ABSTRACT
Executing strokes and mastering shots are the most important skills in the game of badminton. Following a discussion of the racket grip and wrist action, this chapter focuses primarily on how to execute the strokes and provides various drills that can be used to practice the skills. One of the most difficult skills to learn as a beginner is the proper racket grip. In order to be able to execute the strokes appropriately, the player must have the proper grip. Although the basic forehand grip can be used to hit the overhead backhand shots, most players use a slight variation that seems to be more effective. Execution of the basic forehand and backhand shots requires a combination of wrist and forearm movement. There are three basic overhead forehand shots: clears, or lobs, smashes, and drops. These shots can all have several variations, including around-the-head shots.
