Block and lift defence

Setup

1. On the coach's side, mark a front zone about a metre deep from the net and a rear zone at the back of the court.
2. The defender starts near the middle of their court, a little further back than their usual base.
3. The coach stands in the far mid-court with a supply of shuttles and hits controlled half-smashes and downward drives at the defender's racket side.
4. Keep the pace controlled and aim at the racket, not the face: this drill is about the shape of the defence.

How it runs

1. The coach hits down at the defender's forehand or backhand side.
2. The defender blocks into the front zone or lifts into the rear zone, as the coach calls before each feed.
3. Later, the defender chooses: block the steep ones, lift when there's time.
4. 10 to 12 shuttles a set, then rotate; 3 sets each.

Coaching points

• Low, wide stance, weight forward on the balls of the feet, racket in front at about waist height.
• Defend with a backhand grip for anything at the body or on the backhand side.
• Block: soft hands and an open face; let the shuttle come onto the racket and drop over the net.
• Lift: short, quick forearm action that sends the shuttle high and deep enough to give you time.
• Reset to the ready stance before the next shot comes.

Common mistakes

• Standing tall with the racket down by the knees.
• Swinging at the block so it goes long.
• Lifts that fall in the mid-court and invite another smash.
• Leaning back away from the shuttle instead of meeting it in front.