Smash/Drive Key Teaching Points
Forehand Smash:
The smash is probably the most attacking shot in badminton. If executed well it is probably the most difficult shot to return, just because of the pace and direction put on the shuttle. The downward angle of the shot is just as important as the speed it is hit at.
The smash is used when an opponent returns the shuttle high but short. The advantages of hitting a smash is that it gives an opponent very little time to react and return the shuttle, but if the shuttle is returned this then gives the smasher reduced time to prepare and set themselves for the next shot after hitting a smash. So it is important to choose the correct moment to unleash the smash, as hitting too many can also make a player tire quicker.
How: From the ready position in the center of the court get in line with the shuttle and turn side on to the net. The non-dominant foot should be in front of the dominant foot. Body weight should be evenly spread between the balls of both feet. The non-racket arm should be out in front around shoulder height or where it feels comfortable. The racket arm should be up behind the body line with the racket head pointing toward the sky.
In the next stage of the shot body weight should be transferred to the rear foot. Cock the wrist, swing the racket up and forward to make contact with the shuttle as high as possible and well out in front of the body. The shoulders and hips should also rotate to face the net in this phase of the stroke. Make sure the face of the racket is pointing at the mid court of the opponents side.
On the follow through allow the arm to swing down past the non-dominant leg, and step forward with the dominant leg. Use the momentum of the swing and push off both feet to return to the ready position as soon as possible.
The smash is probably the most attacking shot in badminton. If executed well it is probably the most difficult shot to return, just because of the pace and direction put on the shuttle. The downward angle of the shot is just as important as the speed it is hit at.
The smash is used when an opponent returns the shuttle high but short. The advantages of hitting a smash is that it gives an opponent very little time to react and return the shuttle, but if the shuttle is returned this then gives the smasher reduced time to prepare and set themselves for the next shot after hitting a smash. So it is important to choose the correct moment to unleash the smash, as hitting too many can also make a player tire quicker.
How: From the ready position in the center of the court get in line with the shuttle and turn side on to the net. The non-dominant foot should be in front of the dominant foot. Body weight should be evenly spread between the balls of both feet. The non-racket arm should be out in front around shoulder height or where it feels comfortable. The racket arm should be up behind the body line with the racket head pointing toward the sky.
In the next stage of the shot body weight should be transferred to the rear foot. Cock the wrist, swing the racket up and forward to make contact with the shuttle as high as possible and well out in front of the body. The shoulders and hips should also rotate to face the net in this phase of the stroke. Make sure the face of the racket is pointing at the mid court of the opponents side.
On the follow through allow the arm to swing down past the non-dominant leg, and step forward with the dominant leg. Use the momentum of the swing and push off both feet to return to the ready position as soon as possible.
Backhand Smash:
How: This is much same as the forehand smash except the backhand grip is used, and the body is positioned so that it is facing slightly more toward the back of the court.
From the ready position in the center of the court get in line with the shuttle and turn side on to the net. The non-dominant foot should be in front of the dominant foot. Body weight should be evenly spread between the balls of both feet. The non-racket arm should be out in front around shoulder height or where it feels comfortable. The racket arm should be up behind the body with the racket head pointing toward the sky.
In the next stage of the shot body weight should be transferred to the rear foot. Cock the wrist, swing the racket up and forward to make contact with the shuttle as high as possible and well out in front of the body. The shoulders and hips should also rotate to face the net in this phase of the stroke. Make sure the face of the racket is pointing at the mid court of the opponents side.
On the follow through allow the arm to swing down naturally and then push off the rear foot to turn and move back to the mid court.
How: This is much same as the forehand smash except the backhand grip is used, and the body is positioned so that it is facing slightly more toward the back of the court.
From the ready position in the center of the court get in line with the shuttle and turn side on to the net. The non-dominant foot should be in front of the dominant foot. Body weight should be evenly spread between the balls of both feet. The non-racket arm should be out in front around shoulder height or where it feels comfortable. The racket arm should be up behind the body with the racket head pointing toward the sky.
