ONGAR BADMINTON CLUB
Coaching Tips
The forehand net shot is played from forecourt to forecourt and aims to put pressure on your opponent to force a lift or a weak return that can then be attacked.
To practice the net shot start with a ‘split step’ from just behind the service line followed by two forward chasse steps (leading with racket leg) and then a wide lunge, again leading with the racket leg. The racket carriage should be high (shoulder height) with the head pointing downwards, below the hand. Contact with the shuttle should be made as high as possible to the top of the net so that it bounces off the strings to return tight over the net on your opponent’s side.
The Forehand Net Shot
Key points of a forehand net shot are:-
- Hold the racket with a basic grip
- Start with split step timed with opponent’s hit.
- Position for the hit using chasse or running steps (if coming from a rear court position).
- Lunge with wide foot base with racket leg slightly bent and foot pointing towards racket.
- Non-racket foot turned out for balance and recovery.
- Racket head facing downwards on impact, below hand.
- Allow the shuttle to bounce off racket strings (do not straighten wrist on impact as this will lift the shuttle).
Watch this video narrated by Gail Emms concerning the Forehand Net Shot.
Remember that the net shot is an ‘attacking’ type of shot that puts your opponent under pressure to lift the reply.