What Is Footwork?
Have you seen top badminton players move around the court? The pros’ movement always looks so graceful and effortless. This gracefulness is due to their flawless footwork. They can reach the shuttle quickly and easily. It is not a great idea to simple ‘run’ around the court to pick up the shuttle, as even if you reach where the shuttle is, you may not be in the right position to hit the shot that you desire. Sometimes you may not reach the shuttle thus losing a point. If you run and play the shuttle too early you may mishit it. Not to mention it doesn’t look the most beautiful too! It is not a good strategy as well to base your game only on smashes and drop shots all the time(which a lot of younger players do!). Hitting smashes requires lot of energy and you need all the energy you have get to score all 42 or 62 points or rallies in a two or three set match! (Do remember that your opponents will score points too, so technically you’re playing closer to 70-100+ rallies!) You might be able to win against weaker players. But as you start playing at a higher level, you will quickly realise that you have to anticipate where the shuttle will reach. You will have to reach to the shuttle early so that you get time to decide the type of shot you are going to hit; be in position to hit the shot, and then hit the shot as desired. If this does not happen, you will either make a mistake or hit a weak return resulting in losing points.
So what do you do? You need to improve your footwork on court. In badminton, footwork means your position in the court, how you position your feet and how you move from one point to another.
Why Is Good Footwork Important?
You may have a powerful smash but your smash is a double edged sword! Moreover, good players or players with strong defense will return your smash well. So you must be ready to take the next shot.
The right footwork will allow you to be ready for the next shot which means, you will have a higher chance of playing the badminton shot that you want.
Correct footwork will enable you to preserve your stamina as you reduce unnecessary movement. You can play more effectively for a longer duration. You will reduce unnecessary steps and have more time to react to the next shot.
Badminton is a fast game. You stretch, stress, jump and bend and move in all directions. If your position is not correct or your feet are not in the right position, your movement will not allow you to reach the shuttle in time and neither can you hit the shot that you want to hit. This again leads to weak shots and losing points. If you do not move properly, you may put undue pressure on your feet and knees. You can get injured which can affect your game and also cost you in terms of time, effort and money.
How Do I Improve My Footwork
As a beginner, it is tempting to start hitting the shuttle. But remember to develop and follow a footwork regime. Practice foot movements with drills. Incorporate exercises such that your legs become strong. Do drills that condition your body and give you extra power and confidence.
There are many drills to improve your footwork. The footwork regime that you have decided upon should be done in a speedy manner. The main objectives of your footwork regime –
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Increase your speed
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Learn the right way to move on court and cover it
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Protect yourself from injuries
Let us look at drills that you can use to improve your footwork –
You have to be fast on court. Here are some ways to improve your speed of movement. –
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Include cardio workout sessions such as running for 20-30 minutes at a good speed.
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Do a combination of exercises such as skipping rope, high knees, and butt kicks.
You have to be agile on court. You can incorporate a set of movements for quick feet –
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Move your feet front and back. In this drill, step over a line one foot at a time. Move your right foot in the front, then move your left foot in. Now you have both feet on the line. Step your right foot back and then your left foot.
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Move your feet side to side. Mark two lines. Jump with both feet together inside and outside the lines.
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Perform the fast feet drill. Keep your feet at hip-width. Lower your body down into a half squat position. Lift your heels. Start running in this position as fast as you can on the spot for up to 1 minute.
To be a good player, you should move effectively all around the court. There are six main points of the court –
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Forehand front corner
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Backhand front corner
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Forehand side
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Backhand side
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Forehand back-court corner
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Backhand back-court corner
You practice moving from the center of the court to all the six corners performing the proper footwork. How do you do it?
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Take a lateral step to the front towards the corner near the net with the lead leg. It is the same as your forehand (right hand – right leg/ left hand- left leg). Keep your lead leg ahead and take one or two lateral steps depending on when you’re able to reach the corner near the net with your racket. Pretend to hit a shot. With your other leg, take lateral steps to get back to the centre position.
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Next, move towards the backhand side, turn your foot that is not the lead foot, to face the corner and take a large step with your lead leg towards the direction of the backhand front corner towards the net. Pretend to hit a shot. Go back to the centre position
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You then move sideways. Move towards your forehand side horizontally towards the lead leg and swing the racket once you are near the line on side court. Go back to the centre with lateral steps. Move towards the backhand side horizontally till you reach the line on side court and swing your racket in a backhand motion.
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Take lateral steps about 45 degrees to the backcourt, starting with the lead leg, or shuffle towards the backcourt and do a forehand overhead shot. Go back to the centre with lateral steps.
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Take lateral steps or shuffle your legs until you reach the end of the court and perform a backhand swing on your backhand side. Go back to the centre position.
You can do this whole routine about 8 times. Take a break and repeat it at least 3 times. Watch this video to see how it works .
As a beginner, it is exciting to play games and try out smashes. Be patient. Practice foot movements and improve your footwork with drills. Exercise such that your legs become strong and you have the energy to not only last through the game but also finish strongly. Check out this post to learn more!
