Defence: the block and the counter
How to handle a fast attacking shuttle: ready position, a soft block to the net, a lift to the rear, and a simple progression of drills.
What it is for
When your opponent smashes or drives hard at you, you rarely have time for a big swing. Defence is about getting the racket in the right place early and choosing what to do with the speed that is coming at you. There are two main answers:
- The block absorbs the speed and sends the shuttle softly towards the front of the court, close to the net. It is used mainly in doubles and less often in singles.
- The counter (a defensive lift or a drive back) sends the shuttle back with its own pace: high to the rear, or flat across the court.
Step by step
- Be ready, not rigid. Feet apart, knees slightly bent, weight forward, the racket held out in front of the body, grip relaxed. A small hop (see the split-step) as the opponent hits helps you start.
- Pick the side early. A smash at the body is received on the backhand or the forehand side. Decide early which side, and get the racket there in good time.
- Block. Hold the racket out in front of the body with a relaxed grip. Bend the elbow, open the racket face a little and meet the shuttle slightly underneath, then push it forward gently. The pace of the attack does the work.
- Counter lift. If you have more time or the shuttle is lower, strike underneath the shuttle and hit it harder to lift it high and deep to the rear.
- Counter drive. To drive the shuttle back instead, hit it flatter and harder, across the court.
- Recover. Return to the base position immediately; the next shuttle may be fast.
The idea behind it
A block is not a stroke you swing; it is a stroke you allow. The tighter the grip and the bigger the swing, the harder it is to control the shuttle. A lift needs more time but buys you more. Choose the block when you are late and the lift when you have time to get under the shuttle.
Common mistakes and fixes
- The block pops up above the net. The racket face was too open or you pushed too hard. Tilt the face a little and relax the grip.
- The block hits the net. The racket face was too closed or the push was too small. Open the face a little.
- Taking a big backswing. There is no time. Keep the racket in front and use only a short movement.
- Staying on your heels. You react late. Keep the weight forward.
Simple practice
- A partner throws or hits slow shuttles at your chest; block each one to a target near the net.
- The partner speeds up gradually. Keep the block soft.
- Alternate block and lift on partner smashes at medium speed: block to the left, lift to the right.
- Play a game where one player may only smash and the other only defend. After ten rallies, swap.
Limits
Defence in a real game depends on how hard and from where the opponent smashes. This lesson describes the basic shapes of the strokes, not a defensive plan. Start slowly; defending at full speed without warming up can strain muscles.
General practice advice: play within your limits and stop if something hurts.