Why do you always experience wrist pain when playing sports? It’s very likely that there’s an issue with your follow-through motion.

•3 min read
Why do you always experience wrist pain when playing sports? It’s very likely that there’s an issue with your follow-through motion.

Do you ever have this feeling:

Painful wrist after repeated smashes or clears?

This is after the smash and the high, long shot,

Caused by improper finishing form!

Four Standard Movement Sequences for High Clears and Smashes

Shuttlecock lift – backswing – smash – follow-through

This article focuses on highlighting the most easily overlooked action among these four processes: closing the shot.

Swing through: Bring the racket naturally across your body to the opposite side—make sure it’s not the same side!!!
Objective: To dissipate the remaining energy after impact and protect your joints from injury!
In the first three movements, the wrist joint remains relaxed yet still assists in generating force—relaxation ensures no issues arise, while applying force maintains strength without increasing the risk of injury. Now, all that’s left is the fourth step: closing and snapping the motion.
Often, when players are finishing their swings, they fail to complete the follow-through motion and abruptly stop mid-air. This results in a forced closing of the racket face. As a consequence, the remaining power from the swing isn’t fully dissipated—leaving the player to rely solely on the limited flexion of the wrist to absorb the residual force.
By comparison, among the three major joints in the human arm—shoulder, elbow, and wrist—the wrist joint is arguably the weakest. When movements aren’t performed correctly, forcing the wrist to absorb excessive strain over time inevitably leads to injury. And since our wrists are constantly in motion—whether we’re typing, cooking, or even holding everyday objects—it becomes incredibly difficult for the tendon sheath in the wrist to heal fully. As a result, once injured, these issues tend to linger and become chronic. This clearly underscores just how crucial it is to emphasize proper technique in badminton!


First: Wrist movements are divided into these three types.

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Every shot in badminton is a combination of two wrist movements—such as the shuttlecock lift serve, which involves extending the wrist backward and then snapping it upward.


Everyone needs to think: After executing a smash or a high-clear shot, what kind of wrist movement should you use when bringing the racket back? Surprisingly, 90% of players habitually "curl" their wrists as they finish the swing! Clearly, this "wrist-curling" motion after a smash or high-clear is the most common cause of wrist injuries.


Look at their follow-through—they all lack the wrist-flicking motion!

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The proper "closing gesture" should be as demonstrated by Chen Long.
After hitting the ball, the forearm must rotate inward into position.
Ensure your palm faces to the right after making contact with the ball.
Once in position, smoothly pull back and downward to release the force.
This consciously regulates the finishing motion.

This can effectively help prevent elbow and wrist injuries!


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For amateur players, if certain movements simply can’t be changed, it’s okay not to try—but when it comes to techniques that easily lead to injuries, making corrections is absolutely essential! Mastering proper, well-rounded techniques not only helps prevent injuries, but also allows you to fully enjoy the health and joy that come with playing badminton!


More article recommendations:

5 Common Bad Habits in Shuttlecock Netting—Correct Them Early, and You’ll Become a Pro Faster

The ultimate weapon for badminton offense! Have you mastered the forehand smash and drop shot?

Having trouble with slow start-up speed in badminton? Try shifting your center of gravity—it’ll make an immediate and amazing difference.


Zhao Jianhua, Yang Yang, and Li Mao have prepared over 100 lessons for everyone, covering techniques like badminton net play, backhand cross-court hooks, and smashes. Click "Read the Original Article in the Bottom Left Corner" to check them out! If you're looking to improve your badminton skills, don't miss this opportunity—definitely worth it!




Click here to access 100 lessons.

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