Getting the Right Position: Be On Guard

Badminton is a fast-paced game, so it is always best to be on the guard for the coming shuttle. It is expecting for the unexpected shot.

1. For singles game, find the center of the side of the court you are in. That is halfway between the net to the baseline (the last line at your back) and halfway between both the sidelines (the lines on both sides).
2. Get into position with your stance. Feet and legs spread approximately shoulder-width apart.  That is your left foot should be aligned with your left shoulder; and the right foot should be aligned with the right shoulder. Not the shoulder aligning to where your feet are standing, but the feet aligning to your shoulders. Just to make it clear.
3. Lean slightly forward. You would know that you are leaning correctly when you can feel the pressure of your weight on the balls of your feet, not on the heels. 
4. Bend your knees a little bit down. As if you are ready for a sumo wrestling.
5. Your racket should be up and ready. Hands should not fall below the waist. You may, however, have your racket slightly leaning toward the center of your body or have it on the side of where you are holding it. What is important is to have it up, ready to pounce an in-coming shuttle.
6. Never take your eyes away from the shuttle. This will keep you alert, minimizing the unexpected sudden shots from the opponent.
7. After each time you return a strike, go back immediately to tips no. 1 and no.2. This is unless you are exchanging a series of quick returns against each other.
8. If you are true to following the tips of no.1 and no.2, soon enough you can read your opponents downside by just observing his/her position in the court. Is my opponent leaning far back, having him unprepared for a drop shot? Or is he/she at the far left, giving me more room to attack the vacant right? Or is his hands and racket too low that I can send him a quick lob over him? Read your opponent.

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