Badminton, known for its lightning-fast pace and precision, is often viewed as a game of finesse and technical skill. But when the top players in the world take to the court, it becomes something more—an arena of creativity and daring. Beyond power smashes and flawless drops, these elite athletes pull off trick shots that leave fans in awe and their opponents scrambling.
In this article, we’ll dive into some of the most mind-blowing trick shots performed by badminton’s best. These moments are not only displays of incredible talent but also of mental agility and the ability to stay calm under immense pressure. Let’s take a look at some of the standout trick shots from badminton players who have redefined the boundaries of what’s possible on the court.
Top badminton trick shots of all time
Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo – Behind the Back, Blind Shot
Known for his lightning reflexes and unpredictable play, Indonesia’s Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo delivered one of the most daring shots in recent memory: a behind-the-back, blind shot. Sukamuljo, with his back to the net and little room to manoeuvre, instinctively flicked his racket behind him to return the shuttle. The crowd erupted in disbelief as he executed the shot without even seeing where the shuttle would land. This type of improvisation is what makes Sukamuljo one of the most thrilling players to watch.
Lee Zii Jia – Between the Legs
Malaysia’s rising star, Lee Zii Jia, is known for his aggressive style of play. He showed off his flair for the spectacular with a between-the-legs shot. With the shuttle rapidly dropping towards him, Zii Jia nonchalantly switched his racket under his legs to return the shot with ease. What makes this shot so impressive isn’t just the technical execution, but the confidence to pull it off in a high-stakes match. It’s this mix of composure and flair that has made Zii Jia a fan favorite.
Lee Yang – Net Deception
Taiwanese player Lee Yang is renowned for his net play, and his deceptive shot is a testament to his finesse. Facing a net shot, Yang feigned a soft return, only to flick the shuttle in an unexpected direction at the very last moment. The opponent, anticipating an easy play, was left flat-footed. Net deception shots are a hallmark of experienced doubles players, and Yang executed this one to perfection, underlining his status as a master of quick thinking.
Hao Dong ZHOU – Behind the Back
Hao Dong Zhou delivered his own version of the behind-the-back shot, a bold move that instantly sent a ripple of excitement through the arena. While the behind-the-back shot is incredibly difficult due to the lack of vision and control, Zhou made it look effortless. His reaction speed and ability to read the game allowed him to make a successful return from an awkward position, illustrating his athleticism and court awareness.
Viktor Axelsen – Between the Legs
World champion Viktor Axelsen has built a reputation for his powerful smashes and tactical genius, but even he isn’t above some trickery. Axelsen faced a low shuttle near his feet. Instead of opting for a regular forehand or backhand, he smoothly executed a between-the-legs shot, surprising his opponent. While Axelsen is typically known for his straightforward approach, this shot showed his versatility and willingness to innovate when the situation called for it.
Viktor Axelsen – Turnaround Shot
Just when you think you’ve seen it all from Axelsen, he pulled off yet another audacious trick shot. Caught in a moment where his back was almost completely turned to the net, Axelsen managed to rotate his body and swing his racket to return a high, difficult shot. The precision required to pull off such a shot is immense, and Axelsen’s ability to stay composed in that moment is what sets him apart from other players.
Aaron Chia – Behind the Back
Malaysia’s Aaron Chia joins the list with his behind-the-back shot. His quick reflexes were on full display as he, without hesitation, swung his racket behind him to return a shot that seemed impossible to reach. Chia’s ability to react instinctively in tight situations is what makes him a formidable force on the court.
Lakshya Sen – Between the Legs
India’s Lakshya Sen demonstrated his dexterity with a slick between-the-legs return. In a moment where most players would struggle to make any sort of meaningful return, Sen kept his composure and improvised beautifully. This kind of creativity is what’s driving Sen’s rise in the world rankings, and it’s easy to see why he’s considered one of the sport’s brightest young talents.
Felix Burestedt – Between the Legs
Sweden’s Felix Burestedt joined the trick shot brigade with a between-the-legs shot of his own. Facing a difficult return, Burestedt opted for a daring yet controlled maneuver, swinging his racket between his legs to send the shuttle back over the net. His calmness in executing such a tricky shot is a hallmark of a player who thrives under pressure.
Yugo Kobayashi – Between the Legs
Finally, Japanese doubles player Yugo Kobayashi closed out this list with yet another brilliant between-the-legs return. As one of the top doubles players in the world, Kobayashi’s quick reactions and instincts were evident in this moment. His ability to improvise during a rapid-fire rally and still maintain control speaks to the extraordinary skill level required to perform at the highest level of badminton.
Short on time? Then watch this amazing video showing the best badminton trick shots and get enthralled. Also, do let us know which is your favourite among them.
