Technique⏱ 2 min read
Round-the-Head or Backhand? Choosing in the Rear Backhand Corner
Two ways to handle the hardest corner on court, and how to pick between them.
The rear backhand corner is the hardest place on court for most players. You have two tools: the round-the-head (forehand overhead from the backhand side) and the backhand.
Round-the-head: when you are early
- Keeps attacking options: smash, drop or clear.
- Needs an early turn and good balance; land on the non-racket leg and push back.
- Recovery is longer, so pick a shot that gives you time if you are stretched.
Backhand: when you are late or the shuttle is very deep
- Reaches further into the corner.
- Most players can play a reliable backhand drop or clear rather than a smash.
Simple rule
If you can get behind the shuttle, go round-the-head. If it is past you, use the backhand. Train both, and train your footwork so you are early more often.
Key takeaways
- Early: round-the-head keeps your attack.
- Late or very deep: backhand.
- Better footwork means more round-the-heads.
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