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Level 3: Definitive article

Badminton panhandle grip

HomeArticlesGrips guideGripsBadminton panhandle grip

When to use the panhandle grip

Use this grip to play forehand strokes when the shuttlecock is well in front of your body and higher than the net. For example, you can use this grip to play a forehand net kill.

This grip is also used for playing late backhands.

Do not use this grip to play overhead forehands: use the basic grip instead.

Learning the panhandle grip

Forehand net kill
Playing a forehand net kill, using the panhandle grip

Place your badminton racket on the floor. Now pick it up without turning the handle at all: just place your hand over the handle, lift the racket off the ground, and wrap your fingers around the handle.

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

This grip is called panhandle because it is similar to holding a frying pan.

Panhandle grip photographs
The panhandle grip, viewed from the left The panhandle grip, viewed from the left (close up)
The panhandle grip, viewed from the right The panhandle grip, viewed from the right (close up)
The panhandle grip, viewed from in front The panhandle grip, viewed from in front (close up)
The panhandle grip, viewed from behind The panhandle grip, viewed from behind (close up)

Common errors

Not spreading the fingers

Players often clump all their fingers together at the bottom of the badminton racket handle. This means they will have less control of the racket head.

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

Error
Clumping all the fingers together
Correct
Spreading the fingers

Sources

The advice on this page is based on the Badminton England coaching manuals, levels one and two, the Badminton England techniques DVD, the April 2005 Grips: frequently asked questions article from the Badminton England coaching magazine Power&Precision, and my further discussions with a Badminton England coaching representive, who prefers to remain anonymous.

This page was last updated on 22 August 2008 (article update log).

Languages

Left-handed?

All the instructions in the Badminton Bible are written for right-handed players.

If you are left-handed, you’ll have to reverse the instructions in your head. Every time I write right, you should think left, and vice-versa.

Sorry about that!