A badminton smash is considered the most powerful shot and is usually played on the forehand. And it doesn’t matter if you are a beginner or a professional badminton player; a smash will always remain a perfect way to end a rally.
But hitting a perfect smash is quite harder than just smacking the shuttle. It requires a lot of practice, perfect timing, and an exact technique.
If you want to master this shot, you must practice it at least a thousand times to perfect it and find a shot you can play better than anyone, and I bet it will help you win most of the rallies.
Rather than this, here are some steps a player must follow to improve his smashes.
So let’s dive in:
Steps to improve your smashes in badminton
Let’s begin with the following:
1. Focus on your body rotation
Body rotation plays a critical role in executing a perfect smash in badminton, and let me explain how it works:
(a) Generating power
Rotating your body allows you to generate more power in your smash by using your upper and arm muscles. It also helps to generate more momentum and speed in your smash.
(b) Timing
Body rotation helps you time your smash perfectly. You can position yourself better as you rotate your body and align your racket with the shuttlecock at the right moment.
Also, it allows you to hit the shuttlecock at the highest point possible, generating more power and accuracy.
(c) Balance
Proper body rotation helps you maintain your balance throughout the smash. When you rotate your body, your weight shifts from your back foot to your front foot, allowing you to transfer your energy effectively and maintain your stability.
(d) Accuracy
Rotating your body lets you control your smash’s direction and angle. By rotating your torso and adjusting the angle of your racket, you can direct the shuttlecock to your desired target on the court.
Overall, body rotation is an essential technique for executing a perfect smash in badminton. With practice, you can develop the coordination and timing necessary to rotate your body correctly and hit powerful and accurate smashes on the court.
2. Try to hit the shuttle at its highest contact point
Always try to hit the shuttlecock at its highest contact point because it can increase the height of your shot. A high smash shot can force your opponent to move back and give you more time to prepare for your next shot. Also, a high smash shot can create opportunities for you to execute drop shots or smashes later in the rally.
Rather than this, hitting the shuttle at its highest contact point can also generate more spin and give your shot more accuracy and power.
3. Master your racket’s sweet spot
While hitting the shuttle at its highest contact point, you must also try to make contact using your racket’s sweet spot.
The “sweet spot” refers to the racket’s string bed area that produces the most consistent and powerful shots. It can vary according to the racket’s head shape, materials, and string tension.
But in isometric head-shaped rackets, the sweet spot is just above the center of the string bed, and it helps the players respond quickly with shots without missing the shuttlecock.
4. Play your shot strategically
When hitting a smash, timing, and strategy play a vital role. And sometimes, the best way to set up a smash is to be patient and wait for the right opportunity, and till that time, you can keep your opponent guessing and make it harder for them to anticipate your smashes.
For example, you can hit a smash when:
- Your opponent hits a weak shot in return.
- When your opponent is unbalanced or out of position.
Also, remember that while hitting a smash, you should remain stable, balanced, and able to control the shot. And in case you don’t have enough time to set up, you can opt for other, safer shots like a drop shot or flat return.
5. Don’t overlook your footwork
Good footwork is an important aspect of badminton and can play a crucial role in improving your smashes. And here are some ways in which footwork can help you improve your smash game in badminton:
(a) Getting into a position
Good footwork allows you to get into position quickly to hit the smash, which means you can reach the shuttle early and hit it at the highest point, increasing your chances of hitting a powerful smash.
(b) Generating power
Good footwork allows you to use your body weight effectively and transfer it into your smash, generating more power. You can generate more speed and power in your smash by stepping forward and using your non-racket foot to push off the ground.
(c) Balance your body
Good footwork also helps you maintain your balance while hitting a smash. It is important because you must be balanced to generate power and accuracy. You can hit the smash with more control by stepping into the shot and using your feet to stabilize your body.
(d) Recovery
Good footwork also helps you recover quickly after hitting the smash because you must be ready for your opponent’s return shot. You can be ready to hit the next shot by quickly recovering your position on the court.
Rather than this, click on the video below to learn more facts about performing a powerful smash against your opponent on the court.
Final Words
These are some of the steps that can help you improve your badminton smashes. But remember that smashes are about power, accuracy, and placement.
Aim for the opponent’s weak spots and vary your shots to keep them guessing. With practice and persistence, you can improve your smashes and become a more effective player on the court. Also, it can help you win more rallies compared to your opponent.
And if you face any problems or have any questions going through your mind, feel free to ask us or pin them up in the comment section below.