The backhand net kill: finishing a high shuttle on your backhand side
How to hit a shuttle that is above the tape downwards from the net with the thumb grip, and a safe way to practise.
What it is for
The backhand net kill is the same idea as the forehand net kill, played on the backhand side. You use it when you are in the forecourt and the shuttle is above tape height at the point of impact, your attacking zone. The shuttle goes quickly downwards to your opponent's midcourt. It can go into space or into the opponent's body.
The aim is to win the rally, or to force your opponent to play another weak return. For the forehand version, see the forehand net kill.
Step by step
- Prepare. Start with a basic grip and hold the racket out in front of the body.
- Backswing. Establish a thumb grip. Raise and bend the elbow, and rotate the lower arm inwards.
- Forward swing. Straighten the arm and rotate the lower arm outwards.
- Follow through. The racket's momentum makes the arm rotate outwards as it relaxes. Recover the racket quickly to anticipate a return.
What to remember
- Close to the net, the action is very short.
- When the shuttle is close to the net, you sometimes have to hit across it to avoid hitting the net. See faults and lets for what a net touch means.
- Consider killing into the opponent's body, as well as straight and cross-court.
Safe practice
- Copy and shadow. Copy the coach, then shadow the stroke without the coach. Shadow it once or twice with your eyes closed to feel it.
- Hand feed, no net. A partner hand-feeds a shuttle for you to kill. The feeder stands where they cannot be hit, and you promise never to hit at them.
- Catcher. Add a third player who catches the shuttle and returns it straight to the feeder.
- Over a net. Repeat over a net, lower for younger players.
- Choose. Vary the feeds so that you choose between a net kill and a net shot.
Limits
The manual shows the backhand and forehand kills side by side with the same exercises. Both are attacking shots: keep the feeding drills safe and stop if your wrist, elbow or shoulder hurts. Ask a qualified coach if the pain persists.
General practice advice: play within your limits and stop if something hurts.