The best badminton serving drills combine targets, repetition, and pressure. Start with target practice to build accuracy, add a string or tape line above the net to keep low serves tight, practice high serves that drop vertically near the back line, and then finish with pressure drills such as landing ten good serves in a row. Because the serve is the only shot in badminton you fully control, even ten to fifteen minutes of focused serving practice a few times a week can noticeably improve your results in both singles and doubles.
This guide lists the most useful serving drills, explains how to run each one, suggests a weekly practice plan, and covers the mistakes that stop serves from improving.
Why practice serving on its own?
Every rally begins with a serve, and a weak serve hands your opponent the attack immediately. In doubles, a low serve that floats even slightly can be pushed or killed. In singles, a short high serve invites a smash. Nerves also affect the serve more than any other shot, because it is a closed skill performed from a standstill. Isolated practice builds a reliable routine that holds up under pressure.
Badminton serving drills at a glance
| Drill | How it works | What it builds |
|---|---|---|
| Target mats | Place targets near the T and the outside corners of the front service line; serve 20 and count hits | Low serve accuracy |
| String over the net | Tie a string about 10 to 15 cm above the net tape; serve between the tape and the string | Tight, flat low serves |
| Deep high serve | Serve so the shuttle drops close to the singles back line | High serve height and length |
| Flick and low mix | A partner rushes the net; the server mixes low and flick serves | Disguise and decision-making |
| Pressure ten | Land ten good serves in a row; restart after any miss | Consistency under pressure |
| Serve and third shot | Serve, the receiver returns, and the server plays the next shot | Linking the serve to the rally |
| Backhand serve reps | Serve 30 backhand low serves from each service court | Technique and rhythm |
How to run each drill
1. Target mats. Place towels, shuttle tubes, or small mats just beyond the front service line at the T (center) and at the outside corner. Serve 20 low serves to each target and record how many land on or near it. Repeat from both service courts. Try to improve your score each session.
2. String over the net. Stretch a string or elastic band across the posts about 10 to 15 cm above the net tape. Serve low so the shuttle passes between the tape and the string. If it goes over the string, your serve is too high and easy to attack; if it hits the net, adjust your push. This drill trains a flat, tight trajectory.
3. Deep high serve. For singles, serve high so the shuttle drops almost vertically near the back boundary line. Place a target just inside the back line. A good high serve should reach its peak well over the receiver and fall steeply, making it harder to smash.
4. Flick and low mix. A partner stands ready to rush the net as a receiver would in doubles. Mix mostly low serves with occasional flick serves over their head. Keep your preparation identical so the partner cannot tell which serve is coming.
5. Pressure ten. Serve until you land ten good serves in a row to your chosen target. Any fault or loose serve resets the count. This simulates the pressure of important points.
6. Serve and third shot. Serve, let your partner return with a push, net shot, or lift, and play your next shot. This teaches you to get the racket up and ready immediately after serving.
7. Backhand serve repetitions. Focus purely on technique: short grip, small backswing, smooth push. Serve 30 from each service court, paying attention to a relaxed grip and consistent contact point below 1.15 m.
A sample weekly serving plan
| Day | Focus | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Session 1 | Target mats and backhand repetitions | 10 to 15 minutes |
| Session 2 | String over the net and high serves | 10 to 15 minutes |
| Session 3 | Flick mix, pressure ten, and serve plus third shot | 15 minutes |
Keep a simple log of your target scores so you can see progress over weeks.
Serving tips
Use a consistent routine. Take the same breath, bounce, or racket adjustment before each serve.
Relax your grip. Tension causes jerky serves. Hold the racket lightly.
Watch the shuttle, not the receiver. Focus on clean contact with the base of the shuttle.
Mix placements. Vary between the T and the outside corner so receivers cannot anticipate.
Stay legal. Keep the whole shuttle below 1.15 m at contact and both feet on the floor.
Drills for different players
Beginners. Focus on legal technique and getting the shuttle into the correct service court. Use large targets and serve without a receiver until the motion feels natural.
Doubles players. Spend most of your time on backhand low serves, the string drill, and the flick mix. Add serve and third shot practice so you are ready for fast pushes and net returns.
Singles players. Split time between deep high serves and low serves. Practice high serves to both the center and the outside of the back line, and check that they drop steeply.
Solo practice. Take a tube of shuttles to an empty court, serve a set to each target, then collect and repeat. Recording a short video from behind the server helps check height and consistency.
Common serving mistakes
Practicing without targets. Serving without a goal makes it hard to measure improvement.
Low serves that rise too high. A serve that peaks well above the net gives the receiver an easy attack.
Short high serves. In singles, a high serve that lands mid-court invites a smash.
Changing technique under pressure. Stick to your practiced routine in matches.
Predictable flicks. Flicking at the same moment every game or with a different preparation lets receivers read it.
Illegal serves. Serving above 1.15 m, lifting a foot, or pausing mid-swing are faults.
A note on the rules
These drills follow the service rules in the Badminton World Federation (BWF) Laws of Badminton, including the fixed 1.15 m service height. Some local leagues or school programs may use older or simplified service rules, so confirm the rules for your competition before adjusting your technique.
Frequently asked questions
How can I improve my low serve in badminton?
Practice with targets near the front service line and a string above the net to keep the serve tight. Use a relaxed grip, a short backswing, and a smooth push.
How often should I practice serving?
Ten to fifteen minutes of focused serving practice two or three times a week is enough for most players to see improvement.
Should I use a forehand or backhand serve?
Most doubles players use a backhand low serve because it is compact and hard to read. Singles players often use a forehand high serve but may also use backhand low serves.
