Master Badminton How to Play: 7 Essential Steps Every Beginner Must Learn
I remember the first time I picked up a badminton racket - it felt awkward, the shuttlecock seemed to have a mind of its own, and I couldn't understand why my shots kept landing everywhere except where I intended. Looking at professional matches like that recent Nxled game where Chiara Permentilla delivered nearly twenty attacks and nine digs, it's easy to feel intimidated by the skill gap. But here's what I've learned through years of playing and coaching: mastery begins with nailing the fundamentals, not attempting advanced techniques prematurely.
Let me walk you through what I consider the seven non-negotiable steps every beginner should focus on. First, grip technique - this might sound basic, but I can't stress enough how many players I've seen struggle simply because they never learned the proper forehand and backhand grips. The way you hold your racket determines everything from your power to your accuracy. I always tell my students to think of it as shaking hands with the racket, not gripping it like a hammer. Second comes footwork, which many beginners underestimate until they find themselves constantly reaching for shots. Good footwork isn't about speed alone - it's about positioning and balance. I've developed this habit of always staying on my toes, ready to move in any direction, which has saved me countless times during intense rallies.
The third step is mastering the basic strokes, and here's where I differ from some coaches - I believe in focusing on quality over quantity. Rather than trying to learn every stroke imaginable, perfect your clears, drops, and smashes first. Watching players like rookie Lucille Almonte score thirteen points in her breakout game shows what solid fundamentals can achieve. Fourth, understanding service rules and techniques is crucial. I've seen so many players give away easy points with faulty serves - it's literally throwing points away. My personal preference is the high serve for singles and low serve for doubles, though I adjust based on my opponent's weaknesses.
Fifth, let's talk about court positioning. This is where strategy begins to form. I always position myself slightly toward the rear court when defending and closer to the net when anticipating a drop shot. Sixth, developing your tactical awareness separates recreational players from competitive ones. This means reading your opponent's body language, anticipating their shots, and understanding when to play defensively versus when to attack. Looking at that Nxled match where they dropped their seventh straight game despite individual brilliance, it's clear that sometimes team coordination and strategic execution matter more than isolated moments of excellence.
Finally, the seventh step is consistent practice and match experience. I typically recommend beginners practice at least three times weekly, focusing on different aspects each session. What many don't realize is that improvement in badminton isn't linear - you'll have breakthrough moments followed by plateaus. The key is persistence. I've lost count of how many matches I've played where everything clicked versus those where nothing worked, but each game taught me something valuable.
Reflecting on my journey and watching professional matches, the pattern is clear - players who build strong fundamentals early progress faster and reach higher levels. While we might not all achieve the level of Permentilla's twenty attacks or Almonte's thirteen-point games immediately, focusing on these seven essential steps creates a foundation that makes advanced techniques accessible later. The beauty of badminton lies in this gradual mastery - each small improvement building toward greater competence and enjoyment of this incredible sport.