The sooner you reach the spot where the shuttle appears to be incoming, the higher it will be and the more time you’ll have to set up a killer smash. You may hear serious badminton players call this kind of maneuver “injection of pace. ” All this means is that you add a boost of speed so you have more time to react. [3] X Research source
Balance is more important at this point than winding up for your smash. If you’re not well-balanced, it’ll negatively impact your smash.
The fingers of your non-racket hand can be positioned however you like. Curling your fingers into a fist is most popular, but you can leave them spread out, too. As you prepare to strike, imagine the angle the shuttle will travel. It should be as steep downward as possible while still making it over the net. Raising your non-racket hand will act as a counterbalance for your racket hand, providing greater stability for your smash. [6] X Research source
Power is important at this point, but even more important is hitting the shuttle with the center of the racket. When you feel the racket come in contact with the shuttle, snap your wrist downward. This will add power and steepness to the stroke. [7] X Research source You can increase the power of your smash by contracting your abs at the same time you swing at the shuttle. [8] X Research source
An overhead smash is very similar in the beginning to a regular smash: your body and feet should face side-court and your stance should be firm. The jumping smash will return the shuttle with greater power and at a steeper angle, making it even more difficult to return. [11] X Research source Keep your body loose but ready. It’s common to tense your muscles when preparing to jump, but this can restrict your range of motion. [12] X Research source
Timing is the key for a wicked jumping smash. In the best case scenario, you’ll be airborne and starting to swing at the highest point of your jump. When going into the jump, your legs should be mostly straight. As you reach the intercept point, bend your legs backwards. [15] X Research source
Envision a clear mental picture of the angle you want to send the shuttle on back over the net. This will help improve accuracy. If you have not started far enough behind the shuttle, or if you’re too far behind it, you won’t be able to fully extend your arm as you swing. This will decrease the power of your smash. [17] X Research source
Jump smashes are most suitable on poor returns, where the shuttle is launched high toward the center of the court. [18] X Research source
Because this stroke is a little more difficult, make sure you’ve gotten the hang of the backhand stroke before attempting it. To perform a backhand smash, it’s especially important to be able to switch to a backhand grip quickly and naturally. [21] X Research source
Opposite of most other smashes in badminton, to get the most devastating smash, you’ll need your racket arm as close to your body as possible. Much like other smashes, your non-racket arm should act as a counterbalance for your racket arm throughout this stroke. [23] X Research source Check your grip and work on a fluid motion that begins at hip height and finishes at head height.
As your racket approaches the shuttle, imagine the angle that will take it over the net with as little clearance as possible. It’s very easy to lose your balance when performing the backhand smash. Remember to use your non-racket arm to stabilize yourself. [24] X Research source
