Hi, I was trying to see if I could backhand serve low with the racket in a vertical (straight vertical) orientation. The problem I have is that the serves go short half the time and occasionally into the net. But it has great direction control. I could serve it very close to the T. I use a short grip on the racket and a thumb and index finger pinch hold on the shuttle. Any suggestions on how I can improve the serve? I think the shuttle hold may have something to do with it. Anyone out there that serves backhand with the racket in vertical orientation? I would like to hear how you serve it consistently. Thanks
One of the KOR WD players serve exactly like that. Kinda strange as it seems like she's putting herself at major disadvantage serving from so low.
If you are interested in how to serve, check out my thread from a while ago. http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php/132378-Video-Backhand-short-serve
The tricky part is how you will vary your serve with this preparation. I would have a go at flick serves and perhaps wide low serves, before you invest too many hours with this technique. It can be done -- Gao Ling did it extremely well -- but I would say it's a less "natural" style. Try the variations before you get stuck.
Good advice, but I would say check out Gao Lings serve again. She prepares with a vertical shaft, but she does not serve with a vertical shaft - she twists it to a more horizontal orientation before contact.
You're right -- but as she's the most successful example I can think of who uses a "vertical" preparation, I would still use her as an example of doing it well. Can you think of any top players who use a "vertical" serve all the way through? I'm struggling.
Nope - no professionals that I have seen use the vertical serve. That in itself should be enough to discourage people from doing it. Anthony clark served in a similar way to Gao Ling. I have never seen a successful flick serve with the vertical backhand action. Never - I would be intrigued if anyone could give me an example.
She also hits with a horizontal racket - you are right, she starts off looking vertical though. But the serve itself is a normal "hotizontal" shaft serve.
This serve might be too predictable because it's more difficult to alter your accuracy and have it go unnoticed by the opponent. It's less ambiguous than holding your racket nearly horizontally.
For backhand , cannot b low serve. unless you have a strong wrist and arm. Always take the highest point like smash, The best sweet spot always the higher.