Last week we showed you how to return the double serve and gave you two simple yet
effective returns that you can use so we'd really recommend you go and
check that out but today we're going to show you three advanced return of serves
that you can use to win quick points or gain initiative in the rally. The first one is a
deceptive return, the second one requires more control and the third one is more tactical
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players releasing new videos every Sunday to share our insight into all things badminton
whilst trying to grow the sport around the world!
"Fantastic Deception" So this deceptive return makes it look like you're hitting it straight
down the line and then at the last minute you go cross. You can either do it on your forehand or
backhand side however it's usually more effective on your backhand side. As with all three returns
we're showing you today you can only do it if the opponent serves to your T or to the body not
if they serve across you or out wide. This return however is easier if they serve to your body and
I'll now explain why. It's because creating this deception on the return requires you to twist your
body and really drop your shoulder which is harder with a serve to the T. So you want to be fast
to the shuttle showing a straight shot and then drop your shoulder whilst keeping your legs in the
same position as you would for the straight shot. Make sure you squeeze your thumb and fingers to
create the power and the change of direction. It is also a good idea to play the straight shot before
you use this deceptive cross-court shot in a game so you can really send your opponents the wrong way!
So why should we play this return? Well how many of you panic when your opponent hits a net cord?!
This return will force the server to try and deal with the spin of the shuttle whilst trying not
to panic. Even if you don't get the net cord, the shuttle should still be traveling in a downwards
direction and land around the server's back. This usually creates confusion like this here
- should the server have gone for the shot or their partner? To do this return you need to
fully commit to the short serve with your racket in either a vertical or near vertical position
You want to take the shuttle at least in line with the height of the net
if you take it any later then your racket will be forced in a downwards position
making it obvious that you're going to play a soft shot. You can practice this by either returning
somebody's serve or getting them to throw the shuttle where the serve would normally come from
Have a go and let us know in the comments section below how many net cords in a row you managed to do!
So last but definitely not least we have the hard return straight down the line.To do this
you follow the tips we covered in last week's video - committing to the shot and trying to play
it in a flat or downwards direction. Now this is where the tactics come into play! The likely reply
to this shot at an advanced level is for your opponent to play a reactive drive up the line
so that the server can't quite reach it and this is where your partner comes in to take the glory
Your partner should come around onto your side and then be in an ideal position to slap the shuttle
for a winner, or even better hit the opposition server - they'll be pretty annoyed. And as a returner
you should move across to cover the cross-court shot. You can do this from either your forehand
or backhand side ideally whichever sets up your partner's forehand. It's ideal for left-handed and
right-handed combinations. I learnt this from Boe and Mogensen so all credit goes to them!
Performed well it's either a winning shot or your opponents fall into the trap and set your partner
up on a plate. It works pretty much every time it's incredible just don't let your partner take
all the credit for reading the shot. This set play is one of many that you can use in doubles and
we'll discuss more of these in future videos so make sure you smash that subscribe button and turn
the notification bell on so you don't miss out and we'll see you on another video before we go
this week we were guests on the fantastic podcast 'A Year On Tour With Vittinghus', it's now available
on all major podcast platforms the links are in the description below for you to have a listen!