Badminton Techniques - Clears

Lifts & Clears


Forehand Overhead Clear

The forehand overhead badminton clear is similar to the action of throwing a ball. If you can throw a ball well, you shouldn't have problem playing this stroke. You can always practice throwing with a shuttle first before stepping on to the court.

Here are some pointers for playing a forehand overhead clear.

• - Adopt the forehand grip.
• - Turn your body and stand sideways to the net with your non-racket shoulder facing the net.
• - Shift your weight on to your rear foot.
• - Bend your elbow and lock your wrist preparing to swing forward.
• - Raise your non-racket hand and point at the shuttle to improve timing and balance.
• - Contact the shuttle as high as possible and in front of your body using a strong throwing action as if you are going to throw your racket high and forward through the air.
• - Straighten your elbow as you hit the shuttle.
• - Let your wrist unlock with a whip action as you hit the shuttle.
• - Follow through with your racket and shift your weight from your rear foot to your front foot.
• - Move back to your ready position.

Backhand Overhead Clear

It is not easy to play a backhand overhead clear. Even experienced players have problem with this badminton stroke. You shall always try to play an 'around the head' forehand clear whenever possible.

However, it is important that you know how to play the backhand overhead clear. There are times when you just can't play the shuttle with your forehand.

Here are some pointers for playing a backhand overhead clear.

• - Adopt the backhand grip.
• - Turn your body so that your back is facing the net.
• - Lead and shift your weight to your racket foot.
• - Lift your arm from the shoulder with the forearm parallel to the floor.
• - Hold the racket across your body with the racket head pointing down.
• - Keep the racket arm and elbow close into your body.
• - Hit the shuttle at a high point of contact.
• - Flick your wrist powerfully towards the shuttle.
• - A follow through is not needed.
• - Push your body back to your base position.