Badminton Footwork: The 6 Corners Movement Guide
This guide helps players in Setapak, Wangsa Maju, Gombak, and Cheras understand how to move efficiently on the court. We cover the base position, the 6 key corners, and essential techniques like the split step and scissor jump to help you reach the shuttle faster and protect your joints.
Mr Eric Chuar, head coach of ST Badminton Academy Malaysia, breaks down the fundamentals of court coverage.
The Foundation
Base Position and the 6 Corners
Good footwork starts with a clear “Base Position”. This is your home spot, usually slightly behind the service line in the middle of the court. After every shot, you must recover to this base. From here, you move to one of the six main corners: Front Left, Front Right, Mid Left, Mid Right, Rear Left, and Rear Right.
As a badminton coach in Kuala Lumpur, I notice many players can hit strong shots when the shuttle comes to them, but they struggle when they have to move. Once they understand the 6 corners movement and learn proper footwork, their game becomes smoother, safer and less tiring.
Essential Skills
Key Movements: Split Step & Lunging
The “Split Step” is the most important start to any movement. It is a small hop you take right as your opponent hits the shuttle. This pre-loads your legs like a spring, allowing you to push off explosively in any direction. Without a split step, your reaction will always be slow.
For front corners, we use the “Lunge”. This involves a long step with the racket leg, landing heel-first with the knee bent to absorb shock. Your back leg should be stretched for balance. Mastering the lunge helps players in Gombak reach net shots smoothly and recover quickly back to base without injuring their knees.
Advanced Movement
Rear Court: Scissor Jump & Recovery
Moving backwards is often the hardest part for beginners. We use “Cross Steps” to travel quickly and the “Scissor Jump” (or scissor kick) to hit powerful overhead shots. In a scissor jump, you push off your non-racket leg, rotate your body in the air to hit, and land on your racket leg.
This landing naturally pushes your momentum back towards the centre, making recovery faster. Many players in Cheras and Kepong get stuck in the back corner because they don’t scissor; they just stand there after hitting. Good footwork is continuous: split, move, hit, recover.
Common Errors
Mistakes to Avoid in Footwork
Many social players in Kuala Lumpur run with heavy, stomping steps. This is slow and tiring. Another mistake is standing flat-footed, which makes the split step impossible. Players also often cross their legs when moving sideways, risking a trip or ankle sprain.
Finally, the “spectator” habit hitting a shot and then watching it fly is a major error. You must recover to base immediately after hitting. Correcting these habits with simple drills like shadow footwork helps players move lighter and faster.
How We Train
Practical Drills in Setapak
At ST Badminton Academy Malaysia, we don’t just play games; we build athletes. We start beginners with “Shadow Footwork” moving to the 6 corners without a shuttle to perfect the steps. Once the pattern is smooth, we use multi-shuttle feeding drills to build speed and stamina.
We also play half-court games to force players to use correct footwork in a smaller area. This step by step approach helps students in Setapak build muscle memory so that in a real match, their feet move automatically to the right place.
Myth vs Reality
Common Myths About Badminton Footwork
Myth: You just need to run fast. Reality: Badminton requires explosive starting and stopping, not continuous running. Rhythm is more important than raw speed. Myth: Footwork is only for advanced players.
Reality: Beginners should learn footwork first. Good movement makes hitting the shuttle easier. If you can’t reach it, you can’t hit it. Myth: You must jump for every shot.
Reality: Jumping is tiring. Efficient players stay low and only jump when necessary (like a smash). Smooth, gliding steps save energy for the long game.
Safety First
Protecting Knees & Ankles
Proper footwork isn’t just about speed; it’s about safety. Correct lunging technique (knee behind toe) prevents knee pain. Controlled landings from jumps protect your ankles. At ST Badminton Academy, we ensure students in Setapak learn these safe movement patterns to avoid injuries that plague many self-taught players.
We also emphasize the importance of good badminton shoes and checking court conditions in Kuala Lumpur halls. A safe player is a player who can enjoy the game for a lifetime.
FAQs: Badminton Footwork & 6 Corners Movement Guide
Here are answers to common questions from players in Kuala Lumpur about improving court coverage.
