5. Drive, Smash & Drop Shot

Drive

The drive is played from mid-court to mid-court and is a quick, flat, powerful counter-attacking shot. It can be both a backhanded and forehanded shot. When it is executed correctly, a player will force their opponent to hit an upward return. Read the instructional tips below on how to perform the drive:

• Begin with a split step stance, with more weight on the dominant foot
• Lunge forward towards the flight of the birdie
• Use a relaxed forehand grip and swing the racket backwards, similar to a sidearm throwing motion
• Contact the birdie and use the wrist at the end of the swing for power
• Follow through to the opposite side of the body

Now watch the demonstration of a forehand drive by Badminton England to see it in action.

Smash

The smash is an offensive shot and considered one of the most powerful in badminton. It is played at a downward angle, making it difficult for an opponent to return. Read the instructional tips below of how to perform the smash:

• Begin with a wide sideways stance, with the racket foot towards the back line
• Use a relaxed forehand grip and bring the racket back, similar to a bow and arrow position. The racket must be facing downwards
• Follow the flight of the birdie, raise the non-racket arm to point towards it while simultaneously extending the racket arm backwards to generate power
• Contact the birdie at its highest point and just in front of the body
• Follow through in a downwards arc motion and utilize the wrist for more power

Now watch the VIDEO of a forehand smash by Badminton England to see it in action.

Drop Shot

The drop shot is known  to be a strategic movement which deceives opponents to thinking a player is about to execute a drive shot. It is best to use when the opponent is near the backcourt, as the aim is to get it to just drop over the net. Read the instructional tips below on how to perform the drop shot:

• To  maximize the disguise, the swing should be the same as a clear or smash shot
• Begin with a sideways stance, with the racket foot towards the rear of the court
• Extend the racket arm and raise the non-racket arm to point at the birdie
• Contact on top of the birdie and without too much powerful snap the wrist
• Aim low and right across the net

Now, watch the VIDEO by expert Nghia Tran to see how it in action.