Shots & strokes · Overhead · Beginner · ~6 min
Forehand clear
A high, deep shot to the opponent's back line. Buys time and pushes the opponent away from the net.
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Tactical use & trade-offs
Safe and consistent, but a short clear gives the opponent an easy smash. Use it to reset a rally, move the opponent, or when you are late. Too many clears hand over the attack.
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 | Turn side-on early, racket arm cocked with the elbow at about shoulder height, non-racket arm pointing up toward the shuttle, weight on the back (right) foot. |
| Contact point | High and slightly in front of the hitting shoulder, at full comfortable reach. |
| Racket face | Flat face, angled slightly upward to send the shuttle high. |
| Swing | Throwing action: elbow leads up, forearm rotates (pronation) through contact, racket accelerates from loose to fast. |
| Body & footwork | Hips and shoulders rotate from side-on to facing the net; weight transfers from back foot to front. |
| Follow-through | Racket follows through across the body and down; the back leg comes through to start recovery. |
Coaching cues
- Turn, point, throw
- Hit high and in front
- Loose grip, squeeze at contact
Common errors
- Contact behind the head (shuttle goes flat or short)
- Pushing with a stiff arm instead of throwing
- Not turning side-on
Practice
On your own: Overhead throwing practice (Overhead throw drill), then shadow clears focusing on the turn and pronation (3 × 15).
With a partner: Clear-to-clear rally: both players clear from the back tramline area; count consecutive clears landing beyond the doubles long service line.
Volume: 3–4 sets of 15–20 good clears, with rest; stop when technique fades.
Safety
- Stop if you feel sharp pain, dizziness, chest pain or unusual breathlessness.