How to Hit a Smash Shot in Badminton

The smash is the most powerful offensive shot in badminton. Fire the shuttlecock with all the force you can muster, so that it hits the floor before your opponent can reach it.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Badminton Set

1. Get into position behind and beneath the shuttle.

2. Point your non-racquet shoulder toward your opponent and shift your weight onto your back (racquet) foot.

3. 

   Hold both arms up. Hold your non-racquet arm out in front of you for balance, and your racquet arm up behind you with your elbow bent 90 degrees and your wrist cocked. The racquet head should be behind your shoulders.

4. Begin your swing from your shoulder while opening your torso toward your opponent.

5. Reach up for the shuttle, jumping off your back leg and transferring your weight to your forward foot.

6. 

   Strike the shuttle as high as you can reach it, while it is still out in front you.

7. Snap your wrist, as you contact the shuttle at least three or four feet above the net level and in front of your body.

8. 

   Hit the shuttle with a closed racquet face.

9. Follow through, keeping your arm high, while your wrist snaps completely through the shuttle. Then swing your arm down and through the shot.

Tips & Warnings

• When first learning the smash shot, only do it from the front half of the court.
• Use the extension of your arm a powerful wrist snap to generate the power in this shot.

Who Can Help Sponsored

• Tired of Being Tired? Fight Fatigue and Try FRS for FREE!

[DavePrior]

on 9/2/2007 Pronation refers to the movement of the forearm, not the wrist.
In all overhead shots, the forearm should first supernate then pronate. That is, the forearm should rotate AWAY from the shuttle, and then TOWARDS the shuttle.
For a smash, the shuttle should be struck well in front, and on the downward arc of the swing. Hips should move before shoulders, not after.
The power of the smash comes from the racquet head speed, which is achieved by correct action.

on 8/8/2006 Try to trick your opponent whenever you can. When your opponent is far back, pretend you are hitting a clear, then use the drop shot. Your opponent should go further back the court, thinking you are hitting a clear shot!

on 3/10/2006 Try to trick your opponent whenever you can. When your opponent is far back, pretend you are hitting a clear, then use the drop shot. Your opponent will go further back on the court, thinking you are hitting a clear shot!

on 11/22/2005 1) Always hit a drop shot when your opponent is far back.
2) Put your racquet in front of the shuttle cock.
3) Use some force (only a little bit) so the cock can go a little up from the net.
4) Be ready if the opponent picks up the drop.

on 11/22/2005 Relax your grip on the racquet handle, as it's hard to flick your wrist fast if your forearm is tense. It's easy to forget this in the pressure of a game. But make sure the racquet doesn't fly out of your hand!