Badminton Overhead Shots

Forehand Clear

Hit a forehand clear by getting behind the shuttle, rotating the body, contacting high, and recovering before the opponent attacks.

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Badminton player preparing an overhead clear from the rear court

BeginnerOverhead ShotsBadminton

Short answer

For badminton forehand clear, start with move behind the shuttle, turn the body side-on, contact high and forward. This Badminton guide gives you the basic body position, action cue, and recovery pattern before you add speed or pressure.

Steps

Step 1

Move Behind the Shuttle

Do this: Use quick chasse steps so the shuttle is slightly in front of your hitting shoulder. Check it: You can point the non-racket hand up at the shuttle before swinging.

Why it works: Power disappears when the contact is behind the head.

Step 2

Turn the Body Side-On

Do this: Rotate the shoulders and bring the racket arm back with the elbow relaxed. Check it: Your chest should not face the net too early.

Why it works: The body turn stores power without forcing the shoulder.

Step 3

Contact High and Forward

Do this: Reach up and strike the cork high, using forearm rotation through contact. Check it: The shuttle should travel upward and deep, not flat into midcourt.

Why it works: High contact sends the shuttle deep with less strain.

Step 4

Let the Racket Follow Through

Do this: Allow the racket to finish across the body while the back foot comes through for balance. Check it: You should finish balanced enough to recover, not falling backward.

Why it works: A natural follow-through protects the arm and completes the rotation.

Step 5

Recover to Base

Do this: Push back toward the center after the clear and lift the racket in ready position. Check it: You should reach base before the opponent contacts the shuttle.

Why it works: A clear is only useful if you are ready for the reply.

Common mistakes

The setup or first decision is rushed. You can point the non-racket hand up at the shuttle before swinging.
Speed is added before the key movement is repeatable. The shuttle should travel upward and deep, not flat into midcourt.
The finish becomes a stop-and-watch moment instead of a recovery. You should reach base before the opponent contacts the shuttle.

Quick drills

Setup-to-action freeze: Practice forehand clear at half speed. First move behind the shuttle, pause for one count, then turn the body side-on. Restart any rep that loses balance.
Five-rep checkpoint: Complete five controlled reps and use this check after each one: You should reach base before the opponent contacts the shuttle. Add speed only after four of five reps meet the checkpoint.