To hit an around-the-head shot in badminton, move quickly behind a shuttle coming high to your rear backhand corner, keep your body more square to the net than on a normal forehand, bring the racket around behind your head, lean slightly toward your non-racket side, and strike the shuttle above or just beyond your non-racket shoulder using fast forearm rotation. Then push off your non-racket leg to recover toward the center. The shot lets you smash, drop, or clear with forehand power from the backhand side instead of relying on a weaker backhand overhead.
The around-the-head shot, also called the round-the-head shot, is a staple of intermediate and advanced play in both singles and doubles. This guide explains when to use it, step-by-step technique, which shots to play from it, footwork, drills, and the mistakes that cause strain or leave the court open.
What is an around-the-head shot?
It is a forehand overhead stroke played on the non-racket side of the body. For a right-handed player, the shuttle is hit above or slightly to the left of the left shoulder, with the racket traveling around behind the head. Because it uses the forehand grip and forehand swing, it usually generates more power and allows more shot options than a backhand overhead from the same position.
Around-the-head vs. backhand overhead
| Factor | Around-the-head | Backhand overhead |
|---|---|---|
| Power | High, uses forehand rotation | Lower for most players |
| Shot options | Smash, drop, clear, slice | Mostly clears and drops |
| Timing needed | Must reach the shuttle early | Can be used when late |
| Body position | Facing more toward the net | Back turned to the net |
| Recovery | Quick if balanced | Requires turning back toward the net |
| Best used | When you get behind the shuttle in time | When the shuttle has already passed you |
When to use it
The shuttle comes high to your rear backhand corner. Lifts and clears to this corner are the classic situation.
You have time to get behind it. If you arrive late and the shuttle is already behind you, a backhand is often the better choice.
You want to attack. From the around-the-head position, you can smash or play a fast drop instead of defending.
In doubles, to keep the attack. The back player often uses around-the-head smashes to maintain pressure on the opposing pair.
Step-by-step technique (right-handed player)
1. Read the shuttle early. Split step as your opponent hits and recognize a high shot to your rear left corner.
2. Move back quickly. Use chasse steps or a crossover to get behind the shuttle, aiming to arrive with it slightly in front of you.
3. Stay more square. Your chest faces more toward the net than on a normal forehand, with the racket-side shoulder slightly back.
4. Prepare the racket. Use a relaxed forehand grip and bring the racket up and around behind your head, elbow high.
5. Lean and reach. Lean slightly to the left and reach up, contacting the shuttle above or just beyond your left shoulder.
6. Rotate the forearm. Use forearm pronation and a squeeze at contact for power. The swing path travels over the head rather than across the body.
7. Recover. Land and push off the left leg toward the center of the court, ready for the reply.
Shots you can play from around the head
| Shot | Where to aim | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Smash | Straight down the line or at the opponent’s body | Win the point or force a weak return |
| Fast drop | Straight or cross-court front court | Keep pressure while saving energy |
| Slice drop | Front court, angled away | Deception |
| Clear | Deep to either rear corner | Reset the rally when under pressure |
| Cross-court smash | Across to the opponent’s forehand side | Surprise, used sparingly |
Straight shots are usually safest because they travel less distance and leave fewer gaps. Cross-court shots from this position can leave the straight side open.
Footwork for around-the-head shots
Get there early. The shot relies on reaching the shuttle before it passes you, so a quick first step is essential.
Use a scissor or side jump. Many players jump slightly to the left and land on the left leg, which helps them push back toward the center.
Keep balance. Leaning too far can leave you off balance and slow to recover.
Return to base. After the shot, move toward the center, slightly forward if you played a drop.
Drills to improve the around-the-head shot
Shadow swings. Practice the movement and swing without a shuttle, focusing on the racket path over the head.
Multi-shuttle feeding. A partner lifts shuttles to your rear backhand corner for repeated around-the-head clears, drops, and smashes.
Footwork plus shot. Start from base, move to the corner, hit, and recover, repeating in sets.
Choice drill. The feeder varies the depth; you decide between around-the-head and backhand depending on how early you arrive.
Using it in singles and doubles
Singles. Opponents often target your rear backhand corner. A reliable around-the-head clear or drop lets you answer that pressure without a weak backhand, and a well-placed straight smash from this corner can win points outright. Because singles leaves the whole court to cover, choose safer straight shots unless your opponent is clearly out of position.
Doubles. The back player uses around-the-head smashes to keep the attack going when the opponents lift to the backhand side. Aim at the body or down the straight line, and trust your front partner to cover the net replies.
Mixed doubles. The rear player often covers the full width of the back court, so the around-the-head shot is essential for keeping pressure on without giving the opponents time to reset.
Left-handed players. Everything mirrors: the shot is played above the right shoulder, on the rear right corner.
Common mistakes
Arriving late. If the shuttle gets behind you, the around-the-head shot becomes weak and awkward. Move earlier or use a backhand.
Overleaning. Leaning too far to the side strains the back and slows recovery.
Using only the arm. Power should come from forearm rotation and body movement, not just the shoulder.
Always going cross-court. Cross-court smashes from this corner leave the straight side open.
Staying in the corner. Failing to recover gives the opponent the whole court.
Gripping too tightly. A tight grip reduces racket speed and increases strain.
A note on health
The around-the-head shot involves reaching and side-bending, which can load the shoulder and lower back. Warm up the shoulders and trunk, build core and shoulder strength, and avoid excessive leaning. If you feel pain in the shoulder or back, reduce volume and seek advice from a coach, physical therapist, or doctor.
Frequently asked questions
What is an around-the-head shot in badminton?
It is a forehand overhead played above the non-racket shoulder, on the backhand side, allowing forehand power from the rear backhand corner.
Is the around-the-head shot better than a backhand?
It is usually more powerful and offers more shot options, but it requires reaching the shuttle early. If you are late, a backhand can be the better choice.
Can beginners learn the around-the-head shot?
Yes, once they have a solid forehand overhead. Start with slow shadow swings and gentle feeds before adding smashes.
