How to Hold a Badminton Racket (Grips Explained)

If you're new to badminton or looking to improve your skills, mastering how to hold a badminton racket is essential. The way you grip your racket directly affects your control, power, and accuracy on the court. In this guide, we’ll break down the most important badminton grips, explain when to use each, and offer tips to help you elevate your game. 

Why Gripping Your Badminton Racket Correctly Matters

A proper grip enhances your performance and reduces the risk of injury. Many beginners hold the racket too tightly or use an incorrect grip, leading to poor shots and strain on the wrist or forearm.

Learning the correct badminton grips will:

• Improve shot precision
• Increase smash power
• Enable faster transitions between shots
• Reduce chances of injury

Let’s explore the key types of badminton racket grips and how to use them.

1. Forehand Grip

Best for: Clears, smashes, drives, and most overhead shots.

How to Hold:

• Imagine shaking hands with your racket.
• Wrap your fingers around the handle with your thumb resting comfortably against the wider bevel.
• Leave a V-shape between your thumb and index finger.

Pro Tips:

• Keep your grip relaxed, not tight.
• Angle the racket slightly for maximum control and maneuverability.

2. Backhand Grip

Best for: Backhand clears, lifts, and drives.

How to Hold:

• Start from the forehand grip.
• Rotate the racket slightly so your thumb rests on the wider, flat bevel of the handle.
• This thumb placement provides extra support and control for backhand strokes.

Pro Tips:

• Use the backhand grip only when necessary; overusing it can hinder mobility.
• Keep the racket loose to enable fast wrist movements.

3. Panhandle Grip

Best for: Net kills, flat drives, and quick reflex shots.

How to Hold:

• Hold the racket like a frying pan, with your thumb and fingers wrapped directly around the handle.
• The racket face should point forward naturally.

Pro Tips:

• Use this grip sparingly—mainly in fast exchanges near the net.
• Avoid using it for overhead shots, as it limits reach and power.

4. Bevel Grip

Best for: Transitioning between forehand and backhand, especially for mid-court strokes.

How to Hold:

• Position your thumb and fingers between the flat and side bevels of the handle.
• This hybrid grip allows for smoother rotation during quick rallies.

Pro Tips:

• Practice switching between forehand, backhand, and bevel grips for better court coverage.
• Focus on fluid motion, not stiff movements.

5. Thumb Grip (or Pinch Grip)

Best for: Push shots, net lifts, and quick backhand flicks.

How to Hold:

• Place your thumb flat along the side bevel of the racket handle.
• Your index finger should support the racket on the opposite side.

Pro Tips:

• Essential for net play and quick drives.
• Increases control in tight, reactive situations.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Holding too tight: Limits flexibility and causes fatigue.
• Incorrect thumb placement: Reduces control in backhand shots.
• Using the same grip for every shot: Different shots require different grips!

Learning how to hold a badminton racket correctly is one of the most important fundamentals in the game. Each badminton grip serves a unique purpose and mastering them gives you a major advantage. Practice transitioning between grips during drills to build muscle memory and improve your shot versatility.

Whether you're a beginner or an intermediate player, understanding and applying these grip techniques will enhance your badminton performance and keep you a step ahead of your opponents.