The basic badminton grip

When to use the basic grip

Using the basic grip for forehands

Using the basic grip for backhands

Use the basic grip on both sides of the body, forehand and backhand. For forehands you hit with the front of the hand leading, whereas for backhands you hit with the back of the hand leading. Forehands feel like hitting with your palm, and backhands feel like hitting with your knuckles.

A common mistake in coaching is to teach one forehand grip (the basic grip) and one backhand grip (the thumb grip). This is incorrect. For backhands at the side of your body, use the basic grip.

You may think of forehands as hitting with the front face of the racket, and backhands as hitting with the back face.

When you use the basic grip for backhands, make sure the thumb remains extended (straight) throughout the hitting action. This provides support. If you let the thumb curl instead, your hold on the racket will not be stable enough: you will have a floppy backhand.

Learning the basic grip

The V-shape, marked in red

Hold the badminton racket as though you are lightly shaking hands with the handle, or as though you are lightly holding a blade, such as a knife, a sword, or an axe.

Look at the gap between your thumb and first finger; it should form a shape like the letter V. The bottom point of this V-shape should not be exactly on top of the badminton racket handle: it should be placed towards the diagonal bevel on the left, bevel 2.

Your hold on the badminton racket should be relaxed (not tight).

Basic grip photographs

Key tip

Marking your badminton racket handle is an excellent way to help yourself learn this grip.

Common errors

A fist-like grip

A fist-like badminton grip prevents you from using your fingers effectively. Notice there is no V-shape; instead, the webbing between your thumb and first finger makes a rounded U-shape.

To correct the error, relax your grip and spread your fingers gently.

Key tip

If you finish your shot with a fist-like grip, that's okay. It’s only an error if you start with a fist-like grip.

V-shape directly on top

This is commonly taught, but it’s incorrect. Placing the V-shape directly over the narrow bevel, bevel 1, leaves you with a slight panhandle, which will cause subtle problems in your badminton strokes: for example, when playing a straight forehand clear from your forehand corner, you will tend to hit the shuttlecock out at the side.

To correct the error, move the V towards the diagonal bevel, bevel 2, instead.

Pointing the index finger

Extending the index finger, so that it points straight up the badminton racket, will make your hand tense. This will severely limit your stroke skills, and may also lead to a strain injury.

To correct the error, allow the finger to rest in a more relaxed position. It’s still good to have a gap between the index and middle fingers; just don’t point the index finger straight up.

This page was last updated on 19 February 2008 (article update log).