3 Simple Tips to Increase the Power of Your Badminton Smash
One of the most frequently asked questions in my online coaching program is how to add more power to your badminton smash. No matter where I coach, players always want to know how to improve their backhand and how to smash with more power. The good news is, there are a few simple adjustments you can make to boost both your smash power and accuracy.
1. Start with Your Feet!
Why focus on your feet? Simply put, if you’re not quick enough to get behind the shuttle, your smash will lack power. To generate a powerful and accurate smash, you need to position your body properly. Getting behind the shuttle allows you to add your bodyweight to the shot, providing more force.
How far should you stand behind the shuttle? Ideally, you should be positioned so that the shuttle lands slightly ahead of your non-racket leg, but in line with your racket shoulder.
Exercise 1:
Test your speed to get behind the shuttle. Stand on the front service line and have a partner lift the shuttle to the back line. Try to beat the shuttle to the spot without hitting it. If the shuttle lands too far ahead or too far behind, you may need to work on your speed and positioning. Keep practicing until you feel confident in your footwork.
2. Relax Your Grip
Many players grip their rackets too tightly, causing unnecessary tension in the body. When you’re tense, your body is restricted and can’t move as fast or hit as hard as it could if you were relaxed.
The key here is to find the right balance with your grip strength. A grip that is too tight restricts your muscles and prevents your racket from accelerating effectively. Over time, this can also lead to injuries, such as tennis elbow.
Exercise 2:
Go on the court and hit a few shots with a relaxed grip. Hold the racket firmly enough so it doesn’t slip from your hand, but not so tight that your knuckles turn white. Right before hitting the shuttle, apply a little more pressure to see if it increases the speed of your shots. This will allow your racket to move freely, generating more power in your smash.
3. Improve Your Backswing
Racket technology has improved significantly over the years, allowing players to prepare and hit their shots much quicker than before. In the past, players used a long, tennis-style backswing, but modern badminton requires faster, more efficient movement.
A common mistake I see is the “corkscrew” action, where the racket is moved with a shoulder turn. This can make the smash less accurate and less powerful. To improve your technique, the racket should move directly toward the shuttle.
Exercise 3:
From a defensive stance, place your non-racket hand on your shoulder to feel the muscle movements. Prepare for an overhead shot and feel the direction of your arm and shoulder movement. If you’re using a corkscrew action, your racket will be positioned incorrectly, which can affect the accuracy and power of your smash. Focus on keeping your racket moving straight through the shuttle, rather than across your body.