Which Grip For Backhand Clear?
Ask any badminton coach which grip for backhand clear you should be using, and you might get the classic “it depends” answer. But at ULTExplosive Badminton Academy, we cut through the noise and teach what works—because we’ve seen it work time and time again across students of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels. The backhand clear is often one of the most misunderstood shots in badminton, and it all starts with one core element: grip.
Now, if you’ve ever flung a shuttle into the net or watched it soar wide despite your best intentions, chances are your grip wasn’t doing you any favours. That tiny shift in how you hold your racket can be the difference between a solid, high-clear return and a wobbly shot that gives your opponent a free point. So, let’s get this sorted once and for all—because knowing which grip for backhand clear is correct might just be the game-changer you’ve been missing.
Why Grip Matters So Much for the Backhand Clear
Imagine trying to write a full sentence with a pen gripped like a hammer. That awkward tension? That’s exactly what happens when players use the wrong grip for their backhand clear. This isn’t just about comfort—it’s about angle, leverage, power transfer, and control. And because the backhand side limits your reach and power compared to the forehand, any inefficiency gets magnified.
At ULTExplosive Badminton Academy, we’ve worked with players who could smash with precision but couldn’t get a backhand clear past the mid-court. The root cause almost always came down to improper grip, leading to poor shuttle contact, mistimed swings, and even unnecessary wrist strain. Fix the grip, and you start building a shot that actually works under pressure.
Which Grip For Backhand Clear? Here’s the Answer We Teach at ULTExplosive
Let’s get to the heart of it. The correct grip for a backhand clear is called the thumb grip, and it’s a variation of the basic forehand grip, but adjusted to provide more support and control for the backhand side.
Instead of wrapping your index finger around the racket like you would for a forehand stroke, you rest your thumb flat against the wider bevel of the racket handle. This positioning allows you to push the racket forward using the thumb’s pressure, giving you the control and leverage needed to lift the shuttle effectively from the backhand side.
In our private and group sessions, we demonstrate the difference between a neutral grip and the thumb grip through simple yet revealing drills. Students instantly feel the power shift when they transition to the thumb-supported grip. It’s not about gripping harder; it’s about gripping smarter. Our coaches make it a point to isolate this adjustment early so that bad habits don’t have a chance to settle in.
The Role of Thumb Grip in Executing a Clean, Controlled Clear
The thumb grip isn’t just a small tweak. It changes how your entire arm and racket function. With the right grip, you get a solid base to execute the backhand stroke using more wrist and forearm rather than over-relying on the shoulder or awkward arm swings. That’s especially critical when you’re rushed or forced into the backhand corner.
During our technique-focused sessions at ULTExplosive Badminton Academy, we teach students to use their non-racket hand for balance and guide them to execute a swing that allows the shuttle to travel high and deep—clearing the opponent’s reach and resetting the rally.
The result? A smooth, consistent backhand clear that doesn’t just save the point, but actually opens up new tactical possibilities. You don’t just survive from that corner—you thrive.
From Frustration to Confidence: A Student Case Study
Take Ethan, one of our intermediate teen players who came to us with a powerful forehand but a backhand that always landed shy of the mid-court. We began by correcting his grip and foot positioning. Within three weeks of structured training and thumb grip-specific drills, Ethan could consistently send backhand clears to the baseline. By his second term, he started varying with backhand drops—using the same grip, now enhanced with timing and technique.
His transformation is the kind we see often. Once players understand which grip for backhand clear provides the most utility, they begin to use it not just as a last resort, but as a confident strategic move in their game plan.
Grip Application in Match Scenarios
Let’s say you’re playing a match and your opponent keeps targeting your backhand. If you’re using the wrong grip, you’ll likely panic or rely on awkward wrist flicks. But if you’ve been trained the ULTExplosive way, your thumb grip is already second nature. You pivot into position, angle your racket correctly, and launch the shuttle with minimal effort. That’s what training the correct grip does—it takes decision fatigue out of the equation.
We simulate these match-play conditions in our group badminton lessons and private classes, allowing students to build muscle memory and game-readiness in real-time. The thumb grip, once learned properly, becomes an instinctive response.
Wrist Strength and Follow-Through: The Perfect Companions to the Grip
A correct grip is only as effective as the wrist that supports it. At ULTExplosive, we place special emphasis on wrist and forearm strengthening exercises that complement the thumb grip. These include mini-racket flicks, towel swings, and resistance band work—all tailored to simulate the flicking motion required in a backhand clear.
According to recent research by Sport Singapore, structured wrist-focused training significantly reduces joint strain and improves racket control for youth athletes in racket sports (source). Our students benefit not only from improved shot quality but also from reduced injury risks when the thumb grip is paired with the right strength and flexibility training.
Why Beginners and Adults Benefit Most From Early Grip Correction
If you’re new to badminton, you’re actually in luck. It’s much easier to learn the correct thumb grip from the beginning than it is to unlearn years of incorrect habits. Our beginner-level classes focus heavily on grip work in the early weeks, ensuring that students build their skills on solid foundations.
And for adults returning to the sport after a break? The thumb grip often feels counterintuitive at first, but our empathetic coaching style bridges that gap quickly. We relate the technique to everyday movements and use analogies to make it stick. Think of your thumb as the “captain of the ship,” steering the racket face toward the shuttle with purpose and precision.
Deceptive Shots and the Versatility of the Thumb Grip
One of the most exciting evolutions we see in players is their ability to disguise shots once they’ve mastered the thumb grip. A backhand clear, drop, or lift can all begin from the same starting motion—what changes is the angle and the follow-through.
This creates hesitation in your opponent’s footwork and reaction time. At ULTExplosive, we incorporate deceptive play into intermediate and advanced classes once the basics are in place. Students learn to use the same grip across multiple shot types, gaining control over both the shuttle and the rally tempo.
Bringing It All Together: Footwork, Balance, and Grip Harmony
Knowing which grip for backhand clear is correct is a great start—but it works best when your footwork and body balance are aligned with it. That’s why we don’t isolate grip training as a one-off session. It’s woven into every lesson, from shuttle drills to match simulations.
Our approach emphasises balance from the moment you prepare for the shot, right through to the follow-through and recovery. Your foot positioning, racket angle, and thumb grip work together like gears in a well-oiled machine. When one improves, the others fall into place more easily.
Final Thoughts: So, Which Grip For Backhand Clear?
Let’s answer the question clearly—use the thumb grip. But don’t stop there. Learn to use it correctly, repeatedly, and confidently with coaching that guides you step by step. At ULTExplosive Badminton Academy, we teach students how to turn technique into instinct and hesitation into execution.
If you’re still wondering which grip for backhand clear works best for your game, we invite you to come experience our structured, results-driven training in action. Whether you’re a parent helping your child develop a strong technical base or an adult refining your skills for competitive play, the right grip—taught the right way—can change everything.
Ready to unlock the full potential of your backhand? Visit ULTExplosive Badminton Academy to explore our class options and book your session today. Let’s turn that backhand into your strongest shot on the court.
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