In the next stage of the shot body weight should be transferred to the rear foot. Cock the wrist, swing the racket up and forward to make contact with the shuttle as high as possible and well out in front of the body. The shoulders and hips should also rotate to face the net in this phase of the stroke. Make sure the face of the racket is pointing at the mid court of the opponents side.
On the follow through allow the arm to swing down naturally and then push off the rear foot to turn and move back to the mid court.
Forehand Drive:
The drive shot is hit hard on a horizontal or slightly downward path, usually played down the sidelines of the court. This is a safe shot in badminton and if played correctly it will force an opponent to hit an upward return, giving the other player a chance to attack..
If the shuttle reaches a player between the level of the shoulder and knee, on the forehand side then they could decide to hit a drive shot. If they do decide this is the best option then they need to keep the racket arm up in front of the chest and ensure body weight is spread evenly between both feet.
To get to the shuttle before it drops too low extend the dominant leg towards the shuttle and reach with the racket arm. Then pivot and turn in the direction of the shuttle, have the racket hand palm facing up with the wrist in the cocked position for the back swing. Swing forward and transfer body weight on to the dominant foot. Make sure to extend the racket arm, roll the forearm over in a supination movement and uncock the wrist to provide the power.
The final stage of this stroke is the follow through when the arm should travel in line with the shuttles path, the palm should now be facing down. Then flex and extend the dominant leg to force the body back toward the centre of the court.
The drive shot is hit hard on a horizontal or slightly downward path, usually played down the sidelines of the court. This is a safe shot in badminton and if played correctly it will force an opponent to hit an upward return, giving the other player a chance to attack..
If the shuttle reaches a player between the level of the shoulder and knee, on the forehand side then they could decide to hit a drive shot. If they do decide this is the best option then they need to keep the racket arm up in front of the chest and ensure body weight is spread evenly between both feet.
To get to the shuttle before it drops too low extend the dominant leg towards the shuttle and reach with the racket arm. Then pivot and turn in the direction of the shuttle, have the racket hand palm facing up with the wrist in the cocked position for the back swing. Swing forward and transfer body weight on to the dominant foot. Make sure to extend the racket arm, roll the forearm over in a supination movement and uncock the wrist to provide the power.
The final stage of this stroke is the follow through when the arm should travel in line with the shuttles path, the palm should now be facing down. Then flex and extend the dominant leg to force the body back toward the centre of the court.
Backhand Drive:
This is a safe shot in badminton and if played correctly it will force an opponent to hit an upward return, giving the other player a chance to attack.
How: The backhand drive is the same as the forehand version except for the slight grip change, and starting in the back swing with the palm facing down and finishing the stroke with it facing up, opposite to that of the forehand.
To get to the shuttle before it drops too low extend the dominant leg towards the shuttle and reach with the racket arm. Then pivot and turn in the direction of the shuttle, with the wrist in the cocked position for the back swing. This should mean the racket is parallel to the floor. Swing forward and transfer body weight on to the dominant foot. Make sure to extend the racket arm, roll the forearm over in a supination movement and uncock the wrist to provide the power.
The final stage of this stroke is the follow through when the arm should travel in line with the shuttles path. Then flex and extend the dominant leg to force the body back toward the center of the court.
(Teach PE, 2017)
This is a safe shot in badminton and if played correctly it will force an opponent to hit an upward return, giving the other player a chance to attack.
How: The backhand drive is the same as the forehand version except for the slight grip change, and starting in the back swing with the palm facing down and finishing the stroke with it facing up, opposite to that of the forehand.
To get to the shuttle before it drops too low extend the dominant leg towards the shuttle and reach with the racket arm. Then pivot and turn in the direction of the shuttle, with the wrist in the cocked position for the back swing. This should mean the racket is parallel to the floor. Swing forward and transfer body weight on to the dominant foot. Make sure to extend the racket arm, roll the forearm over in a supination movement and uncock the wrist to provide the power.
The final stage of this stroke is the follow through when the arm should travel in line with the shuttles path. Then flex and extend the dominant leg to force the body back toward the center of the court.
(Teach PE, 2017)