When playing a backhand overhead clear is there any advantage putting your thumb along the thinner edge of the grip rather than the large edge
If you mean holding the racket in a sort of " pan handle " grip, I think it would be more of a disadvantage for most people as the grip isn't as strong as the traditional " thumb" control normally used on the backhand side, the only time that I use that grip is when I've been caught out on the backhand and the shuttle is well behind me, using that grip allows my racket head to face the net whilst playing the shot, if I used the traditional method there is no way my wrist could contort to enable the racket head to face the net. In saying that I have seen players use that grip for the backhand but I'm not sure if it's for an advantage or simply just habit. Would be interested in other opinions.
I don't think there's any advantage in doing so and it isn't the correct technique. You need to put your thumb straight on the large edge of the grip. The thumb is needed to push the racket forward. Your elbow must be "up" and not down when executing a backhand as well, that's what my coach told me.
a rotated backhand grip is sometimes used for cross court net drops. the rotated grip gives the extra angle needed i have actually seen coaches taught this technique, but i am not sure how (un)orthdox it is. as for clears, you should use the regular backhand grip. is there a reason you want to deviate from the norm?
I think it depends on where and when you reach the shuttle, normally if the shuttle is alongside or not to far behind you, you should be able to play a X court drop without too much trouble with the traditional backhand grip, it's when it's dropping far behind you and you are reaching that's when you really have to change your grip. Orthodox or unorthodox........whatever feels comfortable for you. as for clears, you should use the regular backhand grip. is there a reason you want to deviate from the norm? Good question.....I would also like to know the answer to that.
http://www.badmintonforum.com/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3032&highlight=backhand+grip http://www.badmintonforum.com/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=141&highlight=backhand+grip http://www.badmintonforum.com/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2872&highlight=backhand+grip http://www.badmintonforum.com/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1338&highlight=backhand+grip Check out the above links. There's a lot of information contained in them.
Backhand Grip I find if the shuttle is behind me it is quite difficult to play a backhand overhead with my thumb on the large edge.