Backhand clear from the rear court

Setup

1. Mark a target zone in the far rear court, down the hitter's backhand line.
2. The hitter starts at base; the coach feeds high from the far side, standing near the sideline by the net.
3. Check the backhand grip: thumb flat on the back bevel of the handle, fingers relaxed.
4. Warm up the shoulders and forearms before the first feed.

How it runs

1. The coach lifts high to the hitter's rear backhand corner.
2. The hitter turns, takes the last step towards the corner on the racket foot with the back to the net, and clears straight down the line.
3. The hitter turns and pushes back to base after every shot; 6 to 8 feeds a turn, then rotate.
4. When straight clears reach the zone, allow crosscourt clears too.

Coaching points

• Racket-foot last step into the corner, back facing the net.
• Racket elbow points up at the shuttle and leads the swing.
• Take the shuttle high and early, before it drops behind the body.
• Keep the action short and fast: forearm rotation and a sharp squeeze of the grip make the power.
• If there's time to get round the shuttle, a round-the-head forehand is usually the stronger choice.

Common mistakes

• Keeping the forehand grip, so the racket face stays closed.
• Letting the shuttle fall low and behind the body.
• A long, loose swing from the shoulder that sends the shuttle nowhere.
• Facing the net on the last step, which leaves no room to swing.