Shots & strokes · Overhead · Beginner · ~6 min
Defensive clear
A very high, deep clear played when under pressure, giving you maximum time to recover to base.
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Prescription3 × 20 shuttles · rest 1 min
EquipmentRacket, Shuttles, Badminton court
ImpactLow
FormatNeeds feeder
Tactical use & trade-offs
Prioritise height and depth over speed. Gives the opponent the attack, but a deep, high shuttle is hard to smash steeply from the back.
Technique
| Grip | Forehand grip: shake hands with the handle, the V between thumb and index finger on the top-left bevel, fingers relaxed and slightly spread. |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Get behind the shuttle as best you can; if late, prepare the racket early even from a less ideal position. |
| Contact point | As high as possible; can be slightly behind the ideal point when under pressure. |
| Racket face | Open more upward than an attacking clear. |
| Swing | Full throwing swing aimed high; prioritise height. |
| Body & footwork | Rotate as much as time allows; use a scissor kick to recover. |
| Follow-through | Follow through and recover centrally to defend a smash. |
Coaching cues
- High and deep buys time
- Aim for the ceiling, land on the back line
Common errors
- Falling short (mid-court) under pressure
- Aiming too flat when late
Practice
On your own: Shadow swings focusing on an upward-angled face (2 × 15).
With a partner: Feeder hits attacking clears; hitter returns high defensive clears to the back tramlines.
Volume: 3 × 15 shuttles.
Safety
- Stop if you feel sharp pain, dizziness, chest pain or unusual breathlessness.