Footwork drills · Fundamentals · Beginner · ~2 min

Ready position

Every movement starts here. A balanced, active stance lets you push off in any direction without a wasted step.

▶ 4 Positions All Players Must Learn — Jacobs Badminton (YouTube)

More videos: Badminton Tips - The Ready Position - Coach Andy Chong (SportVideos) · Badminton - Ready Position (Mel Hamada)

Starting position

At base (centre of the court, slightly in front of the middle of your half), facing the net.

Movement sequence

1. Feet slightly wider than shoulders, racket foot (right) a little ahead in singles.
2. Knees bent, hips back, weight on the balls of the feet, heels light.
3. Racket up in front at about chest height, non-racket arm up for balance.
4. Practise: walk around, then on "ready!" drop into position and hold 3 seconds. Check it in a mirror.

Recovery

This is the recovery position: return to it after every shot.

Technique cues

• Racket up, knees soft, heels light
• Eyes on the opponent's racket

Common mistakes

• Standing tall with the racket down
• Weight on the heels
• Feet too narrow

Easier

Hold the position for 2 seconds without the racket.

Harder

Doubles defence version: lower, wider and square, racket on the backhand side.

Safety

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

Related