Tony – it may surprise you to learn that both videos are coaching exactly the same thing, but with different learning points. The first video (badminton england) is very simple, focussing on preparation and the use of the body.

The second video, focuses on explaining how the forearm moves during an overhead hitting action. However, all the professionals in video 1 are actually DOING what is shown in video 2, you are just not noticing it because they are not calling as much attention to it. Thus, you should not view the two videos as teaching anything different, just the same thing with different focuses.

Here is another video that teaches exactly the same thing, but again has a different “look”:

And another video:

Whilst they may all look different, they are all teaching the same thing but in different ways. Personally, I don't much like any of these videos on the whole. They are all good at different things – body rotation, forearm movement, . My favourite is one from Peter Rasmussen (essentials of badminton technique – advertised on this site), as it is the most technically detailed, but difficult perhaps to implement. Its probably overly complicated for most players.

If I were going to tell you how to clear, I would tell you these things:

1. Use the correct grip (basic grip).

2. Prepare side on to the shuttle, with both elbows at the same level as your shoulders.

3. To start the stroke, sweep your racket elbow from pointing behind so that it start pointing slightly forwards (see any of the videos!!!). When you do this, keep your arm completely relaxed, and in reality, your racket will get “left behind” as your elbow moves forwards and you leave the racket roughly where it is.

4. Reach up high to take the shuttle early. You should still be fairly comfortable (not straining to reach the shuttle).

The whole sequence should be relaxed. Note: the sequence I described is shown in all those videos, and they all explain it in different ways (only video #2 does not place an emphasis on high contact, but it should). In reality, rather than thinking about strength, you should imagine that it is speed you want. Once you start moving your elbow forwards (point 3) then the rest of your arm should uncurl a bit like a whip (it starts curled up, but once you start it moving, it lashes out powerfully, but in a relaxed way).

Good luck!