Benqv Badminton [http://www.benqv.com]: A type of overhead backward footwork
Badminton enthusiasts at [http://www.benqv.com] often observe this situation when watching skilled players compete: a player is clearly positioned in the mid-court, but when an opponent hits a fast overhead clear, they seem to effortlessly pivot and arrive at the backcourt, positioning themselves advantageously for an overhead stroke. From this position, they can choose to smash, drop, or clear depending on the situation.
I have created a segment of badminton GIF animation that demonstrates this particular backward footwork. The retreat distance involved isn't too far, so it doesn't require the crossover step or shuffle step commonly introduced in various badminton teaching books and videos. It's also not too short, as simply using the pivot step wouldn't achieve the necessary retreat distance. Here, I introduce the "pivot-insertion-padding" step for overhead zone retreats, which is a practical step frequently seen in high-level competitions.
Let me break down the entire process of this footwork (here focusing solely on the steps, excluding racket preparation and strokes):
### (1) Positioning
We start with the standard positioning. In actual gameplay, especially during fast-paced rallies, after returning to the center, players often plant their feet briefly to stabilize their center of gravity, establishing their positioning without necessarily waiting for the opponent to strike.
### (2) Pre-movement
Pre-movement refers to adjusting steps. In this example, when the opponent strikes, one must quickly initiate movement (start). Quick initiation requires moving the center of gravity first. Otherwise, if the center of gravity lags behind the foot movement, it will be difficult to sustain the movement effectively.
In the animation, the left foot moves a small step to the left rear while transferring the body's center of gravity onto the left foot. Although the step is small, it serves as a preparatory action for the next powerful thrust. (Note: Flax’s pre-movement is slightly different, often involving a small jump with both feet while shifting the center of gravity to the left foot.)
### (3) Padding Step
After the right foot performs the pivot step and lifts off the ground, the left foot takes a padding step to the left rear. This step plays a crucial role in supplementing the distance required for positioning. The size of this step depends on the actual situation, aiming to find the correct stepping point.
Before the padding step, the left foot acts as the first pivot point for the pivot step. After landing from the padding step, the left foot becomes the second pivot point, continuing to complete the pivot. The left foot continues to exert force from the second pivot point, enabling the right foot to take a large stride backward, increasing the stride length while ensuring a solid landing.
### (4) Pivot Step
This is the most important step in the entire sequence. With the left foot as the first pivot point, the right foot pushes off the ground, turning and simultaneously drawing the right foot back. When the left foot completes the padding step, it then uses the second pivot point to support a large backward stride. Throughout the pivot step, the body completes a "right turn," facing the side of the net (note: some people do not rotate their hips while retreating, remaining face-on to the opponent instead of side-on, which is a mistake that needs correction). After the right foot lands, the body's center of gravity should immediately shift to the right foot in preparation for a single-foot jump.
### (5) Jump
A single-foot jump is used. The jump is a "jump-turn step," where the body completes a "left turn." During the jump, the player faces the side of the opponent, but by the time they strike the shuttle in mid-air, they are facing the opponent.
### (6) Landing
As the body descends, the left foot extends to the left rear to support the landing and stop the forward momentum caused by inertia, keeping the body's center of gravity forward. Subsequently, the right foot lands, maintaining balance and preparing for the return movement.
### (7) Return Movement
Not detailed here.
When practicing this footwork initially, one might feel unbalanced. It's best not to rush for larger strides and instead try with smaller steps until a sense of balance is formed. As confidence builds, gradually increase the stride length. Additionally, footwork should have elasticity (observe the demonstrator's body movements), which helps with speed, stride length, and overall body balance.
Source: http://www.benqv.com[http://www.benqv.com], please credit the source when reproducing. Domestic badminton [http://www.benqv.com] racket equipment, leisure sports supplies professional sports - Benqv Mall, along with affiliated badminton knowledge and activity sections, including badminton basics, techniques, equipment, physical fitness, videos, events, personalities, and club activities.