How do you hold the bird service in badminton
Holding the Bird. In serving, the bird should be held by the end of the feathers with the thumb and forefinger of the left hand. Placing the thumb on top and the forefinger inside the circle of feathers causes the bird to lie almost horizontal with the floor where it may be struck from a position below the server's waist. Most players allow the bird to drop a few inches before it is struck by the racket, but with this method the flight of the service is not easily controlled. The technique of holding the bird until just before the moment of contact is more difficult to master, but is much easier on the birds and gives better control. The latter technique requires the removal of the left hand almost simultaneously with the impact of the racket.
Receiving of Service The receiver of a serve should stand about midway of his half court, possibly a little to the left, thus leaving more of the open space on his forehand side and being in a position to go back for a deep lob service or forward for a drop service. Occasionally one can lunge forward on the low services and return them soon after they cross the net. It is easier to move forward than backward but birds going to the back court are usually high ones and there is proportionately more time to reach them. Many players hold the racket slightly across the body so as to quickly meet a shot on either the right or left side.
The receiver should concentrate upon returning the bird over near the boundary line on the opponent's backhand side. This can be varied with occasional drop shots. If the opponent is serving a fast bird, bend low and try to return with a drop shot. If the short service is just over the net it might be returned by a drop shot away from the server or a high lob to the back court. Watch the bird and if it is a few inches above the net step forward and drive it back at the opponent.
Summary. The beginner must keep in mind that to attain proficiency he must practice often and diligently. He should become well-skilled in the various serves; perfect the drives, smashes, lobs, and kills; and master the more difficult drop and flip shots which require that different touch--finesse.
