Shots & strokes · Defence & drives · Advanced · ~6 min
Defensive counterattack
Turning a smash into a fast flat drive or push past the attacker, turning defence into attack.
▶ How To Defend A Powerful Smash In Badminton (6 Steps) — Badminton Insight (YouTube)
More videos: You Need To Learn THIS Defensive Technique (Badminton Insight) · DEFENSE & COUNTERATTACK | Badminton Singles Strategy and Playstyle (Badminton Justin)
Prescription3 × 20 shuttles · rest 1 min
EquipmentRacket, Shuttles, Badminton court
ImpactLow
FormatNeeds feeder
Tactical use & trade-offs
Can win back the attack immediately, especially against a smash that is not steep. Higher risk than blocking or lifting; poor counters go out or into the net.
Technique
| Grip | Backhand grip: from the forehand grip, turn slightly and place the pad of the thumb flat on the wide back bevel (thumb grip). Relaxed until contact. mostly. |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Defensive stance, racket slightly higher and further forward than for a block. |
| Contact point | Early, in front. |
| Racket face | Flat. |
| Swing | Short, punchy drive (counter-drive) using the smash's pace. |
| Body & footwork | Low; step forward slightly if possible. |
| Follow-through | Short; move forward to keep the attack. |
Coaching cues
- Flat and past them
- Step in if you can
Common errors
- Trying it against steep smashes
- Swinging too big
Practice
On your own: Fast wall drives from a defensive stance.
With a partner: Feeder half-smashes; defender counter-drives flat to the rear; continue the rally.
Volume: 3 × 12 shuttles.
Safety
- Stop if you feel sharp pain, dizziness, chest pain or unusual breathlessness.