The 6 BEST Return Of Serves In Singles

Summary

This video script offers insights on effective badminton serve returns in singles, analyzing over 1000 serves to identify six optimal strategies. It categorizes returns into easy, intermediate, and advanced levels for both low and high serves, emphasizing the importance of adapting to individual strengths and opponent weaknesses. Key points include varying the type and direction of returns, the significance of deception, and the strategic use of lifts, clears, drops, and slices. The video also highlights the rarity of smashes as a return option and encourages practice for game readiness.

Takeaways

• 🏸 The video analyzes over 1000 return of serves from badminton matches on YouTube to suggest effective strategies.
• 🎯 It identifies three types of returns for both low and high serves, catering to different skill levels: easy, intermediate, and advanced.
• 🔄 The choice of return should be based on the player's strengths, weaknesses, and the opponent's capabilities.
• 📊 Male professionals serve low 86% of the time, while females serve low 40%, indicating a significant difference in serving strategies between genders.
• 🛑 The lift is the most common return for the low serve, chosen by 56% of professional players, as it pushes the opponent to the back of the court.
• 📌 Vary the corner and height of the lift to maintain unpredictability and apply pressure on the opponent.
• 💡 Playing to the net can be effective despite being a risky option; it can force the opponent into a difficult position.
• 🤫 The deceptive backhand net shot is an advanced return that can unsettle opponents, but should be used sparingly to remain deceptive.
• 🏆 Clearing is a common and easy return for the high serve, used to move opponents back and create space.
• 💧 The drop or clip is the most frequently used return from a high serve, requiring accuracy to prevent giving the opponent an easy advantage.
• 🔪 The straight slice is an advanced return that, when executed correctly, can limit the opponent's shot options and put them on the defensive.
• 🚫 Smashes are rarely used in response to high serves at the professional level due to the high risk and low reward.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video script?

The main focus of the video script is to provide insights and techniques for returning serves in badminton, based on an analysis of over 1000 serves and returns from professional matches.

Why is returning a low serve considered challenging despite the ample court space?

Returning a low serve is challenging because players need to make quick decisions on the type of return to hit, considering their own strengths, weaknesses, and those of their opponents.

What percentage of professional male players serve low according to the video analysis?

According to the video analysis, professional male players serve low 86% of the time.

What is the percentage of low serves among professional female players?

Professional female players serve low 40% of the time, with the remaining 60% being high or flick serves.

What is the most common return for the low serve among professional players?

The most common return for the low serve among professional players is the lift, chosen by exactly 56% of professional men and women.

Why is the lift considered a good return for the low serve?

The lift is considered a good return because it pushes the opponent to the back of the court, creating space and preventing them from playing their best shots right from the start of the rally.

What are some key points to consider when executing a lift return?

Key points for executing a lift return include varying the corner and height of the lift, taking the shuttle early, and being ready for the next shot after hitting the lift.

What is the intermediate return suggested for the low serve?

The intermediate return suggested for the low serve is playing to the net, which can be either a deep net shot or a tight net shot, depending on the player's skill level.

What is the most advanced return for the low serve mentioned in the script?

The most advanced return for the low serve is a deceptive backhand net shot, which is used to unsettle opponents right from the start of the rally.

Why is the deceptive backhand net shot not recommended to be overused?

The deceptive backhand net shot should not be overused because if opponents get used to it, the shot will no longer be deceptive and effective.

What are the three types of returns suggested for the high or flick serve?

The three types of returns suggested for the high or flick serve are a clear, a drop or clip, and a straight slice for more advanced players.

Why are smashes not commonly recommended as a return for the high or flick serve?

Smashes are not commonly recommended as a return for the high or flick serve because they put the player under a lot of pressure and are less likely to result in a winner, especially if the serve or the opponent's defense is strong.

How can players practice their returns and other aspects of their game?

Players can practice their returns and other aspects of their game using the 11 different singles multi-feed programs available on the video creators' website, designed to improve consistency, explosivity, power, and fitness.

