Badminton Smashes: The two main types
In badminton, the smash is an attacking shot that is used to hit the shuttlecock forcefully downwards towards the opponent’s side of the court. Below are the two main types of badminton smashes and how to execute them:
Forehand Smash
The forehand smash is a type of attacking shot in badminton that is hit with the dominant hand on the same side of the body as the racket. It is a powerful shot that is usually hit from the back of the court, and it is one of the most important shots in badminton as it can help to score points quickly.
How to Execute a forehand smash
To execute a forehand smash in badminton, the player starts in the ready position with the racket held in the dominant hand.
Preparation:
- Back up the racket leg and turn your body to the side.
- shuffle backwards and lunge with the racquet foot.
Smash:
- To balance, elevate both the racket and the non-racket arm. The racket should be angled at around 45 degrees with the shoulders and elbow in line.
- With your non-racket arm, point at the shuttle, then move to the shot.
- Ensure that your hold is firm and swing the racket with the head downward.
- At the point of impact, twist the arm forward and snap the wrist down.
- Compared to the clear, the shuttle should be significantly farther in front.
- Land with the non-racket foot and the racket foot in fast succession after following through with the racket arm over to the opposite side.
- Shuffle to the ready position in the center of the court.
Backhand Smash
The backhand smash in badminton is a powerful attacking shot that is hit with the backhand side of the racket. It is a more difficult shot to execute than the forehand smash, as the player has to rotate their wrist and body to generate power and hit the shuttlecock at the right angle.
How to Execute a backhand smash
Preparation:
- As soon as the opponent hits the shuttle, start by executing a sidestep while using a backhand grip.
- Back up and position yourself behind the shuttle.
- Lunge or semi-lunge into the backhand corner with the racket foot.
Smash:
- As you strike the shuttle, quickly spin your elbow after dropping it gently behind the racket head.
- In contrast to the clear, where it is struck squarely over the shoulder, the shuttle is hit somewhat away on the side with the point of contact being roughly in line with the body.
- The wrist flicks, the elbow pulls back, and the pullback movement produces power.
- Once you’ve made contact with the shuttle, place your racket foot behind you as you shuffle back to the midcourt ready position.
You may also like
