Footwork drills · Rear court · Beginner · ~3 min

Backward movement to the rear court

Getting behind the shuttle in the rear court gives you options (clear, drop or smash) instead of a weak defensive reply.

▶ Rear Court Footwork: How to cover the Backhand Corner and hit with Forehand — Tobias Wadenka (YouTube)

More videos: Backhand Rear-Court Footwork - The 5 Types You NEED TO KNOW! (Badminton Insight) · Forehand Rear-Court Footwork - The 4 Types You NEED TO KNOW! (Badminton Insight)

Starting position

Ready position at base.

Movement sequence

1. Split step, then turn the body side-on (right shoulder back for the forehand corner).
2. Chasse or cross-step back 2–3 steps.
3. Arrive behind the shuttle with the racket prepared and weight on the back (right) foot.
4. Shadow the stroke, transferring weight forward.

Recovery

Use the forward momentum of the stroke to return to base.

Technique cues

• Turn, then go
• Get behind the shuttle

Common mistakes

• Running back facing the net
• Arriving late and hitting from beside or in front of the body

Easier

Walk-through with a pause at the hitting position.

Harder

Add a scissor kick on the stroke.

Safety

• Never backpedal toward walls or obstacles.
• Stop if you feel sharp pain, dizziness, chest pain or unusual breathlessness.

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