An Imperial Study on the Importance of Body Alignment and its Impact on Badminton Smash Training

Abstract

The forehand overhead smash, which often comprises of 1/5 attacks during matches, is one of the game's prominent techniques. Empirical research demonstrates that in order to produce a strong and precise smash, one must modify their body position in relation to the approaching shuttlecock. As a result, placement has a significant impact on smash quality. Unfortunately, a review of the literature revealed that little or no research has been done on this important topic. This study set out to find out how placement and training experience affected smash quality in order to understand more about how to develop and master the talent. 14 seasoned players and 15 newcomers were studied using 3D motion capture and full-body biomechanical modelling. Results showed that the offensive player's body placement directly affects the shuttlecock release angle and clearance height. The findings also imply that one might undertake a self-selected comfort position towards a statically hung shuttlecock and then walk one foot back - a useful reference point for learning - to instruct the positioning of beginners. Improved limb coordination would raise smash quality more as one obtains experience via consistent training. We anticipate that practitioners may find our findings useful in creating novice training programs.