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Forehand smash

Badminton / Popular

Generate steep power from rotation, timing, contact point, and follow-through.

What coaches agree on

  • Rotate your whole body in sequence to build power: push off the ground, then let the hips, torso, shoulder, elbow and finally forearm follow through in order, starting from a sideways stance to the net rather than swinging with the arm alone.
  • Get behind the shuttle and take it out in front of your body, roughly half a metre ahead, so your body weight is moving forward through the shot.
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  • Keep a relaxed forehand grip through the swing and squeeze your fingers only at the moment of contact.
  • Raise your non-racket arm in preparation and pull it down and across your body as you rotate, to add rotational speed and keep your balance.

Common mistakes

  • Smashing from a poor position, such as a deep lift near the back line or while off balance, invites a strong defensive reply and can cost you the rally.
  • Slicing or cutting across the shuttle instead of striking it flat and clean bleeds power out of the smash.