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Backhand smash

Badminton / Popular

Use a short backhand action to attack from awkward rear-court positions.

What coaches agree on

  • Rotate your grip so your thumb presses on the back ridge or side of the handle, turning it further round the more the shuttle is behind you.
  • Let your elbow lead the swing first, then snap your forearm and wrist through the shuttle for power, rather than swinging your whole arm.
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  • Turn to face backward with a split-step and pivot, then lunge so your racket foot lands at the same instant you strike the shuttle.

Common mistakes

  • Leaving the grip flat and unrotated points the racket face outward, so the shot flies wide or loses power.
  • Tensing the arm and grip through the swing is a common error that kills racket-head speed - the power comes from staying relaxed until the last moment and then snapping through.