If you are playing or watching badminton, you might know that badminton doubles are entirely different and more intense than singles.
The main difference between doubles and singles lies in the number of players on each side of the court; in singles, there is a single player on each side of the court, whereas, in doubles, two players are playing on each side of the court.
And due to this, singles matches can be more physically demanding due to the larger court area to cover individually. In comparison, doubles matches tend to be more strategically intense, with players working together to create openings and exploit opponents’ weaknesses.
It proves that you can’t be good in doubles, even if you’re a good singles player unless you communicate and coordinate well with your partner. And in case you are entirely a beginner in badminton doubles, you first need to learn and master the basics of positioning and tactics in doubles.
And to help you out, here in this article, I have mentioned some of the essential positioning and formations in doubles which will help you to become a good doubles player.
So let’s dive in and begin with:
What is positioning in badminton doubles?
There are two types of positioning in badminton doubles: attacking and defensive. And players need to use either of these formations according to their game and situation.
If your team is attacking your opponents, you need to follow the attacking formation. And if your opponent is hitting hard and smashing your court, you must be in the defensive formation.
To learn more, click on the video below:
Different types of positioning (formations) in badminton doubles
There are basically two types of formations in badminton doubles:
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Attacking formation
In doubles attacking formation, one player needs to stand behind the other. To understand better take a look at the image below.
In doubles attacking formation, both players have different roles, as the player standing behind (attacker) is responsible for performing attacking shots and powerful smashes from the backcourt. Also, he can play different type of shots, like drop and net shots, according to the situation and the game.
On the other hand, the setter (the player standing in front) is responsible for securing the net position. Also, he is responsible for forcing the opponents to lift the shuttle by hitting continuous smashes. And if he gets a loose shot in the air, he can perform a net kill and easily end the rally.
Overall, the player standing behind needs to cover the backcourt, whereas the player at the front is in charge of covering the front court.
In some cases, the return of a strong smash from a player standing behind will typically be a quick defensive clear, giving the setter a clear shot at a net kill.
On the other hand, short, low-quality defense shots can be intercepted by the setter and smashed to finish the rally. And to assault the opponents effectively and deny them the chance to retake the rally, both players must be in sync.
If the opposition rallies and gains the attacking position, your team should swiftly switch to a defensive formation.
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Defensive formation
In doubles defensive formation, the players must stand side-by-side and cover their respective courts. To understand better take a look at the image below.
After hitting a high clear or a high lift, the player needs to quickly return to his defensive position to be ready for the return shot from his opponent.
And if you don’t cover the entire court, it can benefit your opponent, as he can efficiently perform a smash or drop shot. So, whenever you think your team is under pressure or losing points, you must quickly form a defensive formation.
To react to smashes and take drop shots close to the net, you should try to stand in the middle of the court, perhaps a step back from the mid-court region.
Try to hit a block defense and hoist the shuttle back to the baseline of the opposing team’s court when you return a hard smash. Avoid making a feeble, clean shot to the front or center of the opposing team’s court.
The opposition will then have an opportunity to end the rally. Give the opposing team’s setter no chance to intercept the return and constantly strive to achieve baseline returns.
But remember, you must slightly adjust your position depending on the shots. The left defender needs to cover the left corner if you lift the shuttle to the left side of the opponent’s court since the return will probably be a straight smash. It will help your team cover the court’s center with the appropriate defense.
On the other hand, the right defender will have enough time to move and pick that shot, even if the attacker hits a cross-court smash to your court’s right side. So, you must alter your defensive arrangement based on the attacker’s location.
How to change formations correctly?
The players must change their formations according to their game situations and their opponent’s gameplay. Also, you can pre-plan before your game and get enough practice, as you can’t just plan the formation and move across the court while the rally is going on.
So, you must practice both the offensive and defensive formations and how to switch between the two. You might need to yell out at first and adjust the formations to the call. The setter cannot see the attacker; thus, the player standing behind makes the call.
Hence, the attacker can shout attack and immediately be in the attacking formation if they hit a smash or a drop. They can switch to the defensive formation by shouting “defend” if the attacker makes a lift or clear. Well, I know this is tricky, but you need to practice a lot and have good coordination to master this formation.
Also, click here to learn some of the best badminton trick shots.
While practicing this formation, always prioritize the attacking formation and master it. But if you’re in a defensive formation, try to return to the attacking formation as soon as you can.
Click here to learn about more badminton doubles positioning and tactics:
Final Words
So, these were some essential positioning and formations in badminton doubles. Put these positioning and tactics into your practice; trust me, it will help you become good at doubles.
And in case you still have doubts, are there any questions regarding this post or how a net is made? Then feel free to ask us or pin your comment in the comment below.