Badminton grips and how to hold a badminton racket will depend on which shot you are playing and personal preference. The handshake grip and the backhand thumb grip are demonstrated here. The badminton handshake grip being the most common.
Handshake grip
Explanation: This is the most basic grip and used by the majority of players, possibly because it is known as the most comfortable and easiest to use. Another advantage of this grip is that it is very versatile as it can be used for any shot.
How: For the handshake grip players hold the racket out in front of them in the non-playing hand (left hand for a right-handed player) and make sure the racket face (strings) is sideways, not facing the sky or floor.
Once in this position players can then place the playing hand (right hand for a right-handed player), on the racket face, with the palm against the strings. The next stage is to slide the playing hand down the racket shaft all the way to the bottom of the handle, then wrap the thumb and fingers around the racket making sure the forefinger is slightly apart from the others.
To ensure players are doing it correctly the forefinger and thumb should form a V shape on top of the handle, which in turn should point all the way up the arm to the same shoulder.
Backhand thumb grip
Explanation: This is the most basic grip used in backhand shots which are played in front of the body, possibly because it is known as the most comfortable and easiest to use. Examples of when this grip would be used include the backhand lob; backhand serves and kill and defence shots. Another advantage of this grip is that it is very versatile as it can be used for any shot. It should, however, not be used for behind the body backhand smashes.
How: The backhand grip it is much the same as the handshake grip, but instead of wrapping the thumb around the handle, place it on top of the grip as it is held sideways. This slight change is mainly for added leverage and support, but along with a tighter grip it can also add power, and lessen stress on the hand, wrist, and elbow.
