Badminton · Level 2: Elementary · Sub-level 2.1
Grips and the Ready Position
10 tests · 100 facts · updated 29 October 2026 · markdown
Good badminton grips start in the fingers rather than the palm. In the forehand grip the V between thumb and first finger sits along the top edge of the handle, the fingers are spread, and the butt stays close to the heel of the hand. For backhand strokes on the non-racket side the thumb presses on the wide back bevel and pushes the racket through. A tight, clenched 'hammer' grip locks the wrist and fingers, kills feel and can strain the forearm.
Players change grips as they prepare for the next shot, mostly between forehand and backhand, rotating the handle with the thumb and first finger; a late change leaves the racket face wrong at contact. The hand also slides along the handle: a long grip lengthens the lever for reach and power, a short one gives quick control near the net. The grip stays relaxed until the forward swing, then squeezes at impact, hardest on power shots and least on delicate net shots. For a kill at the net, a flat-faced, panhandle-style grip helps punch the shuttle down.
Ready stances change with the situation: racket up to attack, low and in front against a smash, and side by side in midcourt for a defending doubles pair. The facts below cover the grips, grip changes and pressure, special grips, ready stances, racket preparation and common grip faults.
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 forehand grip in detailTake a test
The V between thumb and first finger sits along the top edge of the handle.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Spread fingers give feel and let the grip squeeze at contact.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Holding in the fingers lets small finger squeezes add speed and control.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
The forehand grip covers strokes on the racket-hand side.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Handles have flat faces (bevels) that guide where fingers sit.
Source: General badminton reference · recall
A normal grip keeps the butt close to the heel of the hand.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
A tight 'hammer' grip locks the wrist and fingers that add speed.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · applied
From where the V sits to how tight the hand is.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
The little finger sits lowest, the first finger highest.
Source: General badminton reference · recall
The V on the top edge with spread fingers is the forehand grip.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · applied
Test 2The backhand thumb gripTake a test
The thumb presses on the wide back bevel to push the racket through.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Backhand strokes on the non-racket side use the thumb grip.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
The manual notes backhands are emphasised first as the actions are short.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
The thumb drives the racket through on the backhand.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Doubles players serve low with a short thumb grip.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
With the hand turned over, the knuckles lead towards the shuttle.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Without changing grip, the face angle and power on the backhand suffer.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · applied
Relax, turn, place the thumb, firm up at contact.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Front, middle, back.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
With the back of the hand leading, the thumb behind the handle gives the push.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · applied
Test 3Changing gripsTake a test
Grip changes happen as the player prepares for the next shot.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
The manual says relaxed grips allow easier changes.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Most changes are between the forehand and backhand grips.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
A neutral grip saves time when there is none for a change.
Source: General badminton reference · applied
Late grip changes leave the racket face wrong at contact.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
The thumb and first finger rotate the handle.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
The grip is chosen before the serve starts.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Read, relax, turn, squeeze.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Finger changes are fastest.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Switching to the thumb grip sets the racket face for that side.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · applied
Test 4Long and short gripsTake a test
A long grip lengthens the lever for reach and power.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Short grips give quick control near the net.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Shorter grips speed up the racket.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · applied
The manual notes a longer grip for singles flick serves.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
A short lever reduces reach and power.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
The hand slides up or down the handle.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Reaching for a low shuttle favours a longer grip.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · applied
Short at the net, long at the back.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Loosen, slide, close.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Holding at the end gives the longest lever.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · applied
Test 5Relaxed grip and tightening at contactTake a test
The manual notes the grip tightens on impact.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Power shots involve the strongest squeeze at impact.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Tension in the forearm reduces speed and touch.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
A relaxed hand gives delicate net touch.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Overgripping strains the forearm and can lead to elbow pain.
