Badminton drills · Hand-eye coordination · Beginner · ~6 min

Overhead shuttle throwing

Learn the overhead throwing action (side-on, elbow up, rotate) that underlies the clear and smash.

Setup

A bucket of shuttles; aim at a target area or over a net/rope 3–6 m away.

Step by step

1. Stand side-on, non-throwing arm pointing up.
2. Throw the shuttle overhand as high and far as possible, leading with the elbow.
3. Rotate hips and shoulders to face the target as you throw.
4. Collect and repeat.

Success criteria

Shuttles travel high and straight; 10 of 15 land past a target line.

Common mistakes

• Throwing from the shoulder front-on
• Pushing instead of throwing

Easier version

Throw at a big target (hoop or bucket); have a throwing contest.

Advanced version

Throw from the rear court over the net to the opposite back line.

Progression

Smooth throws → hand-fed clears with the racket.

Safety

• Stop if you feel sharp pain, dizziness, chest pain or unusual breathlessness.

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