I can basically guaruntee that if you have served to the middle, then that shuttle that has gone past you has actually passed within a few feet of your racket, before it got out of reach i.e. you could have played it easily in front of you if you had seen it coming more quickly! Imagine drawing a straight line from where your opponent takes the shuttle to the back corner. If you look at the distance between you and the back corner, that is a long way. But the shortest distance between you and the line is actually quite small – take it earlier! Cut it off before it goes past you i.e. don't move backwards to where the shuttle is going, but move forwards or sideways to where you can intercept it!!!

Of course, if your partner has a rubbish serve there is very little you can do. But I can almost guarantee you could have taken it BEFORE it became a problem. However, if its a good shot, then just play a nice high straight clear! There is nothing wrong with using a clear to get yourself out of trouble if your opponent plays a good shot. Do not play a drop shot unless you play it quickly – slow drops are bad in doubles! (not so bad in singles, but still risky). My preference is always a driven return! This requires you either take it early in the midcourt, or play a drives even though the shuttle has gone past you in the rearcourt (much more difficult).

Never the cross court net shot. NEVER. 🙂

Remember – badminton is easy 🙂 We only play easy shots! Make it a good high lift 🙂 Doing a cross court net shot ruins your formation, gives your opponent an easy straight shot (drive or lift or push or net), and is incredibly hard to play well from any position without it being killed by an opposing net player.

Remember – a drive is a safe and easy shot to play because you can hit it hard, nice and safe (a foot above the net), and there is very little your opponent can do to attack it effectively. However, if you are not comfortable playing this shot, then just lift it high and deep. What are they going to do if you do a good lift? They won't be able to attack properly from the back line. Badminton is about making your opponent work hard for their points – risky cross court shots is just giving your opponent an opportunity to attack you!