The forehand spin net shot: brushing across the shuttle
Two ways to put spin on a forehand net shot, when each is used and what the racket does.
What it is for
On the forehand side, the spin net shot also brushes the racket across the shuttle near the tape. It is used to force an inaccurate net reply or a short, defensive lift. Read first the net drop, the plain version, and the backhand spin net shot, which explains the idea of spin.
Two versions
In to out
- When: you intercept the shuttle close to the net, approaching from a cross-court position, or the shuttle has been played cross-court to you.
- Prepare: relaxed basic grip, racket carried in front of the body.
- Backswing: extend the racket arm, supinate the forearm and present the strings to the shuttle.
- Forward swing: move the racket across the shuttle from in to out, in a shallow arc.
- Follow through: complete the arc and keep the racket high, hoping for a weak net return.
Out to in
- When: you intercept the shuttle close to the net, approaching straight on and replying straight.
- Prepare: relaxed basic grip, racket out in front of the body.
- Backswing: extend the arm, supinate the forearm, and take the racket head slightly outside the line of flight of the shuttle.
- Forward swing: keep supinating, strike across the shuttle from out to in, making a shallow arc.
- Follow through: very little. Keep the racket high, ready to net kill.
Spin and direction
The manual explains that a shuttle facing you spins clockwise by design. For a right-handed player, the in-to-out forehand therefore hits against the natural spin, and the out-to-in forehand hits with it.
Practice idea
Play forehand-to-forehand net rallies with a partner using plain net shots. Then add the sideways movement of the racket across the underside of the shuttle, once and gently, and see how it changes the flight. Work close to the net and do not stretch beyond your balance.
Limits
These are Level 2 skills in the BWF programme. The manual does not say how much spin to apply. Like the backhand version, they are easier to learn with a coach's demonstration.
General practice advice: play within your limits and stop if something hurts.