The backhand serve is the most widely used method for starting a rally today. It is dominant in doubles but is increasingly seen in men's singles. Its main advantage is a short flight path and the ability to put the opponent under immediate pressure.
If a player does not master the service technique, they give the opponent a huge advantage right at the start of the exchange.
Why is the backhand serve so effective?
The short serve forces the opponent to hit the shuttle upwards, allowing the serving side to attack immediately. It is more precise and stable than the traditional forehand serve.
Basic Stance and Preparation
A successful serve begins with the correct stance and a relaxed grip.
- Stance: Stand with your racket foot forward (right foot for a right-handed player), close to the center line (the "T").
- Racket Grip: Use a relaxed thumb grip. The thumb rests on the wide surface of the handle.
- The Shuttle: Hold the racket in front of your body and place the shuttle gently on the strings or hold it by the feathers.
Variations of the Backhand Serve
1. Short Serve
The goal is for the shuttle to fly just over the tape and land at the opponent's front service line.
- Technique: The movement of the racket is smooth, without a backswing.
- Execution: Rather just gently "push" the shuttle with the arm and wrist.
- Result: The opponent has minimum time to react and must pick up the shuttle low near the ground.
2. Flick Serve
This stroke is a key tactical addition. Until the last moment, it must look exactly like a short serve.
- Technique: At the moment of impact, sharply accelerate the racket head.
- Execution: Use a quick flick originating from the thumb and forearm rotation.
- Goal: To surprise the opponent who expects a short shuttle and send it quickly to the back boundary line.
Common Mistakes
Flight path too high
If the shuttle flies too high over the tape, you give the opponent a chance for an immediate kill and the end of the rally.
Predictability of the stroke
Players often use a different backswing for the flick serve. This reveals their intention to the opponent in advance. Both short and flick serves must begin identically.
Rule violations
According to the rules, the shuttle must be below the level of 115 cm at the moment of impact, and the racket head must be pointing downwards.
Coach's Tip
Do not rush during the serve. Take a stable stance, stop for a second, check the opponent's position, and only then serve smoothly. Calmness is half the success for a service.
Summary
- the backhand serve requires a thumb grip and a stance close to the net,
- the short serve must fly just over the tape,
- the flick serve serves to surprise the opponent,
- the key to success is a relaxed hand and the same start for both variants.
Master the backhand serve technique and gain control over every rally from the very beginning.