Outlines

00:00

🏸 Strategies for Returning Low Serves in Badminton

The paragraph discusses the importance of choosing the right return for a low serve in badminton, emphasizing that players should select a return based on their strengths and weaknesses as well as those of their opponents. It highlights that professional male players tend to serve low 86% of the time, while females serve low 40% of the time. The paragraph introduces three types of returns for low serves: an easy lift, an intermediate net play, and an advanced deceptive backhand net shot. The lift is a common choice, used by 56% of professional players, as it pushes the opponent back and creates space. The net play involves either a deep net shot or a tight net shot, aiming to control the next play. The deceptive backhand net shot is a high-level tactic used by about 10% of professionals to unsettle opponents from the start of the rally.

05:05

🏸 Effective Returns for High Serves in Badminton

This paragraph focuses on the best returns for high or flick serves in badminton. It explains that the clear is the easiest return, used to move opponents back, with variations for males and females in terms of direction. The drop or clip is the most common return from a high serve, used by a significant majority of both male and female players, with a preference for straight shots from the backhand flick serve due to balance considerations. The straight slice is an advanced return that requires skill and accuracy, as it lands in front of the opponent, limiting their shot options. The paragraph also notes that smashes are rarely used in response to flick serves at the professional level due to the high risk of error. The video concludes by recommending practice of these returns and suggesting further training resources available on the creators' website.

Keywords

💡Return of Serve

The 'return of serve' is a fundamental aspect of badminton, referring to the initial shot made by the player receiving the serve. It sets the tone for the rally that follows. In the video, the importance of a good return is emphasized as it can dictate the flow of the game and create opportunities for the player. Various types of returns are analyzed, such as lifts, net shots, and deceptive shots, each serving a different strategic purpose.

💡Low Serve

A 'low serve' in badminton is a serve that stays low over the net and travels towards the opponent's service area. It is a common strategy, especially among professional male players, as mentioned in the script where it accounts for 86% of serves. The video discusses how to effectively return a low serve, suggesting techniques like lifts and deceptive net shots to counteract this serve.

💡High Serve

A 'high serve' or 'flick serve' is a type of serve that is hit higher over the net, often used to push the opponent back or to create a difficult return. The script reveals that professional female players use high serves more frequently than their male counterparts. The video provides insights into how to return high serves, including clears and drops, to gain an advantage.

💡Lift

In badminton, a 'lift' is a return shot that sends the shuttlecock high and towards the back of the opponent's court. It is one of the simplest and most effective returns from a low serve, as it pushes the opponent back and creates space at the net. The video highlights that 56% of professional players choose to lift from the return of a low serve, emphasizing its strategic value.

💡Net Shot

A 'net shot' in badminton is a shot that is played to land close to the net on the opponent's side. The video discusses two types of net shots as returns from a low serve: a deep net shot, which is more challenging for the opponent to retrieve, and a tight net shot, which limits the opponent's options for the next shot. These shots are part of an intermediate level strategy.

💡Deceptive Backhand Net Shot

A 'deceptive backhand net shot' is an advanced return technique where the player feigns a straight shot but then changes direction at the last moment to play a net shot. This shot is used to unsettle opponents and is mentioned in the script as being used by around 10% of professional players. The video advises not to overuse this shot to maintain its element of surprise.

💡Clear

A 'clear' in badminton is a shot that is hit deep into the opponent's court, typically used to move the opponent to the back and away from the net. The video mentions that this shot is used by both male and female players to return a high serve, with varying percentages, and emphasizes the importance of accuracy to prevent giving the opponent an easy third shot.

💡Drop or Clip

A 'drop' or 'clip' is a shot played to make the shuttlecock fall quickly just over the net, forcing the opponent to move forward quickly to retrieve it. The script indicates that this is the most frequently used shot from a high serve by both genders, with variations in direction depending on whether the serve is forehand or backhand.

💡Straight Slice

A 'straight slice' is a more advanced shot that requires skill to execute accurately. It is played to take pace off the shuttlecock, making it land in front of the opponent and limiting their shot options. The video points out that this shot is less common but can be highly effective when executed properly.

💡Smash

A 'smash' in badminton is a powerful downward shot, typically used to end a rally. The video script notes that smashes are not commonly used as a return from a high serve at the professional level, as they can put the player under pressure and are not always successful. The video suggests that smashes are more effective when the serve is weak or the opponent's defense is poor.

