There are many different types of net shots, so you will need to be flexible with your choice of badminton grip.
As a very basic guideline, use a thumb grip for backhand net shots and a basic grip for forehand net shots.
- Thumb grip for backhand net shots
- Basic grip for forehand net shots
When you play a forehand net shot with the badminton racket above the hand, however, a panhandle grip is often necessary.
Usually a short badminton grip is better for net shots in doubles, although sometimes a long grip will be necessary for more reach. In singles, the grip is usually long.
Grip adjustments
- Delicate bevel grip for net shots
For many net shots, whether forehand or backhand, an adjusted bevel grip is effective. This badminton grip can help give you delicate fingertip control, which is especially useful for spinning net shots. Adjust your hold on the badminton racket for maximum sensitivity, by holding the handle in the tips of your fingers and leaving a wider gap than normal.
If the shuttlecock is near the ground, so that you are playing a hairpin net shot, your badminton grip needs to be adjusted: move towards a thumb grip for forehands and a panhandle grip for backhands (much as you would for late forehand overheads or late backhand overheads).
These hairpin grip adjustments are also useful for some spinning net shots. Because the badminton racket is facing more directly upwards, you get a higher, tighter trajectory: the shuttlecock will travel well above net height, but then fall back down very tight to the net. This is especially useful in singles when your opponent is late recovering: you can often make this a winning shot.
- Forehand hairpin net shot
- Backhand hairpin net shot
