Shots & strokes · Overhead · Advanced · ~6 min
Reverse slice drop
A deceptive drop where the racket face slices from left to right (using supination/an inverted face), usually sending the shuttle cross-court from the forehand side.
More videos: Hit PERFECT Reverse Slice Drops like the Top 1% (Aylex Badminton Academy) · Straight Reverse Slice Tutorial | One of Badminton's Most Difficult Shots (ViktorAxelsen)
Tactical use & trade-offs
Very deceptive because the swing looks like a straight smash or drop. Technically hard and error-prone; use it as a surprise, not a staple.
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. Fingers relaxed to allow the face to turn. |
|---|---|
| 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 | Above and slightly in front of the head, a little to the left of a normal contact point. |
| Racket face | Turned outward (reverse) so the strings brush from left to right across the shuttle. |
| Swing | Fast swing with the forearm supinating at contact rather than pronating. |
| Body & footwork | Normal smash rotation to disguise the shot. |
| Follow-through | Short follow-through; recover forward. |
Coaching cues
- Same preparation, flip the face late
Common errors
- Contact too far behind the head
- Telegraphing with a slow swing
Practice
On your own: Slow-motion swings watching the face turn; shadow with smash preparation.
With a partner: Feeder lifts to the forehand rear; hitter plays reverse slice cross-court to a target; partner reacts.
Volume: 2–3 × 10 shuttles.
Safety
- Stop if you feel sharp pain, dizziness, chest pain or unusual breathlessness.