Forehand Serve Meaning in Badminton

The forehand serve is a fundamental way to start a rally in badminton. A player hits the shuttlecock using a forehand grip and an underhand swinging motion. In this serve, the racket moves from behind the body toward the front. While common in professional singles, it is the standard serve for beginners and recreational players.

Types of Forehand Serves

Depending on your strategy, you can hit two main types of serves using the forehand:

• High Serve: This is the most popular forehand serve in singles. You hit the shuttle high and deep to the back of the opponent’s court. This forces them away from the net.

• Short Serve: You use a gentle touch to guide the shuttle just over the net. This prevents the opponent from attacking immediately.

Key Rules and Technique

To keep the serve legal, you must strike the shuttle below a specific height (1.15 meters under professional rules). Your feet must remain in a fixed position on the court until you hit the shuttle. Proper weight transfer from your back foot to your front foot helps create a smooth, consistent flight path.

For example, a player prepares for a singles match. They stand near the center line and use a long, looping forehand swing. The shuttle travels high into the air and lands right on the opponent’s back boundary line. This successful high serve forces the opponent to start the rally from a defensive position.