The Danish Wipe (also called the Swedish Swish) is an uncommon backhand stroke in badminton that you hit down low by your knee using a sweeping movement. A defensive shot that lifts the shuttlecock into the air and adds some speed, though it isn’t as quick as newer clearing shots or drives. However, it can still be pretty helpful because it tricks your opponent, changes up your playing rhythm and catches them off guard.
Why is it called Danish?
The Danish Wipe gets its name from Denmark’s well-known reputation for using creative and tricky badminton techniques. Players like Peter Gade inspired this move which involves a backhand “wiping” motion that appears to be a drive at first glance but actually sends the shuttle high and deep into the court, making it a smart defensive shot that catches opponents off guard.
How to Perform Danish Wipe
- You gotta hold your racket with a relaxed backhand grip and get close to the net with your knees bent and your racket-side foot in front.
- Move quick and position your body like you’re about to do a net push or put away a kill shot so you can trick your opponent.
- Hit the shuttle in front of you at the height of the net cord so you can control it better.
- Swipe the shuttle to the side with a quick wipe motion and twist your wrist a little bit instead of just pushing or smacking it.
- Keep your follow through short so the shuttle rolls over the net in a tight way which makes it hard for your opponent to attack back.