Source: General badminton reference · recall
The hand stays loose until the forward swing.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
A quick finger squeeze adds racket speed in short swings.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Loose, then a squeeze, then relax again.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Soft shots need little squeeze; smashes the most.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Delicate net shots need a relaxed hold.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · applied
Test 6Special gripsTake a test
Turning the face flat helps punch a shuttle straight down at the net.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Backhand grips suit shots well behind the player, like backhand drops.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Shots well in front, like net kills, suit a forehand-type grip.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Grip depends on where the shuttle is relative to the body.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Some backhands use the thumb on the angled edge rather than flat on the back.
Source: General badminton reference · recall
No time to change, so one grip covers both sides.
Source: General badminton reference · applied
Grip changes alter the face angle, a tool for deception.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Grips lengthen as the shot moves back.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Flat face, short hold, a tap, a short follow-through.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
A flat face for a kill at the net is a panhandle-style grip.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · applied
Test 7The ready stancesTake a test
Attacking stances keep the racket up to hit down.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 8 · recall
Defence against a smash keeps the racket low and in front.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 8 · recall
A wide, square base helps cover both sides.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 8 · recall
The front player keeps the racket up to intercept.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 8 · recall
Racket height and position change with the situation.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 8 · recall
The backhand covers the body and both sides quickly.
Source: General badminton reference · recall
A high racket attacks any serve that rises.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Defend, turn the rally, step up, attack.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 8 · recall
Low in defence, high at the net.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 8 · recall
That stance is built to absorb and return fast smashes.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 8 · applied
Test 8Ready position in doubles defenceTake a test
Defending pairs go side by side.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 8 · recall
Defenders stand mid-court to reach smashes and drops.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 8 · recall
Each defender covers their own half, including straight smashes.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 8 · recall
Pairs adjust towards the line of attack.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 8 · applied
A low, balanced base helps fast reactions.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 8 · recall
Flat or short returns can take the attack away.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 8 · recall
Clear calls decide who covers the middle.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 8 · recall
Set, split-step, return, counter.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 8 · recall
Lifts are safe; flat counters are bolder.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 8 · recall
Side by side in midcourt is the defensive formation.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 8 · applied
Test 9Racket preparationTake a test
Early preparation leaves time to choose the shot.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Short backswings save time and hide intentions.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
The manual describes internal and external rotation for power.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Bending then straightening the arm adds speed.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
A raised racket lets players attack sooner.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 8 · recall
Same preparation for different shots makes them hard to read.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 8 · recall
Late preparation forces rushed, weak shots.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Prepare, load, rotate, hit.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Short at the net, long for big clears.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Early preparation buys time and options.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · applied
Test 10Common grip faultsTake a test
Always using a flat-faced grip limits overheads and backhands.
Source: General badminton reference · recall
A forehand grip on the backhand leaves the face wrong and weak.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Tight hands lose the feel needed at the net.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
The thumb should press behind the handle for power.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · applied
Alternating feeds force repeated grip changes.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 3 · recall
A very short hold shortens the lever.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
A clenched palm-first hold is the hammer grip fault.
Source: General badminton reference · recall
Identify, demonstrate, practise, check.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 3 · recall
Changing grips gives the most options.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
A clenched grip kills feel and slows the racket.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · applied
Questions people ask
- Where should the V of the hand sit on a badminton grip?
- In the forehand grip the V between thumb and first finger sits along the top edge of the handle, with the fingers spread.
- What is the badminton thumb grip used for?
- Backhand strokes on the non-racket side. The thumb presses on the wide back bevel to push the racket through.
- How tight should you hold a badminton racket?
- Loose until the forward swing, then a squeeze at impact. Holding too tight costs speed and touch and can lead to elbow pain.
- What is the hammer grip fault?
- A clenched, palm-first hold that locks the wrist and fingers, which kills feel and slows the racket.
- When should you use a short or long grip?
- A short grip gives quick control near the net, while a long grip lengthens the lever for reach and power at the back.
- How should a doubles pair stand when defending?
- Side by side in midcourt, each covering their own half, with a low, balanced base and clear calls for shuttles down the middle.
- Why does early racket preparation matter?
- It leaves time to choose the shot, and using the same preparation for different shots makes them hard to read. Late preparation forces rushed, weak shots.
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 769
- BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 820
- General badminton reference9
- BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 32