Shots & strokes · Serve · Intermediate · ~6 min
Flick serve
A serve with the same preparation as the low serve that is flicked quickly over the receiver to the back of the service court.
▶ How To Do A BACKHAND FLICK SERVE In Badminton - Complete Tutorial! — Badminton Insight (YouTube)
More videos: BADMINTON TECHNIQUE #58 - HOW TO DO A FLICK SERVE IN BADMINTON? (Shuttle Life) · How To Play A Great Flick Serve in Badminton (Basicfeather)
Tactical use & trade-offs
Punishes a receiver who rushes the low serve. If read, or too low or short, it is smashed immediately. Use sparingly.
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. (same as the low serve). |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Identical to the low serve. |
| Contact point | Same position as the low serve. |
| Racket face | Opens slightly at the last moment. |
| Swing | Begins like a low serve, then a quick flick of the thumb and forearm sends it up and over the receiver. |
| Body & footwork | Unchanged from the low serve so it is not telegraphed. |
| Follow-through | Racket up; be ready for an attacking return. |
Coaching cues
- Same look as the low serve
- Over their racket
Common errors
- Different preparation (telegraphed)
- Flick too low (intercepted)
Practice
On your own: Alternate low and flick serves, checking both look identical (video yourself if possible).
With a partner: Receiver stands aggressively; server mixes low and flick serves; receiver tries to read them.
Volume: 3 × 15 serves.
Safety
- Stop if you feel sharp pain, dizziness, chest pain or unusual breathlessness.