The drive, forehand and backhand

The flat, fast shot for neutral moments: when to use it, how to play it on both sides, and how to practise it.

Published 9 November 2026 · Strokes

Level : Amateur

What it is for

A drive is a flat shot that usually goes from your mid-court to your opponent's mid-court or rear court. It is for neutral moments: the shuttle is neither high enough to attack downwards nor low enough to need an upward defensive shot. It is also used on the backhand side when the shuttle comes straight at your body.

A drive can:

• limit the opponent's chance to attack;
• create an attacking chance for you, by hitting into space or at the opponent's body.

Forehand drive

1. Ready. Basic grip, racket held out in front of the body, elbow raised but bent.
2. Backswing. Turn the upper and lower arm outwards and bend the wrist.
3. Hit. Straighten the elbow and turn the upper and lower arm inwards. Hit at the side of the body with the basic grip; if the shuttle is further in front, change to a panhandle grip and hit in front of the body.
4. Finish. The forearm keeps turning after contact. Bring the racket back fast for the next shot.

Backhand drive

1. Ready. Basic grip, racket held out in front of the body.
2. Backswing. Keep the basic grip if hitting at the side of the body; use a thumb grip if the shuttle is in front. Raise the elbow up and forward, bent, and turn the upper and lower arm inwards.
3. Hit. Straighten the elbow, turn the forearm outwards and hit hard through the shuttle.
4. Finish. Let the racket rebound and recover quickly, ready for the next shot.

Tips

• If the shuttle is very wide, you can bring the racket-side foot across the body.
• If the shuttle is at your side, or to play cross-court, a corner grip can help.
• With less time, you can't turn the forearm as much: the angle between arm and racket stays larger.
• The movement is shorter when you hit in front of the body.
• Soften the hit to turn the drive into a block to the net.

Common mistakes and fixes

• Big backswing. The drive is a short, quick action. Keep the racket up in front of you.
• Dropping the racket after the stroke. Recover it at once; the next shuttle arrives quickly.
• Hitting only at the opponent's racket side. Mix space and body.

Simple practice

1. Copy the movement while someone shows it, then shadow it alone, then with eyes closed to feel it.
2. Hit a hanging shuttle with a drive action.
3. Hit a hand-fed shuttle with a flat action, no net. The feed should come slightly to the side and to the non-racket side, so it is less likely to hit you.
4. Two players drive back and forth, no net.
5. A feeder at the net throws downwards then drops down behind the net; you drive straight or cross-court.

Limits

At a fast pace drives are played at close range, so keep your eyes on the shuttle and wear suitable shoes and eye protection if you can. This lesson is a technical model; it does not replace advice from a qualified teacher on your own movement.

General practice advice: play within your limits and stop if something hurts.

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