Learning Badminton:
Force your opponent to the forecourt with a forehand net shot

By Abhijeet Naimpally Published on: Wed Mar 30, 2022

With a light thumb grip, touch the shuttle with the face of the racquet, and depending on how far it is from the net in the front court area, a slight push is required. After executing the shot, bring the racquet back to ready stance. Ensure the shuttle crosses as close to the net cord as possible before dipping.

Abhijeet Naimpally

An internationally renowned sportsperson and one of the top badminton players in India during his time, your coach represented the country in various prestigious championships throughout his career. He is a Badminton World Federation certified Level 1 coach, and has been training players for over 9 years now.

After reading up on the backhand net shot, it’s time for you to learn how to execute it with the forehand as well. The forehand net shot draws your opponent towards the front net area, opening up the rear court. The shot is typically played in response to a drop, and it is played from the forehand forecourt or front court region to the opposite side front court area.

It forces your opponent to go on the defensive and creates an opportunity for you to attack. You need to ensure the shuttle crosses the net as close to the net cord as possible before dipping. The technique is explained in detail here so you can try it out from wherever you are, and take your badminton skills a few steps further.

Grip and Technique

To play the forehand net shot, use a light and gentle grip with the racquet held in front of the body. Touch the shuttle with the face of the racquet, and depending on how far it is from the net in the front court area, a slight push is required. After executing the shot, bring the racquet back to ready stance to tap a loose shuttle if played by the opponent.

Perfecting Your Shot

Now for two exercises that you can use to improve your shot. Same as before, you’ll need a sparring partner or coach to practise with. The first exercise or multi-shuttle hand feed involves a continuous hand feed of shuttles from the opposite court so you can respond with backhand net shots. The second exercise is a 1v1 continuous net play leveraging the forehand net shot. Ensure the shuttle doesn’t go very high while crossing the net.

Both the backhand and forehand net shots are effective techniques that you can rely on during any badminton match. So, keep practising and refer back to this tutorial at any point to brush up on the steps. Next, this blog series will explore midcourt strokes, starting with block off the body – defence. Keep reading for more information on this.