How to Hit the Badminton Underarm Clear (Forehand and Backhand)

Forehand and Backhand Badminton Underarm Clear

Underarm Clears are defensive shots. They can be performed using the:

• Underarm Forehand Stroke
• Underarm Backhand Stroke

Underarm Clears are hit from the forecourt. You will usually perform this shot when your opponent hits a Drop Shot to you.

Here’s a flight trajectory of the Underarm Clear…

Underarm Forehand Clear Tutorial

	1. Adopt the Forehand Grip. Do not grip your racket too tightly. This enables better wrist action. 2. Lunge forward with your Racket Leg. Make sure you position your racket in front of you.
	3. Take the shuttle when it’s in front of you. A Common Mistake is to take it at the side of your body.
	4. As you take the shuttle, Bend your knees, Bend your body, and Contract your Abs. This will help add some explosive power into your shot. Tip: Do not look at the shuttle as it flies off your racket. If you do this, your shoulder will be very stiff and you won’t be able to bend your body low for the explosive power. 5. Follow Through with your swing for a high quality shot.

Underarm Backhand Clear Tutorial

The Underarm Backhand Clear is simpler than the Underarm Forehand. However, make sure you perform the right technique and play like the pros!

	1. Adopt the Backhand Grip. Don’t hold your racket too tightly. 2. Lunge forward with your Racket Leg. Make sure you position your racket in front of you. 3. Take the shuttle when it’s in front of you. Avoid taking it from the side of your body.
	4. As you make contact with the shuttle, Bend your knees, Bend your body, and Contract your Abs. 5. Follow Through with your swing.

Underarm Backhands Are Easier Than Underarm Forehands

Just to give you a heads up, I find the Underarm Backhand Clears easier than the Underarm Forehand Clear.

The Underarm Forehand has a smaller swing motion compared to the Underarm Backhand. So it’s easier to generate power with the Underarm Backhand.

Things to Keep in Mind

The Badminton Underarm Clear will usually require you to lunge forward and hit the shuttle. As you lunge forward, you will gather some momentum.

Some degree of this momentum will be transferred into your underarm swinging motion.

You should take this into account. Control the strength of your swing so that you don’t hit the shuttle too hard and make it fly long the baseline!

Important Tips and Advice

1. Concentrate on Swing rather than Wrist Action. The Badminton Underarm Clear does not require you to flick/snap your wrist as you hit the shuttle. You only perform the quick and snapping motion of your wrist for shots such as the Overhead Backhand Clear. Focus on your swing motion; your strokes!
2. Use your Non-Racket Arm for Balance. I did not mention this in the tutorial above. However, you should always use your Non-Racket Arm to counterweight your Racket Arm.
3. Not Enough Power for the Underarm Forehand Clear? Make sure you do these as you make contact with the shuttle; Bend your body, Bend your knees, Contract your Abs and DO NOT keep your eyes on the shuttle as it flies off your racket.

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