💡Multi-feed Programs

The term 'multi-feed programs' refers to a set of training routines designed to improve various aspects of a player's game, such as consistency, explosivity, power, and fitness. The video mentions that they offer 11 different singles multi-feed programs on their website to help players practice and enhance their skills.

Highlights

The video analyzes over 1000 returns of serves from matches on YouTube to share six effective return strategies.

Different return strategies are suggested based on player levels and the strengths and weaknesses of both the player and their opponent.

Low serves are more common in modern badminton, with 86% of professional male serves being low and 14% high or flick serves.

Professional female players have a different ratio, with 40% low serves and 60% high or flick serves.

The lift is an easy return strategy chosen by 56% of professional men and women, pushing opponents to the back of the court.

Varying the corner and height of the lift can create space and pressure on the opponent.

Taking the shuttle early is key for lifts, to avoid giving the opponent an advantage.

Intermediate players can use net shots as a return, varying between deep and tight net shots to disrupt the opponent.

Advanced players can execute a deceptive backhand net shot to unsettle opponents right from the start of the rally.

Deceptive returns should be used sparingly to maintain their effectiveness.

For high or flick serves, a clear is an easy return used to move opponents to the back of the court.

Accuracy and length are crucial for clears to avoid putting the player under pressure.

Drops or clips are the most used shot from a high serve, with variations for forehand and backhand serves.

A straight slice from a high serve requires advanced skill and can put the opponent on the back foot.

Smashes are rarely used from flick serves due to the high risk of putting oneself under pressure.

The video recommends practicing these returns before a game to incorporate them effectively into one's strategy.

The video also offers 11 different singles multi-feed programs on their website for further practice.

Transcripts

Returning the serve in singles seems like it should be easy you have so much space on the court  

to hit into but a lot of people struggle with what  return of serve to hit, so after analysing over 1000  

return of serves from matches on youtube we're  going to share six of the best return of you can do!

Firstly we know it's highly unlikely  that everyone watching this video is the same  

level of player so we're going to give you one  easy one intermediate and one advanced return for  

both the low and high serve and what you choose  to play should depend on your strengths and  

weaknesses and also your opponent's strengths and  weaknesses and we'll discuss this more throughout  

the video :) So let's start with returns from the low  serve! The low serve has become more common in the  

modern game as we mentioned before we analysed  over 1000 serves and returns of serves in  

preparation for this video and professional males  are serving low 86% of the time  

and 14% are high or flick serves  and the professional females are pretty different  

with 40% low serves and 60%  high or flick serves! Of course this will vary  

between individuals but generally this is quite an accurate statistic for the split of low  

and high serves across all levels of badminton!  And despite the serve percentages being different  

between males and females we did find some VERY interesting results about the return  

of serves which we'll share throughout the video! So our first return is the easiest and  

one that players of all levels should be able  to do and this is a lift and I know it might  

sound basic and boring but it's actually a  really good return and there's a reason why  

exactly 56% of professional men and women chose  to do a lift from the return of the low serve!!

A lift pushes your opponent to the  back of the court to create space  

and often players are so good at the net  playing a net shot off return can invite them in  

to play another net shot, this will likely be tighter than yours because when you return  

you're playing your shot from behind the  service line and if you've been watching  

our channel for a while you'll know just how good players like Kento Momota are at the net...

So it's no surprise that Viktor Axelsen lifted almost all of his returns when they played in the  

final of the Denmark Open! You always want to avoid  giving your opponents the chance to play their  

best shots right from the start of the rally! So  we have a few key points for you when doing these lifts 

Firstly you should vary the corner that  you lift to and also vary the height of your lift  

for example as you can see here flat lifts can  put your opponent under a bit more pressure  

meaning you can step up and try to take the  advantage BUT these need to be accurate  

otherwise they might get you into trouble!

