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The basic idea in singles is to move your opponent around the court as much as possible, away from his base position and eventually force him to put up a weak shot which you can hit down.
The way to begin this process is with a high service, as deep as possible so that it falls perpendicularly making it more difficult for the opponent to smash it. Remember, serve low only if you are an expert and are supple.
As a thumb rule, you must try to use the four corners of the half-court, avoiding the center. No shuttle should be directed to this part of the court, which your opponent will use as base. Actually singles tactics are easy to learn. Look at the six principles listed below, which are easily memorized by the alphabetical initial letters from 'A' to 'F':
Away from opponent.
Backhand is best.
Concentrate on errors.
Depth more than the width.
Earliest shuttle always.
Fastest recovery-ready to pounce.g

* Away from opponent
Make things difficult for your opponent, let him run towards all four corners of the court, try to move him away from his base position. Once you open up gaps by moving him away from center court, he will have a problem in trying to cover the furthest distance from where he now has to hit. He will be particularly vulnerable to a quick reply back and will tire out by having to move to and fro. Remember when attacking; try to bring him under further pressure by a fast shot down to similar area from the place he has just recovered. You will find that in this way, you will often win points safely.

* Backhand is best
-In badminton everyone's backhand is weaker than his or her forehand, especially if the shuttle is high and deep. It follows therefore that you should hit hard into your opponent's deep backhand corner as a regular (even if obvious) tactic but not too high, otherwise it will give him time to play it round the-head. His backhand is the soft target but remember he's aware that it is your weakness too. So guard against receiving shots on your backhand or else you will be just receiving services one after another till the game point.

* Concentrate on errors
Even in world-class singles the ratio of errors to winners is roughly 2: 1, at lower levels this can increase to beyond 10:1. The majority of these errors can be avoided by a closer look at the particular errors. Have a look.

Reducing own errors:

1. When trying to return shuttles in desperate situations you must inevitably compromise your stroke and get the shuttle over the net and back into play. Don't forget, a poorly executed shot going over the net is better than a well executed one into it!

2. When under pressure, either hit hard and high to the middle to give you time to recover or hit soft and flat just beyond the front service line to make him play a hasty reply.

3. When serving, take your time. Go through a pre-serve checklist, grip, racquet, look through shuttle and swing.

4. Do you know, most unforced errors occur on the second stroke of the rally, usually receiving a high serve. So, try to avoid this by developing a routine that will help you to prepare yourself physically and mentally for each serve.

5.Remember many apparently unforced errors are caused by being over concerned about your opponent's likely reply. A lot of these can be eliminated by constructive opponent analysis and trying to play your game.

Causing opponent errors

1. Look confident and determined to get the shuttle back into play, try to frustrate him at his inability to hit a perfect shot or a shot rally. Force him to take undue risks.

2. Concentrate on "blunting" his attack, watch his hitting action carefully and don't think too much about the results of your own shots except that they should continually restrict your opponent's options.

3. When using any type of high serve, try to direct it more to middle of court so as to make his shot to your sidelines travel a longer distance. Resist varying the height and length and he may get bored, run out of ideas or try something different or new which will be obviously more prone to error.

4. If he does hit winners and/or lucky shots, quietly accept them but look confident and resolute as you continue.

* Depth more than width
The singles court is 30 per cent longer than it is wide; so take advantage of the court shape by using those strokes that expose the front and back areas. These are high serve, clear, drop shot, lob, net shot and block. But remember, try to improve these strokes first in your practices.

* Earliest shuttle always
You can put your opponent under pressure if you always make the effort to reach the shuttle at the earliest possible moment because it will give him less time to move into the receiving position. In fact a real bonus is the extra time it gives you to introduce various elements of deception because he must make his movement earlier.

* Fastest recovery-ready to pounce
You are not the only one playing, there is another man trying to do the same with you. Obviously you may and practically you will also be trapped. But don't panic, just try to recover as quickly as you can. Do it quicker than what your opponent expects, give him a surprise and attack swiftly.
These are the golden rules that can put you in a comfortable position and win the game for you.


Compiled by JC Gomez for eGallerie