Hi Dorothy

Many thanks for your question, which by the way is one of the best I've answered for some time.

Let's look at this in two parts, setting up your partner and anticipating the return…

1) Most players from the rear court hit their smash or drop without consideration for their role in the game which is to kill the shuttle or set up their partner. By the way, this is the same role wherever you are on court. It's really not feasible to kill from a good length at rear court so the idea here is to create a situation where the defender struggles to return the shot. This is done through correct placement and changing the pace of the shot to cause your opponent to mis-time their reply. Placement will depend on where your opponent is standing but lets take a typcial situation where you are hitting from deep in your forehand corner assuming you are right handed.

Most players will cover their tramlines so hitting here allows them to hit a cross court return which catches you out on your backhand. Or they can push the shuttle past your partner at the net  by hitting down the lines. Either way, you're in trouble. The best places to test are hitting at the body, usually racket hip, a little higher below the armpit or slightly wider by 30cm onto their forehand. Without giving you the three page answer, this is where I would aim first. Then, when you have the line, change the pace from full on power to half pace and when you are more able, add in some slice.

Drop shots are better when you can hit the hard smash and your opponent fears them. PLacing the drop shot directly in front of a player or to the centre of the net is useful as this reduces the angle of return your opponent can play.

Alternatively, throw in an attacking clear occasionally to push your opponent away from their defensive base.

2) How do you anticipate your opponent's return? First of all, the shot you play will either open up the opportunities for them or close down their options. Following the above ideas for the smash will limit where they can return the shuttle too and the quality of it.

Because this is such an open question and is applicable to the whole court, let's simplify. Consider this. What shots can your opponent play that are most dangerous to you and which are difficult but returnable? Your job at the level you are playing now is to try and cover the most dangerous. This is partly learned through experience and through watching your opponent and measuring their capabilities.

Dorothy, I could write pages on this topic but the written word does not translate as well as a coaching session itself. Without trying to be self promoting, I can help you more through one of my residential weekends than I can through my forum but I appreciate this is just the beginning.

Work on what I have given you already and then see if you can narrow your questions to particular scenarios which will make answering easier for all.

Good luck

Paul