Badminton drills · Serve & third shot · Intermediate · ~7 min

Serve and third-shot patterns

Rehearse what happens after the serve: the receiver's typical replies and your best third shot.

▶ The 5 Best RETURNS OF SERVE To Play In Men’s Doubles - Badminton Strategy — Badminton Insight (YouTube)

More videos: 3 Deceptive Return of Shots (Aylex Badminton Academy) · The 4 Best SERVES To Play In Men's Doubles - Badminton Strategy (Badminton Insight)

Setup

Server and receiver in position (doubles or singles).

Step by step

1. Server plays a low serve.
2. Receiver plays one of: net shot, push to midcourt, or lift (agreed or random).
3. Server plays the planned third shot (e.g. net reply → net kill or tight net; push → drive or block; lift → smash).
4. Play out 3 more shots, then reset.

Success criteria

Server keeps the initiative (no forced lift) in 6 of 8 patterns.

Common mistakes

• Server standing still after the serve
• Racket down after serving

Easier version

Serve and catch the return, then decide the next shot aloud.

Advanced version

Receiver chooses randomly; add the flick serve.

Progression

Increase receiver pressure; play out the full rally.

Safety

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

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