The forehand net kill: finishing a high shuttle at the net
When and how to hit a shuttle that is above the tape downwards from the net, on the forehand side, and a safe way to practise it.
What it is for
A net kill is a fast downward shot from the front of the court. It is used when the shuttle is above tape height at the moment you hit it, which puts you in your attacking zone. The shuttle travels quickly downwards to your opponent's midcourt. You can aim into space or at the opponent's body.
The aim is either to win the rally outright or to force another weak reply from your opponent.
Step by step
- Prepare. Start with a basic grip and the racket held out in front of the body. Before the stroke, adjust to a panhandle grip.
- Backswing. Bend the elbow and rotate the upper and lower arm outwards.
- Forward swing. Reach forward by straightening the elbow, rotate the upper and lower arm inwards, and hit powerfully downwards.
- Follow through. As the arm relaxes, the racket's momentum carries the arm on, rotating inwards. Recover the racket quickly to be ready for a return.
Tips for a short, close action
- Close to the net, the action is very short.
- When the shuttle is very close to the net, you sometimes have to hit across the shuttle, rather than straight through it, so as not to hit the net. Our lesson on faults and lets explains what happens if the net is touched.
- Think about the body as well as straight and cross-court: killing into the opponent's body is a real option.
Safe practice
- Shadow. Copy your coach or a friend, then shadow the stroke on your own. Try it once or twice with your eyes closed to feel the shape of it.
- Hand feed, no net. A partner hand-feeds a shuttle for you to kill. The feeder stands in a safe position, and you agree never to hit the shuttle at the feeder.
- Add a catcher. A third player catches the shuttle (for example in a shuttle tube) and passes it straight back to the feeder.
- Over a net. Repeat the same drill over a net, using a lower net for younger players.
- Make choices. The feeder varies the feed so you decide between a net kill and a net shot.
Limits
The kill is an attacking shot with force; the safety agreement about the feeder is essential, especially with children. If your shoulder or elbow hurts, stop and ask a qualified coach. The manual describes the basic straight version; angles and variations come later.
General practice advice: play within your limits and stop if something hurts.