The drive serve, also known as the flat serve in badminton, is executed with a low trajectory, creating significant pressure and impact on the opponents. The use of drive serve has increased following the service rule changes by BWF (Badminton World Federation) in 2018.
How to do drive serve in badminton?
To begin with, keep your badminton racket and shuttle as you would typically do for the low serve, as this forms part of the deception. Maintain the same preparation and hitting action as for the low serve. Tighten your grip with your fingers and thumb to generate additional power in the shot before making contact with the shuttle.
To maximise the deception of the drive serve, consider the following key points.
- Use a very short backswing to avoid giving away your intention to hit the serve harder.
- Add power to the shot as late as possible.
- Maintain the same body position and eye contact as you would while hitting a normal low serve, and don’t lean back or look up.
Rules of serve in badminton
There are five serving rules in badminton for both singles and doubles.
- Both feet must be in contact with the floor when striking the shuttle.
- Your feet must not be touching any of the court lines.
- You must strike the cork, not the feather.
- The whole shuttle must be struck below 1.15m.
- The serve must be delivered in a forward continuous motion.
In badminton, there are four different types of serve: low serve, flick serve, drive serve, and high serve. This service can be performed using a backhand serve. Typically a serve in badminton is used to start a rally.
How to do a high serve in badminton
The deep or high serve is used when a player is aiming for the shuttlecock to land at the court or near the end line. A well-executed high serve will have a deep trajectory, causing the shuttle to drop sharply around the service line, which will make it difficult for the opponent to play and deliver the attacking shot. This technique is effective in singles.
To execute a deep serve:
- Keep the shuttlecock with the head pointing downwards.
- Adopt a forehand grip and stand sideways.
- Release the shuttlecock and swing the racquet upwards.
- Strike the shuttle in front of your front foot, ensuring that your palm is directed towards the serving area.
- Follow through the opposite shoulder.
