The smash is a high speed power shot in badminton that can be difficult for an opponent to return. The purpose of the smash is to hit the birdie with as much force as possible toward your opponent's court. The smash is an ideal shot when the birdie approaches your court on a trajectory that is higher than your head.
Forehand Smash
Your arm should move in a similar way to throwing a ball when executing the forehand smash, according to Badminton Information. Stand sideways so your free arm faces the net while the arm holding the racket is farthest from your opponent. Put your weight on the foot farthest from your opponent. Swing your arm toward the shuttle in a throwing motion to make contact with the birdie with the area of your racket that is slightly above the center. Straighten your elbow and snap your wrist downward as your racket connects with the birdie for maximum force in driving the birdie toward your opponent's court. Shift your weight from your rear foot to your front foot as you follow through the shot, then return to your base position.
Backhand Smash
The backhand smash can be difficult to perform even for experienced players, according to Badminton Information. Put your weight on the foot that is on the same side as the hand in which you hold your racket. For example, if you hold the racket in your right hand then keep your weight on your right foot. Lift your racket arm across your upper body and hold the racket close to your body with the racket head pointing downward. As the birdie approaches, extend your racket arm in a backhand motion to connect with the birdie at a point slightly higher than your head. Flick your wrist toward the shuttle at the point of impact for extra momentum in driving the birdie toward your opponent's court.
Gripping the Racket
According to Badminton Daily, you should avoid holding the racket with too firm a grip despite the power inherent to the smash shot. A grip that is too firm can prevent you from adequately flicking your wrist for added momentum when your racket connects with the birdie.
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