, hit.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
Rotation starts from the ground.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Turning on a small hop is the hop and pivot.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · applied
Test 5LungesTake a test
Lunges lead with the racket foot so the arm and leg reach together.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
Heel first lets the foot roll and brake safely.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
A knee in line with the foot protects the joint.
Source: General badminton reference · recall
The trailing leg helps recovery.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
Lunges reach low shuttles at the front and sides.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
An upright trunk keeps the weight over the base.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
Side lunges cover wide shots in defence.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
Push, step, land, return.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
Heel to recovery.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
In a lunge the heel lands first.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · applied
Test 6Jumps and landingsTake a test
Jumping meets the shuttle higher and sooner.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
A jump smash is played at the top of a jump.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Bent knees absorb the landing.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
Landing loads the joints; good technique protects them.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
Players jump sideways to intercept wide shuttles.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
Landing should flow into recovery towards the net.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
The scissor action brings the back foot forward to land.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
Get behind it, jump, hit, land and recover.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
From underarm to the top of a jump.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
A smash hit at the top of a jump.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · applied
Test 7Moving to the forecourtTake a test
Approaches to the net end in a lunge.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
From the base, a couple of steps and a lunge reach the net.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
A raised racket meets the shuttle early.
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
Arriving early lets players play down from above the tape.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Recovery follows every shot.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
Small adjusting steps finish in a lunge.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
Split, step, lunge, return.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
Earlier arrival gives a higher contact.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Moves to the net corners finish in a lunge.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · applied
Test 8Moving to the rearcourtTake a test
Turning side-on is safer and faster than backpedalling.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
Backpedalling is slow and can cause falls.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
Players chassé and cross behind to get behind the shuttle.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
Getting behind the shuttle allows a strong overhead.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Players move round the head to avoid a weak high backhand.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Players recover forward after hitting from the back.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
Players prefer the forehand because the high backhand lacks power.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Split, turn, move, hit.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
From the back corner forward.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
Moves to the back start by turning side-on.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · applied
Test 9Shadow footwork and practiceTake a test
Players practise movement patterns without hitting.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
The coach signals which corner to go to.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
Multi-feeding sends many shuttles in a row to drill movement and strokes.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 3 · recall
Random patterns train reading and reacting.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
Correct technique comes first, then speed.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
Lines guide where feet land.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
A partner's call or clap changes direction.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
Base, corner, stroke, back.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
From no shuttle to game play.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 3 · recall
Feeding many shuttles quickly is multi-feeding.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 3 · applied
Test 10Balance and postureTake a test
Keeping the upper body between the feet helps balance.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
A slight forward bend at the hips prepares the push-off.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
Over-reaching pulls the body off its base.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
The free arm swings back to balance the lunge.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
Bent knees lower the body for quick reactions.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
A steady head helps balance and tracking.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
The manual stresses quick and efficient movement.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
From feet to head.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
Feet under the body balance best.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
The free arm counterbalances the lunge.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · applied
Questions people ask
- What is the movement cycle in badminton?
- Start, approach, hit and recover. The start responds to the opponent's hit, and recovery anticipates where they will hit next.
- How does the split-step decide direction?
- The foot that lands first sets it: the left foot first means moving right, the front foot first means moving back and the back foot first sends the player forward.
- What is a chassé step?
- A gliding step in which the trailing foot closes up to the leading one, used for short sideways moves.
- Why should you not backpedal in badminton?
- Backpedalling is slow and can cause falls. Turning side-on and moving with chassés or cross-behinds is safer and faster.
- Which foot do you lunge with in badminton?
- The racket foot, so the arm and leg reach together. The heel lands first and the knee stays in line with the foot.
- What is shadow footwork?
- Practising movement patterns without hitting a shuttle, often with a coach signalling which corner to go to.
- What is multi-feeding?
- A drill in which many shuttles are fed quickly in a row to train movement and strokes.
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 683
- BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 712
- BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 33
- General badminton reference1
- BWF Laws of Badminton 2027 (player's view), Law 13.4.11