where do you look when receiving a serve and defending?

[giant_q_tip]

so yes.. question is in the topic title. do i look at the opponents racket or look for an empty space to return it (usually i get caught by surprise this way especially by smashes).

[bradmyster]

lol......you have to look at those things and alot more all at once. Takes practice but main thing you need to react to is when the shuttle actually leaves the racket. Get your basic split step anticipation going, and wait for him to hit the shuttle and pounce!

No point trying to geauss or assume where its going to go or what he is going to do.