Drive shot

Hi ,
Drive shot is used as an offensive shot. To attack yr opponents with quick reflex,so that they dont have the time to smash u or take advantage of u.Becareful, this shot need very quick reflex. U may get yr opponents hit back at u at a quick response to u.Expect ping pong response.
Adidas.

 

A drive is a shot that allows you to flatten your return so that it can't be easily smashed. A drive shot and its weaker cousin, push, are bread-and-butter doubles shots that are probably executed more than any other shots in balanced matches. This is because the drive and the push are used to contest for height superiority. As you may well know, whoever gets to the shuttle first has the most options. Lifting the shuttle in most cases will allow your opponent infinitely more options to attack you should he choose to take the shuttle at the highest point of his reach. A drive return will deny him of that opportunity. This is consistent of the offensive principle whereby one should ideally be hitting downwards all the time to pressure the opponent. Offensively, drives/pushes could be used to overwhelm/isolate a player and create opportunity to force an opening in their defense.

 

Probably more useful in doubles. Not sure about singles as the singles court is narrower so you can't take advantage of wide angle return (risky shot).

 

how do you counter these kinda of shots if ya reflexes arent that fast?

 

Very well said. It's the key to dig a hole in their defense, as well as pull them off balance.

 

Fighting fire with fire...

Like everything else you do... practice makes perfect. Learn how to play the shot and work on it always. I always warm up with drive drills before any games. The more you use it the better your shot gets. A major part of acquiring fast reaction is preparation, relaxation and focus. Your body will acclimatize when you're used to playing fast exchange on court. Keep your eye on the shuttle and your racquet up front when you're around net to midcourt areas. Power of your drives come from timing, which in turn, comes from technique.

 

train youself, know when to expect a shot like that. the most deadly on is ones close to the net, mid court you have time to react, so maybe i think, don't always think that they'll drop or lift when close to the net, have your racket up, although i think that is something people should already do, although i don't do that sometimes. because if it comes at you and u have your racket up then u can just adjust your racket slightly and hit it back, try pushing back an offensive drive

 

What about the cross court drive in mixed? Only if the lady is out of position or has slow reflexes, obviously? I've won many points with this shot, but is it tactically sound?

 

If a shot wins you points, then it is probably tactically sound in that situation, with that opponent. Any tactic that causes you to win should be repeated.

In doubles, crosscourt shots are usually a poor choice. Straight shots are more advanced (require better technique) and are more effective.

Of course, there are also plenty of times when a crosscourt shot is the best choice! But if in doubt, play straight. A cross court shot usually gives your opponents more time and opportunities for a centrally based net player to intercept the shuttle aggressively. Cross court shots also open up angles in your court for your opponents to attack, by returning the shot straight down the line.

 

how low or high above the net should a birdie pass over the net on a drive....i've always try to make as close to the net as possible but it always ends up hitting the upper tape of the net....

 

As long as it's fast and not higher than your opponent's shoulder, a good drive will prevent your opponent from taking the offensive, or at least prevent him from properly smashing at you.