Sports techniques
How specific movements and shots are performed — clear, step-by-step technique guides across sports.
Browse techniques
Each entry is cross-linked to the sports it belongs to and the terms around it.
Backstroke
The only competitive stroke swum on the back, using alternating overhead arm pulls and a steady flutter kick.
Badminton Clear
An overhead stroke that sends the shuttlecock high and deep to the opponent's back court, resetting the rally or buying time.
Badminton Smash
A powerful, steeply downward overhead stroke that drives the shuttlecock sharply into the opponent's court to win the rally.
Bodyweight Squat
A foundational lower-body exercise that lowers the hips by bending the knees and hips, then stands back up, using only body weight.
Breaststroke
A swimming stroke with a simultaneous arm sweep, a whip-like frog kick and a glide, performed on the front.
Chest Pass
A two-handed pass thrown directly from chest height in a straight line to a teammate, the most basic pass in basketball and netball.
Crossover Dribble
A basketball dribbling move that switches the ball quickly from one hand to the other to change direction and get past a defender.
Cycling Cadence
The technique of pedalling at a smooth, steady rhythm and choosing a gear that keeps the legs turning efficiently.
Deadlift
A strength exercise that lifts a loaded barbell from the floor to a standing position by extending the hips and knees together.
Flip Turn
A fast turn in freestyle where the swimmer somersaults at the wall, pushes off on their back and rotates to continue swimming.
Free Throw
An unguarded basketball shot taken from the free-throw line, relying on a calm, repeatable routine rather than power.
Freestyle Stroke
The fastest swimming stroke, using alternating overhead arm pulls, a flutter kick and rhythmic side breathing.
Header
A technique for controlling or striking the ball with the forehead in football, used to pass, shoot or clear the ball in the air.
Inside-of-the-Foot Pass
The most reliable short pass in football, played with the inside surface of the foot for accuracy over a short to medium distance.
Jump Shot
A basketball shot released at the top of a vertical jump, letting the shooter get the ball over a defender with a soft, arcing release.
Layup
A close-range basketball shot taken while moving toward the basket, laying the ball softly off the backboard or over the rim.
One-Handed Backhand
A backhand groundstroke struck with a single hand on the grip, driving through the ball with a full extension of the hitting arm.
Padel Bandeja
A controlled overhead shot in padel, hit with slice and moderate pace to keep the player at the net without over-committing.
Plank
A static core exercise that holds the body in a straight line supported on the forearms and toes.
Push-Up
A bodyweight exercise that lowers and raises the body by bending and straightening the arms while holding a rigid plank line.
Running Form
The efficient posture and stride mechanics of distance running, keeping the body relaxed and the cadence smooth.
Sprint Start
The explosive start of a sprint from a set, crouched position, driving forward low before gradually rising to full stride.
Standing Climb
A cycling technique for climbing out of the saddle, standing on the pedals to add power on steep gradients.
Table Tennis Forehand Drive
A controlled attacking stroke in table tennis, played on the forehand side with a compact swing and light topspin.
Tennis Serve
The overhead stroke that starts every point, hit from behind the baseline into the diagonally opposite service box.
Topspin Forehand
A forehand groundstroke hit with a low-to-high swing that puts forward spin on the ball so it dips and kicks up on landing.
Volley
A shot played near the net by blocking the ball out of the air before it bounces, using a short, firm punch rather than a full swing.
Volleyball Dig
A defensive contact that keeps a hard-driven ball in play by passing it up off the forearms, usually from a low position.
Volleyball Set
An overhead pass using the fingertips of both hands to place the ball accurately for a teammate to attack.
Volleyball Spike
A powerful attacking hit that drives the ball sharply downward over the net into the opponent's court, usually after an approach and jump.
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