Most beginners feel flustered when playing badminton doubles for the first time: they either rush to hit the shuttlecock and collide with their partner, or hide in the back too scared to move. Even if their individual skills are decent, they just can’t coordinate with their partner and always feel like they are holding the team back. In fact, doubles coordination does not require complicated tactics at all. As long as you master a few basic movement and covering skills, even beginners can build a cohesive partnership.
Master the Basic Stations First: Don’t Learn Fancy Tricks as a Newcomer¶
When you first start playing doubles, don’t chase fancy tactical formations right away. Just master these two most practical station types:
1. Front-back Station (For Service and Return of Serve): Use this stance whether you are serving or receiving serve. The server stands about 1 meter behind the service line at the net area, while their partner stands in the midcourt behind them. The receiver stands about 1 meter in front of the service line, and their partner stands in the backcourt about 3 meters behind the receiver. This setup can both handle net shots near the net and cover the opponent’s backcourt attacks.
2. Left-right Station (For Rallies): Switch to this stance when both sides enter long multi-shot rallies. The two players stand on the left and right sides of the court respectively, each responsible for half of the court, and keep a horizontal distance of 1 to 2 meters to avoid collisions. For example, if you are right-handed and stand on the left, your partner stands on the right, which perfectly covers the entire defensive area of the court.
Core First Rule of Coordination: Don’t Steal Shots, Call Your Shots¶
The core of doubles coordination is whoever’s shot it is, takes it. Don’t try to catch every ball. Just remember these three points to avoid collisions:
- Net shots go to the net player: If you are standing at the net and the opponent plays a soft shot close to the net, you should step forward to hit it, while your partner stays in the backcourt to guard the open space.
- Backcourt shots go to the backcourt player: If the opponent hits the shuttle to the backcourt, the player closer to the backcourt should take the shot. Your partner should not rush to the backcourt to steal the hit, and just stay at the net or midcourt.
- Midcourt shots go to whoever gets there first: If the shuttle lands exactly in the midcourt between the two players, the one who reaches the position first takes the shot. You don’t have to wait for your partner to call out; just shout “Mine!” or “Yours!” to make your intention clear. Even if you call it wrong, it’s okay.
Newbies are often too shy to call out their shots, but speaking up is the most effective way to communicate. Even a quiet “I got it!” will let your partner adjust their position immediately.
3 Must-Learn Cover Scenarios, Easy for Newcomers to Master¶
You don’t need to memorize complex movement formulas. Just remember these covering methods for three common scenarios:
Scenario 1: Covering After Net Play¶
After you smash or drop a shot at the net, immediately return to your midcourt position and don’t stand still at the net zoning out. If your partner is being stretched out in the backcourt, you need to quickly run to their vacated spot to cover the defense. For example, if your partner is pulled to the right backcourt, you should cover the open left backcourt spot to prevent the opponent from hitting through our defense.
Scenario 2: Covering After a Backcourt Smash¶
After you hit a hard smash from the backcourt, retreat to the midcourt right after finishing your swing. The opponent will most likely lift or drop the shuttle to your vacated spot, and being in the midcourt lets you react in time. Your net partner just stays at the net to intercept the opponent’s net shots, and doesn’t need to run to the backcourt to help you.
Scenario 3: Covering After a Mistake¶
If your partner misses a shot, don’t panic and apologize or stand there自责 (beat yourself up). Immediately run to your defensive position. For example, if your partner makes a mistake on a net drop and the opponent lifts the shuttle to your backcourt, quickly retreat to the backcourt to hit the shot, while your partner immediately fills your midcourt spot. Quick adjustments are the key to winning points.
4 Small Details to Avoid Pitfalls as a Newcomer¶
- Don’t stand directly behind your partner: Keep a horizontal distance of 1 to 2 meters between the two players, don’t stand too close together, otherwise you will both rush for the same shot and collide.
- Don’t only watch the shuttle and ignore your partner: Use your peripheral vision to check your partner’s position while playing. For example, if your partner is at the net, don’t rush forward to steal a net shot, which will make both of you awkward.
- Don’t blame your partner: New doubles players often argue over mistakes, but everyone misses shots sometimes. A simple “It’s okay, let’s try again” is more helpful than anything else.
- Don’t stay stuck in one spot: Flexibly adjust your position as the shuttle moves. For example, if the opponent hits the shuttle to the left side, move to the left with it, don’t stand still waiting for the shuttle to come to you.
Small Tips to Quickly Build Coordination¶
You don’t need to find a professional coach. You can practice building chemistry at home:
1. Daily Shot-Calling Practice: When you are at home with your partner, just toss a badminton around and yell “Mine!” back and forth to build the habit of calling your shots, so you won’t feel embarrassed to speak up during matches.
2. Fixed Station Drills: Spend 10 minutes each day practicing service and return of serve in the front-back station with your partner on the court. Get familiar with the positioning, and you will slowly build muscle memory.
3. Watch Amateur Doubles Matches: You don’t need to watch pro matches. Find some doubles videos of amateur players, and observe their movements and calling habits. It’s way better than playing blindly on your own.
In fact, the most important things in badminton doubles are communication and trust. Newcomers don’t have to chase wins. Just focus on mastering basic positioning, not stealing shots, and covering your partner properly. After playing a few times, you will build chemistry with your partner. Even if you lose, it’s okay. Enjoying the fun of playing with friends is the most important thing.
