Singles defence: from the rearcourt, the midcourt and the forecourt
What to play when you are under pressure in singles, depending on where the shuttle is, and three short games to practise the choices.
The idea
When you are defending in singles, the right reply depends on where the shuttle is. The BWF Level 1 Coaches' Manual (2nd edition, 2017, Module 8) gives a choice for each of the three areas.
From the rearcourt
When the shuttle is behind you:
- A good-length clear can bring you back into the rally. Cross-court clears are possible but riskier: it is harder to hit a good length, and harder to cover the next shot.
- A pulled dropshot restricts your opponent's chance to attack. Place it a little deeper in the court, so that the opponent cannot play tight to the net. A backhand pulled dropshot can be used the same way. A cross-court dropshot is a possible variation but is harder to follow up.
From the midcourt
Against a smash:
- a cross-court block off a straight smash makes the follow-up harder for the player who smashed;
- a straight block off a cross-court smash does the same.
From the forecourt
Lifts should have good depth, and enough height to clear your opponent's racket and give you time to get back. The manual adds that straight lifts are easier to recover from than cross-court lifts, because the base needed to cover the next shot is closer.
The one thing to change
Pick the safe reply for the area you are in: depth for a clear or a lift, direction for a block. Do not try three things at once.
Three short games
- Rearcourt. Player A hits from a corner near the net to B in the midcourt, a little cross-court, and keeps going until A plays a straight, flat lift to the rearcourt. B answers with a clear or a pulled dropshot, then both play the rally out.
- Midcourt. Create a situation where A can play a straight smash. B answers mostly with a cross-court block (other replies occasionally), then both play the rally out. Repeat with a cross-court smash and a straight block.
- Forecourt. Play singles where only straight lifts are allowed for one game. Then allow both straight and cross-court lifts. Talk about the difference.
Mistakes to avoid
- A flat or short clear that your opponent can smash.
- Blocking back to the same side the smash came from, so the smasher has an easy follow-up.
- Lifting low from the net: the opponent hits down on it.
Limits
These are habits to try, not rules. Your opponent's speed and your own position can change the best answer.
General practice advice: play within your limits and stop if something hurts.