Badminton drills · Transition · Intermediate · ~7 min

Defence-to-attack transition

Recognise a weak attacking shot and turn defence into attack.

▶ How To Defend A Powerful Smash In Badminton (6 Steps) — Badminton Insight (YouTube)

More videos: HOW TO CORRECTLY DEFEND DROPS AND SMASHES! (SINGLES) (ViktorAxelsen) · How To Defend In Doubles - The Fundamentals Of Badminton Defence (Badminton Insight)

Setup

Attacker in the rear court, defender at base.

Step by step

1. Attacker smashes, drops and clears freely at about 70%.
2. Defender blocks or lifts until a loose shot (short lift, high drop or flat smash).
3. Defender then counter-drives or pushes and moves forward to attack.
4. Play out the rally; swap roles.

Success criteria

Defender takes over the attack in 3+ rallies per set.

Common mistakes

• Defender attacking too early
• Staying defensive when the chance comes

Easier version

Feeder calls "attack!" when a ball is loose.

Advanced version

Full speed with scoring: transition = 2 points.

Progression

Increase attacker pace.

Safety

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

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