Flat drives in pairs

Setup

1. Pairs stand in the mid-court on opposite sides, a stride or two behind their short service lines.
2. With more than one pair on a court, give each pair its own half and keep a racket's length clear of the next pair.

How it runs

1. Start with a minute of cooperative drives straight down the middle.
2. Then drive straight down one side, so one player works the forehand and the other the backhand; swap sides after a minute.
3. Then free choice: straight or crosscourt, as long as it stays flat.
4. Finish with games to 7: a drive that rises and sits up, hits the net or goes out loses the point.

Coaching points

• Racket up in front of the chest, grip relaxed, ready to switch between forehand and backhand.
• Short swing: forearm rotation and a quick squeeze of the grip make the pace, not a big backswing.
• Meet the shuttle out in front of the body, around tape height or a little above.
• Use a thumb grip on the backhand side.
• Stay on the balls of the feet and adjust with small steps.

Common mistakes

• A big backswing that makes every drive late.
• Letting the shuttle get beside or behind the body.
• Hitting upwards, so the drive lifts and offers the other player an attack.
• Standing flat-footed and reaching.