Differences between clears and smashes

Theres not much difference in technique between a clear and a

smash. In both cases, the challenge is getting enough power.

The main technical difference is the contact point. Clears are hit
with the shuttle directly above the right shoulder, whereas the
contact point for smashes is slightly out in front of the body. This
difference occurs because clears are hit in an upwards direction,
whereas smashes are hit downwards.

For this reason, getting behind the shuttle is especially important

if you want to play a good smash.

Learning the basic hitting technique

This section offers three lessons to help you develop your power
for forehand clears and smashes.

To make it easier to learn, this section follows a structure similar

to actual coaching sessions. Ive divided it into three lessons:

Body rotation
Arm rotation
Combining arm rotation with body rotation

To get the most power, you need to prepare in a side-on hitting

position. This allows you to create power from body rotation.
Learning body rotation

Start with a relaxed basic grip.

Turn your whole body sideways, so that your left side is closer to
the net than your right side. Your left foot should be in front of
your right foot. Make sure your right foot is pointing out to the
side of the court.

Raise both your arms so that your elbows are level with your
shoulders: your elbows and shoulders should be in a line. Lean
back slightly, so that your right elbow is lower than your left
elbow.

You should be looking forwards towards the net, not sideways.

From this side-on position, step forwards with your right foot and
reach up high to hit the shuttle.

As you step forwards, your hips and shoulders should turn: you
begin with your body facing to the right, you hit the shuttle with
your body facing the net, and you finish the stroke with your
body facing mainly to the left.

Temporary footwork

For now, you should keep your left foot on the ground as you hit
the shot, and step forwards with your right foot.

I call this footwork a step-through: youre stepping through the

shot. This is a simplified footwork method, which makes it easier
to learn the hitting technique. Later on, you can learn to use a
scissor jump instead, which will increase the power you get from
body rotation.

The forehand throwing action

The hitting technique for forehand clears and smashes is often

likened to throwing a ball a long distance, with an overhead
throwing action. Its as though you throw the racket at the
shuttlebut without letting go of the racket!

You can practise the correct throwing action by standing at the

back of the court and trying to throw a shuttle over the net. You
can also try throwing other items, such as tennis balls.

Then try making the same action while holding your racket. You
may find it helpful to practise the movement without a shuttle
(shadowing the shot).

How to practise the hitting technique

I suggest you start by practising a forehand clear. You can also

practise smashes if you prefer, but most players find the clear
easier to begin with.

First, just focus on a high contact point

For your first practice, focus on these two coaching points:

Start with a relaxed basic grip.

Reach up above your head for a high contact point.
The ideal contact point is above your right shoulder, at full
relaxed reach. You should be reaching up, but your arm should
not be completely straight: there should be small angles at the
elbow, wrist, and shoulder.

Next, try to add body rotation

Once you are comfortable reaching up for a high contact point,

try adding more parts of the technique:

Get into a side-on stance, with your right foot back and your
arms elevated.
Step into the shot with your right foot, turning your body
and shoulders.
Use an overhead throwing action to hit the shuttle

Arm rotation is essential for creating power in badminton. In my

opinion, its the most important aspect of hitting a powerful shot.

What is arm rotation?

Arm rotation involves turning the arm inwards or outwards. In

badminton, both the upper and lower arm contribute power.

Lets try out both of these arm rotations. First, get yourself into
the following starting position:
(Xoay cnh tay l g?

Tay quay tay bao gm quay cnh tay vo hoc ra ngoi. Trong
cu lng, c cnh tay trn v cnh tay gp sc.

Hy th c hai vng xoay cnh tay. Trc tin, hy t i vo v tr

bt u sau y)

Starting position

Put your arms at your sides, with your palms facing inwards
and your fingers pointing towards the floor.

Now bend your elbows 90 degrees, so that your hands are

out in front of you with the palms facing each other. Your
fingers should be pointing forwards.

(im xut pht

t cnh tay ca bn hai bn ca bn, vi lng bn tay

ca bn hng vo trong v cc ngn tay ca bn ch vo
sn nh.

By gi un cong khuu tay ca bn 90 , bn tay ca

bn c ra pha trc ca bn vi lng bn tay i mt vi
nhau. Cc ngn tay ca bn nn hng v pha trc.)
Rotation of the lower arm (forearm)

From the starting position, turn your hands over so that your palms are facing the floor.
This movement is pronation of the forearm.

Return to the starting position, and turn your hands so that the palms face upwards. This
movement is supination of the forearm.

(Xoay cnh tay di (cng tay)

T v tr bt u, hy xoay tay bn tay ca bn phi i

mt vi sn. Phong tro ny l s thay i ca cng tay.

Tr li v tr bt u, v xoay tay ca bn lng bn tay

hng ln trn. Phong tro ny l s h tr ca cng tay.)