The forehand clear is the most essential basic stroke in badminton. Although it looks simple, the clear often determines who holds the upper hand in a rally. A correctly played clear allows you to control the space and build an attacking position.
If a player is unable to play the shuttle all the way to the back line, they give the opponent an ideal opportunity for an immediate and hard conclusion of the rally.
Why the Forehand Clear is So Important
The aim of this stroke is to push the opponent to the back of their court. This opens up space in the front for a subsequent net shot or drop. We distinguish between two basic types:
- Attacking Clear: Flies in a lower trajectory just out of the opponent's reach. Its goal is to catch the opponent off guard and force an error.
- Defensive Clear: Flies high and gives you precious time to return to your base position and regain balance.
Basic Stance and Preparation
To give the clear the necessary length and power, you must involve the entire body, not just the arm.
- Grip: Use a relaxed basic grip.
- Stance: Take a side-on stance to the net. Body weight is initially on the back foot.
- Arm: The racket is in a prepared position for an overhead shot, the other hand (without the racket) points up for better balance and estimation of the shuttle's distance.
Execution Technique (Movement Cycle)
1. Backswing
Kick off from the back foot upwards and forwards. Push the back hip and shoulder forward. The elbow moves up and the forearm rotates outwards (supination). This movement resembles "drawing a bow."
2. Hitting Swing
The arm and forearm rotate sharply inwards (pronation). Reach out and strongly hit the shuttle at the highest point above the shoulder (or slightly in front of it). It is precisely the forearm rotation that gives the stroke its final swing and speed.
3. Follow-through and Recovery
After impact, the arm relaxes and the kinetic energy of the racket naturally completes the rotation. The back foot comes in front of the originally front foot (the cross-over) after landing, which immediately directs you back to the center of the court.
Common Mistakes
"Frying Pan" Grip
If you hold the racket like a tennis racket, you cannot utilize forearm rotation. The stroke then lacks power and you play it only by pulling the whole shoulder, leading to quick fatigue and inaccuracy.
Impact point too low
If you do not hit the shuttle with a straight arm at the highest possible point, the flight path will be flat and the opponent will easily "shoot you out."
Missing side-on stance
Playing facing the net makes weight transfer and trunk rotation impossible. The result is a weak stroke that ends mid-court.
Coach's Tip
Try to "hold" the stroke during the backswing. If you perform the backswing the same way as for a smash but at the last moment you only gently "stroke" the shuttle (or conversely, fire a sharp clear), the opponent won't know what to expect. The element of surprise is half the victory in badminton.
Summary
- The clear serves to control the back of the court.
- Always use a basic grip and a side-on stance.
- Power comes from forearm rotation and weight transfer.
- The key is to hit the shuttle on time and as high as possible.
Master the forehand clear and gain a strategic advantage in every match.