How to Develop Your Clear in Badminton

March 4, 2025

A well-executed clear is one of the most important shots in badminton, allowing you to control rallies, create space, and put your opponent under pressure. A strong, well-placed clear can push your opponent to the back of the court, forcing them into a defensive position while giving you time to recover and prepare for the next shot. Whether you're a beginner looking to improve consistency or an advanced player refining power and precision, mastering your clear is essential for success.

In this article, we'll break down the techniques, strategies, and training drills you need to develop a powerful and accurate clear.

Understanding the Clear ¶

A clear is a shot that sends the shuttle high and deep into your opponent’s court. Pushing your opponent to the back of the court is crucial as it forces them into a defensive position, creates openings at the front of the court, and limits their ability to attack effectively. There are two main types of clears:

• Defensive Clear: A high and deep shot used to give yourself time to recover and reset your position.
• Attacking Clear: A flatter and faster shot designed to push your opponent towards the back of the court and create an attacking opportunity.

Key Techniques for an Effective Clear ¶

To execute a successful clear, focus on the following technical aspects:

1. Grip and Stance ¶

• Use a forehand grip for a forehand clear and a backhand grip for a backhand clear.
• Maintain a relaxed but firm grip to allow flexibility and wrist snap.
• Adopt a ready stance with your knees slightly bent, weight on the balls of your feet, and body balanced.

2. Swing and Contact Point ¶

• Bring your elbow forward during the swing to generate more power and a smoother motion.
• Use a full arm swing, engaging your shoulders, elbow, and wrist. The elbow should come forward first before extending the arm to maximize power and control.
• Make contact with the shuttle at the highest possible point to maximize power and angle.
• Utilize a whipping motion with your wrist and forearm to generate extra speed.

3. Footwork and Positioning ¶

• Step back quickly and position yourself under the shuttle to ensure proper balance.
• Use a scissor kick when hitting a forehand clear to add power and allow faster recovery.
• Keep your non-racket arm raised for stability.

Improving Swing Over Force ¶

Instead of relying on sheer force, refining your swing can help you achieve a more efficient and powerful clear:

• Relax your grip: Holding the racket too tightly limits wrist movement and reduces fluidity.
• Focus on technique: Ensure that your arm follows through fully after making contact with the shuttle.
• Use your whole body: Engage your core and legs to generate power, rather than just using your arm.
• Practice wrist pronation: This natural rotation of the forearm adds power without requiring excessive force.
• Increase racket speed smoothly: Instead of forcing power, accelerate your swing naturally to create a fluid motion.

Common Mistakes to Avoid ¶

• Hitting too late: Contacting the shuttle too low reduces power and control.
• Weak grip: A loose grip leads to loss of power, while a too-tight grip reduces flexibility.
• Improper stance: Not using the right footwork results in weak and mistimed shots.

Training Drills to Improve Your Clear ¶

1. Shadow Practice ¶

Mimic your clear movement without a shuttle to focus on technique, balance, and footwork.

2. Multi-Shuttle Drill ¶

Have a coach or partner feed multiple shuttles rapidly so you can practice hitting consecutive clears under pressure.

3. Wall Practice ¶

Wall practice is an excellent way to refine your clear by focusing on swing consistency, timing, and control. Follow these steps to maximize its effectiveness:

1. Find a High Wall: Choose a wall that is tall enough to allow you to aim high and simulate a full-court clear.
2. Mark a Target: Use tape or chalk to create a target area, ideally around 2-3 meters high, to help with accuracy.
3. Focus on Technique: Stand a few meters away from the wall and hit high, deep clears, ensuring proper grip, swing, and follow-through.
4. Maintain Rhythm: Try to hit continuous clears without losing control or breaking form, focusing on a fluid motion rather than power.
5. Increase Challenge: Step back gradually to improve your range, or practice hitting clears at different heights and angles to mimic real-game situations.

4. Target Practice ¶

Aim for specific areas in the backcourt to improve accuracy and placement. Targeting deep corners will push your opponent further back, reducing their ability to attack and giving you more control over the rally.

Developing Power and Consistency ¶

• Strengthen your wrist and forearm with exercises like wrist curls and resistance band training.
• Work on core stability to improve balance and transfer of power.
• Consistently practice your clears with a focus on swing efficiency over brute force.

Fitness Exercises for Strength and Footwork ¶

Enhancing your strength and footwork is crucial for executing powerful and well-placed clears. Incorporate these exercises into your training routine:

1. Strength Training ¶

• Wrist Curls & Reverse Wrist Curls: Strengthen forearm muscles for better racket control and power.
• Resistance Band Training: Improves wrist and shoulder strength, aiding in smoother, more powerful swings.
• Core Workouts (Planks, Russian Twists, Leg Raises): A strong core helps maintain balance and stability during shots.
• Squats & Lunges: Develop leg power for explosive movement and stability on the court.

2. Footwork Drills ¶

• Ladder Drills: Enhances speed and agility for quick positioning under the shuttle.
• Shadow Footwork: Simulate game-like movement patterns without a shuttle to improve speed and coordination.
• Skipping Rope: Builds endurance and strengthens leg muscles for faster court coverage.
• Side-to-Side Shuffles: Improves lateral movement and agility, allowing better positioning for clears.

By combining these strength and footwork exercises with proper technique, you’ll develop a more powerful, consistent, and effective clear.

• Strengthen your wrist and forearm with exercises like wrist curls and resistance band training.
• Work on core stability to improve balance and transfer of power.
• Consistently practice your clears with a focus on swing efficiency over brute force.

Conclusion ¶

Mastering your clear will give you greater control over your badminton game, helping you to dictate the pace and outmaneuver opponents. With consistent practice and attention to technique, you can develop a powerful and precise clear that strengthens your overall gameplay.

Keep practicing, stay patient, and enjoy improving your badminton skills!