Badminton · Level 2: Elementary · Sub-level 2.5
Net and Underarm Strokes
10 tests · 100 facts · updated 29 October 2026 · markdown
Net and underarm strokes are played from below or close to the tape. The net shot is a soft stroke from a racket-foot lunge, taken near the tape with a light grip so it hugs the net and forces the opponent to lift. A spinning net shot uses a cutting action that makes the shuttle tumble as it crosses; spin is allowed in rallies, and it is the spin serve that the Laws ban. Only a shuttle above the tape can be hit down: a net kill uses a short, stopped swing, and a brush kill swipes sideways to keep the racket clear of the net, since touching the net loses the rally.
Lifts swing up from below to send the shuttle high and deep, buying recovery time, while short lifts invite smashes. The push is a short, flat shot into the midcourt gaps around the net player, and the drive is a flat, fast midcourt exchange at about shoulder height, common in doubles. Against a smash, the block uses the smash's own speed and drops the shuttle just over the net, dragging the smasher forward. In low defence, a backhand held in front of the trunk covers most body smashes, and low reaches use the legs rather than the back.
The facts below cover the net shot, spin, kills, lifts, the push, the drive, the block, low defence and net practice.
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 net shotTake a test
Taking it near the tape gives a tight net shot.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
A light grip controls the soft contact.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Net shots are played from a racket-foot lunge.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
A tight net shot hugs the tape.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
From below the tape the opponent must lift.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 8 · recall
An open face lifts it gently over.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Cross net shots go to the opposite front corner.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Lunge, prepare, touch, recover.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Kills are taken highest; lifts lowest.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
A soft shot hugging the tape is a tight net shot.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · applied
Test 2The spinning net shotTake a test
A cutting action spins the shuttle as it crosses.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
A tumbling shuttle is hard to meet on the base.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Waiting for the spin to settle lets the shuttle drop lower.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 8 · applied
A high contact gives room for the cutting action.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Too much cut can drop it into the net.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Spin is allowed in rallies; the spin serve is what the Laws ban.
Source: BWF Laws of Badminton 2027 (player's view), Law 9.1.5 · recall
Net spin is common at all good levels.
Source: General badminton reference · recall
Reach, angle, slice, tumble.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Pushes are flat; spinning net shots tumble.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
A cut that makes the shuttle tumble.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · applied
Test 3The net kill and brush killTake a test
Only a shuttle above the tape can be hit down.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Short swings avoid touching the net.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Brushing sideways keeps the racket clear of the net.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
A brush clears the tape when there is little room.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
A touch of the net loses the rally.
Source: BWF Laws of Badminton 2027 (player's view), Law 13.4.1 · recall
Kills go steeply down.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
A short, stopped follow-through keeps clear of the net.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Read, step, tap, stop.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Higher shuttles allow kills; lower ones a brush or a net shot.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
A sideways swipe at the tape is a brush kill.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · applied
Test 4Forehand and backhand liftsTake a test
Deep lifts give time to recover.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Attacking lifts beat the opponent before they turn.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Lifts answer shots to the front corners.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
The thumb grip and forearm drive the lift.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
A high lift lets the pair set their defence.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 8 · recall
Short lifts invite smashes.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 8 · recall
Lifts swing up from below.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Lunge, grip, swing, recover.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Attacking lifts are lowest.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
A deep, high lift buys recovery time.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 8 · applied
Test 5The pushTake a test
Pushes travel flat into the midcourt.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Pushes target the gaps around the net player.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 8 · recall
Pushes are played from the front and middle.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
A flat push makes the opponents hit up or flat.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 8 · recall
Pushes use a short action.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Pushes share the net shot's start but go deeper.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
A high push is attacked.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 8 · recall
Prepare, short swing, push, recover.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Net shots stay short; lifts go deepest.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
A flat shot into the midcourt is a push.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · applied
Test 6The driveTake a test
Drives are played at about shoulder height.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Drives are midcourt shots.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Doubles has many flat exchanges.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 8 · recall
Drives use short, flat swings.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Taking it early gives the opponent less time.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 8 · recall
A short neutral grip handles both sides quickly.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
A rising drive can be attacked.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Short and flat, then ready.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Drives skim the tape.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Flat, fast midcourt shots are drives.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · applied
Test 7The blockTake a test
Blocks drop a smash just over the net.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
The smash's own speed is used; the racket just meets it.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
A block drags the smasher away from the back.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 8 · recall
A relaxed hand absorbs the pace.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Cross blocks go far from the smasher.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 8 · recall
Blocks come from a low defensive base.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 8 · recall
A rising block is attacked.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 8 · recall
Set, read, soft contact, drop.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Blocks stay short; lifts go deep.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 8 · recall
A soft net return of a smash is a block.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · applied
Test 8Low defenceTake a test
Backhand in front covers most body smashes.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 8 · recall
The backhand face sits in front of the trunk.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 8 · recall
Low knees help reach low smashes.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 8 · recall
Steep body and line smashes leave little time.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 8 · recall
Flat counters can turn defence into attack.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 8 · recall
The hitter's action gives clues.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 8 · recall
Midcourt positions cover smashes and drops.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 8 · recall
Set, read, react, return.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 8 · recall
Counters attack; lifts are passive.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 8 · recall
Body smashes are covered fastest by a backhand held in front.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 8 · applied
Test 9Underarm defence and the low reachTake a test
Low reaches use the legs, not just the back.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
Using the legs protects the back.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
From low, players lift or block.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
An open face lifts.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Recovery comes straight after.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
Low feeds train reaching and touch.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 3 · recall
The lunging leg carries the load.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
Push, lunge, lift, recover.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 6 · recall
From the floor to the shoulder.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
From so low, the shot goes up or short.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · applied
Test 10Net practiceTake a test
Players keep net shots going at the front.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 3 · recall
Net play is about touch.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Conditions like spin or targets raise the challenge.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 3 · recall
Net shots should land in the forecourt.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Hand feeding gives easy, repeatable shuttles.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 3 · recall
Feeds above the tape allow kills.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 3 · recall
Moving in and out mirrors match play.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 3 · recall
From feeds to a game.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 3 · recall
Rallies are gentle; kills are fastest.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 3 · recall
Net rallies train touch.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · applied
Questions people ask
- What makes a good net shot?
- Taking the shuttle near the tape with a light grip so it hugs the net. From below the tape, the opponent then has to lift.
- Is a spinning net shot legal?
- Yes, spin is allowed in rallies. What the Laws ban is the spin serve.
- What is a brush kill?
- A sideways swipe at a shuttle just above the tape, which keeps the racket clear of the net when there is little room.
- What is the difference between a push and a lift?
- A push travels flat into the midcourt with a short action, while a lift swings up from below and goes high and deep.
- How do you block a smash?
- Meet it softly with a relaxed hand and let the smash's own speed carry the shuttle just over the net. A rising block can be attacked.
- How do you defend a body smash?
- Hold the backhand face in front of the trunk, which covers body smashes fastest, and keep the knees low.
- Where is a drive played in badminton?
- In the midcourt at about shoulder height, with a short, flat swing. Doubles has many of these flat exchanges.
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 758
- BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 825
- BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 38
- BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 66
- BWF Laws of Badminton 2027 (player's view), Law 9.1.51
- General badminton reference1
- BWF Laws of Badminton 2027 (player's view), Law 13.4.11