What are the 6 corners in badminton footwork and why are they important?
The 6 corners are the main movement targets: Front Left, Front Right, Mid Left, Mid Right, Rear Left, and Rear Right. Mastering movement to these specific points ensures you can cover the entire court efficiently. At ST Badminton Academy Malaysia in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur, we teach juniors and adults how to move to each corner with proper split step, lunge or scissor jump, then recover back to base.
How should beginners in Setapak start learning badminton footwork?
Beginners should start with the “Split Step” and understanding the “Base Position”. Practising shadow footwork (moving without a shuttle) is the best way to build muscle memory. Start slow, focusing on correct form, before adding speed. Our beginner classes in Setapak focus heavily on these foundations to prevent bad habits.
Can junior players practise 6 corners footwork at home without a full court?
Yes! You can practise shadow footwork in a living room or open space. You don’t need a full court. Focus on the steps: split, move 1-2 steps, lunge/swing, and recover. Visualising the court and moving correctly is excellent homework for juniors in Wangsa Maju and Gombak.
How does good footwork help prevent injuries in badminton?
Good footwork ensures you are balanced when you hit. It prevents awkward twisting of knees and ankles. For example, a correct lunge absorbs shock safely. Bad footwork often leads to stumbling or landing on a straight leg, which causes injuries. Safe movement is a priority in our KL training sessions.
How long does it take to see improvement in footwork with proper training?
With consistent weekly training, most students feel a difference within 1-2 months. They feel lighter and reach shots earlier. However, mastering fluid, automatic movement takes time and practice. Patience and correct repetition are key for players in Cheras and Petaling Jaya aiming to improve.
What is the “Scissor Jump” and when should I use it?
The Scissor Jump (or kick) is used in the rear court. You jump, hit the shuttle while rotating your body, and land on your racket foot. This action naturally pushes your momentum back towards the centre (base), allowing faster recovery. It is essential for efficient rear court coverage.
Why do I get tired so quickly when playing badminton?
Often, it’s due to inefficient footwork. Taking too many small steps, running heavily, or starting late (missing the split step) uses a lot of energy. Smooth footwork is economical. By moving efficiently to the 6 corners, you save energy for your shots and can play longer games without exhaustion.
Where can I find footwork drills and training in KL?
ST Badminton Academy Malaysia conducts specialised footwork training in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur. We have drills suitable for kids, teens, and adults. Our location is convenient for residents in Wangsa Maju, Gombak, Melati Utama, and Danau Kota who want to improve their court movement.
Do I need special shoes for badminton footwork?
Yes. Badminton shoes are designed with non-marking soles for grip and lateral stability to prevent ankle rolls during side steps. Running shoes are dangerous as they are too high and can cause twisting. Proper shoes are essential for safe and effective footwork training.
Badminton Footwork Training in Action
Benefits of Good Footwork in Badminton
Good footwork makes the game feel easy. You reach the shuttle earlier, have more time to choose your shot, and save energy. It transforms you from a player who is always scrambling to one who is always in control.
| Aspect | Lazy / Bad Footwork | Pro / Efficient Movement GOAL |
|---|---|---|
| Ready Stance | Standing flat-footed, legs straight. | Knees bent, on balls of feet, split step ready. |
| Reaction | Late start, rushing to the shuttle. | Explosive push-off immediately after opponent hits. |
| Steps | Running with heavy, noisy steps. | Smooth chasses, controlled lunges, silent feet. |
| Recovery | Watching the shot, staying in the corner. | Immediately pushing back to base after hitting. |
| Balance | Leaning too far, stumbling after shots. | Upright posture, core engaged, stable landing. |
| Rear Court | Running backwards, dangerous for ankles. | Side steps or cross steps with scissor jump. |
| Front Court | Over-running, getting too close to the net. | Controlled lunge, racket extended, recovering fast. |
Badminton Footwork Training in Kuala Lumpur (Setapak)
This guide covers the theory, but footwork must be practised on court. ST Badminton Academy Malaysia offers specialised footwork training for players in Setapak, Wangsa Maju, Gombak, and Cheras. If you want to stop feeling tired and start moving like a pro, contact Mr Eric Chuar to join our dedicated sessions.
