The Great Grip Debate: Mastering Smash Defense in Badminton Doubles

In the high-velocity world of professional badminton doubles, the smash is the ultimate offensive weapon. It is a thunderbolt designed to end rallies instantly. But for the defending pair, the game isn’t won by the smash—it is won by the response. The difference between a winning return and a lost point often comes down to a few millimeters of finger placement on the racket handle.

For years, the coaching consensus has leaned heavily toward the backhand grip for defense. However, a growing conversation among competitive players and online communities suggests a shift toward a more neutral or “handshake” approach. As Editor-in-Chief of Archysport, I have seen this technical evolution across various sports—where traditional “textbook” methods meet the practical demands of modern, faster play. The question is no longer just about which grip is “correct,” but which grip allows for the fastest reaction time under pressure.

Understanding the smash defense grip requires more than just a manual; it requires an understanding of the physics of the shuttlecock and the biomechanics of the human wrist.

The Anatomy of the Grip: Handshake vs. Backhand vs. Bevel

To settle the debate, we must first define the tools. In badminton, the grip is the interface between the athlete’s intent and the racket’s execution. A slight shift in how the hand wraps around the handle changes the angle of the racket face and the available range of motion in the wrist.

The Handshake (V-Grip): This is the foundational grip of badminton. The racket is held as if shaking hands with it, creating a “V” shape between the thumb and the index finger. While this is the gold standard for smashing and clear shots, using it exclusively for defense can be a liability. Because the racket face is oriented for forehand power, a player relying solely on the handshake grip often struggles to react to smashes directed at their backhand side, leading to clumsy “sliced” returns or missed shots.

The Backhand Grip: This is the traditional defensive anchor. The thumb is placed flat against the wide surface of the handle, providing a lever to “push” the shuttlecock back with precision, and power. Most elite doubles players default to this position when they anticipate a smash, as it covers the majority of the body’s defensive zone more efficiently than the forehand grip.

The Bevel Grip: A hybrid approach where the thumb rests on the diagonal bevel of the handle rather than the flat side. This is often used for transitional shots or when the shuttle is hit directly at the chest, allowing the player to flick the wrist in either direction without a full grip change.

Why the “Handshake Grip” for Defense is Controversial

Recent discussions among players have questioned the rigid adherence to the backhand grip. Some argue that a relaxed handshake grip—or a neutral variation—allows for a more fluid transition between forehand and backhand defenses. The logic is simple: if you are locked into a hard backhand grip, you may be slower to react to a smash directed at your forehand shoulder.

However, the risks are significant. As noted in community discussions, players often find that when they attempt to use a standard handshake grip for hard swings or defensive blocks, the thumb can slip from the side of the handle, leading to instability and discomfort. This is a classic example of using an offensive tool for a defensive task; the handshake grip is designed for the rotational force of a smash, not the absorbent, reactive force of a block.

For the global reader, it is helpful to remember that badminton is a game of milliseconds. At the professional level, a smash can travel at over 400 km/h. At that speed, you do not have time to “switch” grips. You must be in the correct position before the shuttle is even struck.

Tactical Application: Positioning and Reflexes

Grip is only half the battle. The most effective smash defense is a combination of the right hold and the right stance. In doubles, the defensive pair typically stands side-by-side, covering their respective halves of the court. This positioning minimizes the distance the racket must travel to reach the shuttle.

When defending, the racket should be held in front of the body, slightly below the waist. This “ready state” allows the player to lift the shuttle deep into the opponent’s court or drop it short over the net. If the defender is too rigid in their grip—whether it be a tight backhand or a stiff handshake—they lose the “snap” required to redirect the shuttle’s momentum.

The goal of smash defense is not to hit the shuttle hard, but to use the opponent’s power against them. A relaxed grip allows the racket to act as a spring, absorbing the impact and flicking the shuttle back with minimal effort. This is why many top-tier players advocate for a “loose” grip until the moment of impact.

Training the Defensive Reflex

You cannot think your way into a better grip; you must train it into your muscle memory. The most effective way to improve smash defense is through high-repetition drilling. This involves a feeder hitting consecutive smashes at the defender, forcing them to react to different angles and speeds.

• The Multi-Shuttle Drill: A coach feeds 20-30 shuttles in rapid succession. This forces the player to maintain a neutral, relaxed grip and react instinctively.
• The Target Block: Instead of just returning the shuttle, defenders practice hitting specific targets (e.g., the corners of the court) to turn a defensive situation into an offensive opportunity.
• Grip Switching Drills: Practicing the transition from a backhand grip to a bevel grip and back again, ensuring the thumb movement is fluid and subconscious.

Training these reflexes is the only way to resolve the “grip anxiety” many amateur players feel. When the body knows how to react, the debate over which grip is “correct” becomes secondary to the result on the court.

Common Pitfalls in Smash Defense

Many players struggle with their defense not because of the grip itself, but because of accompanying technical errors. Here are the most frequent mistakes observed in competitive play:

Over-gripping: Holding the racket too tightly inhibits wrist movement. A “death grip” on the handle makes the racket feel like a heavy plank of wood rather than a precision instrument. The grip should be light enough that someone could almost pull the racket out of your hand, tightening only at the millisecond of contact.

Incorrect Footwork: If your feet are static, no grip in the world will save you. Defensive footwork involves a wide, low stance with weight on the balls of the feet. This allows for the explosive lateral movement needed to reach a wide smash.

Racket Head Position: Dropping the racket head too low forces the player to “scoop” the shuttle, which results in a weak, high return that the opponents can easily kill. Keeping the racket head up and in front of the body is non-negotiable.

The Verdict: Which Grip Should You Use?

So, is the handshake grip viable for smash defense? The answer is: rarely as a primary hold, but potentially as a neutral starting point.

For the vast majority of players, the backhand grip remains the most reliable choice for defending smashes. It provides the necessary leverage and coverage for the most common attack angles. The handshake grip is a powerhouse for offense, but it lacks the versatility required to neutralize a professional-grade smash.

However, the “modern” approach is to avoid being dogmatic. The best defenders utilize a “neutral grip”—a relaxed hold that sits somewhere between the backhand and the bevel. This allows them to adapt to the shuttle’s trajectory in real-time. If the smash is wide, they shift to a full backhand; if it is central, they use the bevel; if it is a weak smash that can be countered, they snap into the handshake grip to attack.

the “correct” grip is the one that allows you to keep the shuttle in play. In the heat of a match, the technicality of the grip matters less than the timing of the hit. Whether you prefer the traditional backhand or a more neutral hybrid, the goal remains the same: survive the smash and seize the initiative.

As the game continues to evolve and racket technology makes the sport even faster, we expect to see more players experimenting with hybrid grips. For now, stick to the fundamentals: stay low, keep your grip loose, and keep your racket in front.

The next major checkpoint for the badminton community will be the upcoming BWF World Tour events, where watching the defensive rotations of top-tier doubles pairs can provide real-world evidence of these grip transitions in action.

Do you prefer the traditional backhand grip for defense, or have you found success with a more neutral hold? Share your experiences and tactical tips in the comments below.