Badminton Clears are the most common and important of all badminton strokes that can be played overhead or underarm. These shots can be played both on the forehand and backhand sides.
Use the clear to move your opponent to the backcourt. It will create space in the frontcourt for you to exploit.
It will also give you more time to go back to your base. The optimum hitting zone is located somewhere above the central area of your racket.
You can play two types of Badminton Clears, Attacking Clear and Defensive Clear.
Attacking clear has a trajectory that runs almost parallel to the ground. The shuttle travels flat and fast towards your opponents back court. These badminton shots allow less time to your opponent to get behind the shuttle, potentially causing weak returns. The shuttle is hit square with your racket face.
Defensive Clear has a high and deep trajectory. These badminton shots give you more time to return to your base and prepare for the next shot. The shuttle is hit with your racket face leaning slightly backwards.
The forehand overhead badminton clear is similar to the action of throwing a ball. If you can throw a ball well, you shouldn't have problem playing this stroke. You can always practice throwing with a shuttle first before stepping on to the court.
Here are some pointers for playing a forehand overhead clear.
It is not easy to play a backhand overhead clear. Even experienced players have problem with this badminton stroke. You shall always try to play an 'around the head' forehand clear whenever possible.
However, it is important that you know how to play the backhand overhead clear. There are times when you just can't play the shuttle with your forehand.
Here are some pointers for playing a backhand overhead clear.
This is actually a forehand overhead badminton clear played at the non-racket side of your body. Try to use it whenever play permits as a forehand stroke is always better and more accurate than a backhand.
The techniques for hitting these badminton clears are about the same as the forehand overhead clears with only some minor adjustments.
Here are some pointers for playing a forehand around the head clear.
An important thing to note here is that whether you are playing a badminton clear, a drop shot or a smash, your wrist plays a key part in creating deception.
The basic preparations for these badminton shots are the same, only the angle of the racket face, the speed of the racket head and the point of impact is different. Keep your opponent guessing.
The underarm clear is usually played from the front court area to your opponent's back court. Whether to play it high and deep or a flatter, cross court clear will depend on the situation at that time and your opponent's positioning on court.
In any case, try to reach the shuttle as early as possible so that you can have various shot options. Your wrist action is the crucial element in creating a deception for your shots.
Here are some pointers for the underarm clear.