A few more key  points for you are to still take the shuttle early  

even if you know you're going to play a lift! Don't  wait for it to almost hit the floor otherwise it  

might be more obvious to your opponent and also  put them under less pressure and finally don't  

just stand there and watch your lift after you've  hit it assess their position and get ready for the  

next shot! Now let's move on to our intermediate  return from the low serve and this is playing  

to the net which despite what we've just said can  still be a good return and there are a couple of  

varieties you can do from here - either a deep net  like this which makes it more difficult for your  

opponent to play a tight spinning net shot or you  can play a tight net shot if this is good quality  

then your opponent can only either play a net shot  back or a lift so you can move your positioning  

forwards to anticipate the net shot as you should  still have enough time to move back for the lift  

As with all of these returns you want to be playing them in order to get a certain reply  

more often than not they won't be winning shots  but if you can play your return with purpose  

and look for the next shot then you can get into  a good position and maybe win the point on the  

shot after this! Better players will always play  shots to get shots!! Yeah and similar to the lift  

it's important to vary the corner that you hit  your net shot to maybe occasionally play a cross  

net if you've only played straight up until this  point and finally don't make a mistake! If you're  

not confident enough to play a tight net then  don't go for it it's so important to not give  

your opponent easy points! Now our third return  from the low serve is the most advanced and this  

is a deceptive backhand net shot

A deceptive return is a great shot to use to unsettle your opponents right from the start of  

the rally in fact around 10% of the professional  players used some sort of deception in their returns

This deceptive net is played from  when the serve comes to your backhand side  

and you look like you're going to play a  straight shot and then at the last second  

you turn your shoulders to face this way of your  right-handed and this way if you're left-handed  

and your shoulder movement is what creates the  deception in the shot so it's really important  

to get this right and we wouldn't recommend overusing  this deception about 10% is a good amount otherwise  

your opponents will get used to it and it will  no longer be deceptive! Okay so there were our three  

returns from the low serve, now let's look at what  you should do from the flick or high serve :D 

Our first and easiest return is a clear - this return was used around 19% of the time for males  

and 36% of the time for females. Similar  to what we said for the lift it's used to move  

your opponents to the back of the court and it's  important to vary the corner to where you clear  

it to and really important to hit it accurately  with good length, it's so easy for your opponent to  

hit their third shot on balance and put you under  pressure if you're clearing it short to the middle!

Our next return is a drop or clip, which is a slightly faster drop. This was by far the most  

used shot from a flick or high serve used 56% of  the time by males and 47% of the time by females to be exact!

From a forehand high serve the drops  and clips were varied between both straight and  

cross however from a backhand flick serve almost  all of these drops or clips were straight -this  

is because from the flick serve you're slightly  less on balance and if you play cross the easiest  

shot for your opponents is a straight block or net  shot, this would mean you have to move the longest  

distance on the court and potentially take it late  and put yourself under pressure!

Our third return from the high serve is a straight slice and this  is for more advanced players as it requires a high  

skill level to play with accuracy, if you slice it  to the middle for example then your opponent won't  

have to move and can hit it anywhere and put you  under a lot of pressure! The advantage of playing  

a slice is that the shuttle typically lands in  front of your opponent meaning they have to reach  

down and they have fewer options of playing a shot  that puts you under pressure this is because you  

have a fast swing so it looks like you're going to  play a smash but the slice takes the pace off the shuttle!  

Now you might be thinking, why haven't we mentioned a smash here? Well when we watched over  

100 flick serves to professional males we only  saw a few smashes and this is often what happened...  

putting yourself under this much pressure  right from the start of the rally isn't smart  

especially when you might only hit a winner one  in every 10 smashes obviously if it's a rubbish  

serve or your opponents have rubbish defence then  yeah you would play smashes! So there were our six  

best return of serves you can do in singles and  of course this isn't a complete list of what you  

can do but after analysing so many clips we found  this is what worked best for the pros and if they  

work for the pros they can definitely work for  you too! Exactly and to be honest four of these  

shots are fairly basic so players of all levels  can incorporate them into their game! And we would  

highly recommend practicing these before going  into a game don't try and play the deceptive net  

at 19 all in a third if you've not practiced it  beforehand!! Yeah and if you finish practicing your  

returns and you want some more ways to practice  your game then we actually have 11 different  

singles multi-feed programs on our website, these  are designed to help you train your singles  

consistency, explosivity, power, fitness and much  more! If you want to check them out we'll include  

a link in the description below and of course if you've enjoyed this video please give it a like,  

SMASH the subscribe button if you haven't already and we'll see you on another video :-)