Can you master the badminton offensive technique known as "smash"? Here are 5 key tips to remember for maximum power!

Smashing is a skill every badminton player strives to master. There are three types of smashes: powerful smashes, chopping smashes, and net smashes. If the powerful smash is like an incredibly devastating sword, then the net smash is akin to a lightning-fast blade. Today, we’ll talk about the net smash—master it, and you’ll be able to score points effortlessly!

What situations are suitable for a solo kill?

The drop shot technique is often used in singles play—it’s a versatile tactic that allows players to both attack and defend effectively. In singles, most of the time is spent maneuvering opponents and maintaining control, leaving little room—or even the confidence—to execute powerful smashes. Players also hesitate to use heavy smashes casually, as they might end up exhausting themselves without gaining much advantage. However, opting for a well-timed drop shot can be an excellent choice, as it effortlessly creates opportunities for decisive attacks.

The drop shot is typically used against the opponent's flat or high shots. Specifically, it’s most effective when the opponent pushes or smashes the ball—when the incoming shuttlecock isn’t particularly high but travels fast and arcs either over your head or into your forehand area. At this precise moment, if you can quickly retreat and deliver a sharp, decisive hit, it’s the perfect time to execute the drop shot.

If your opponent lifts a high, deep shot to the backcourt, you won’t be able to execute a drop shot effectively (unless the lift isn’t properly placed). That’s because you’ll need to wait at the ideal spot just below and behind the shuttlecock as it descends to strike it—losing that fluid timing. In such situations, a smash, a high clear, or a soft drop shot would be the best options.

Master these 5 key points to execute precise point kills.

The hallmark of "point killing" is its high degree of unpredictability and "surprise attack" nature, emphasizing seamless, fluid execution that catches opponents off guard. This technique relies on the explosive power of the forearm, fingers, and wrist to deliver sharp, swift, and precise shots—while maintaining exceptional stealth in movement to ensure an element of surprise. Therefore, when generating power, players must pay close attention to the following key points:

1. A single-foot takeoff is all you need—when hitting a forehand shot, you can step forward and deliver a powerful drop shot with one foot.

2. Generate power using your forearms, fingers, and wrists—with the wrist being the key focus. During the drop shot motion, snap your wrist forward and downward as you strike the ball. At this moment, make sure to grip the racket firmly. After hitting the ball, gently release the tension in your wrist, allowing it to naturally curl upward.

3. Small body movement: Since the player didn’t fully turn sideways, the follow-through rotation after hitting the ball is also relatively minor.

4. After hitting the ball, instead of drawing the racket downward, there’s a rebounding motion as you bring it back, since there’s no need to engage the strength of your upper arm and elbow.

5. Strike the ball to reach the highest point.

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In a drop shot, the key is maintaining smooth, fluid motion—typically, a drop shot isn’t executed with a single, decisive flick to outright win the point. That’s why, after executing a drop shot, you need to immediately prepare for your next move. A drop shot is quick and sudden, making it tough for your opponent to intercept at the net. Usually, they’ll either counter with a smash or push the shuttle back deep into the court—or even lift the shuttle directly over the net. So, after delivering a drop shot, don’t let your racket drop; instead, stay ready to launch your next attacking play!

Want to master the drop shot? What should you practice more often in your daily routine?

To fully leverage this technique, off-court strength training is essential. The "point kill" shot places high demands on the forearms and wrists, requiring significant explosive power to ensure the ball lands with pinpoint accuracy. Therefore, it’s crucial to focus on strengthening and practicing your wrist and forearm muscles.

To start, use lighter dumbbells or handle-style weights to rotate your wrists through various angles. Once you’ve adjusted, gradually increase the weight—this is especially effective when practicing with a tennis racket. Before a match, try swinging the racket as part of your warm-up; by the time you step onto the court, you’ll feel like your smashes have extra power!

Hold the position with your arms relaxed—keep your upper arms loose, and rest your forearms gently against your thighs. Perform wrist extension and flexion movements, focusing your (force) squarely on the wrists throughout the exercise. At the same time, aim to maximize the range of motion as much as possible. Repeat 10–15 times per set, completing 3–5 sets in total.

Put a plastic bag over the racket to increase air resistance during swing practice—aim for 20–30 swings per set, repeating 5–8 sets.

Friends who play ball, have you mastered it yet? Quickly save this for future reference and practice regularly. The thrill of point shots is truly incredible—and they’re even easier to master!