Here is the ultimate guide to the most important grips! Holding the badminton racket correctly is crucial for control, power and - most importantly - to prevent injuries.
If you hold the racket incorrectly („frying pan grip“ with every shot), you limit your game and risk „tennis elbow“.
So that your balls on our Berlin Badminton Courts in the Sportcenter Wittenau to land precisely where you want them, we explain the most important handle types step by step here.
1. the Forehand Grip
This grip is used for most forehand strokes, such as the clear, smash and drives.
This is how it works:
- Hold the racket as if you were shaking hands with it („handshake grip“).
- The club face should be perpendicular to the ground (not flat!).
- Place your thumb loosely at your side. A „V“ should form between your thumb and index finger.
- Important: Keep the grip relaxed and not too tight. You should not strangle the racket!
📌 Tip: The grip should feel like you are holding a hammer or shaking someone's hand in greeting.
2. the backhand grip (backhand grip)
This grip is essential for all backhand strokes, especially in the backcourt and midcourt.
This is how it works:
- Start with the normal forehand grip.
- Turn the club slightly in your hand so that your thumb rests on the wide, flat side of the handle.
- Your thumb now serves as a lever: it presses against the handle to bring power and control to the stroke.
📌 Tip: This grip gives you the necessary „push“ from the thumb that you need for hard backhand balls.
3. the „frying pan handle“ (panhandle grip)
This grip is often instinctively used by beginners for all (which is wrong), but actually has its place: it is used for net kills and fast drives when the ball is right in front of you.
This is how it works:
- Hold the club like a frying pan - your fingers wrap around the handle, your thumb is not on the broad surface but on the side.
- The striking surface is open (pointing upwards/forward).
📌 Be careful: This handle is not suitable for clears or smashes from the baseline, as it blocks the flexibility of the wrist.
Try it out for yourself!
Take your racket in your hand (or borrow one from our Counter for € 4.00) and try practicing the grips dry. Alternate between forehand and backhand by turning the racket in your fingers.
Does it still feel unfamiliar? Don't worry, that's normal. If you have any questions about the technique, talk to us or other experienced players in the Sportcenter Wittenau gladly to.
Ready for the next match? Book your court now and test your new grip technique in practice!
See also:
-
- What age is ideal for badminton?
- Badminton rules: How to play correctly
- Badminton doubles tactics: positioning, rotation & communication
- 5 ways to improve your badminton technique
- 5 ways to win badminton matches even as a slow player
- What do you wear to badminton? The perfect dress code for the court
- The 5 most important fitness attributes for badminton
- Is badminton harder to learn than tennis? A comparison