Smashing Sound

[Athelete1234]

Well, I've been playing for about 4 years, and I've durastically improved over the last two years, and for some reason, when I play people, they always get these exploding sounds when they smash hard...(We play plastic, by the way) but when I smash, it's about as hard as theirs, but I get a relatively quiet sound in comparison...it's almost like a "piuuuu" sound instead of a "bang". Any reasons for that? Or is my hearing just shot :p??

[Ramster]

Maybe its the type of string...Isnt higher bgs thinner which makes a louder sound or something? (friend told me that XD)

[stumblingfeet]

I think part of it has to do with how well your hand/fingers "react" to the impact of hitting the bird. When you make contact, there is a sudden load on the racquet. Of course, your have enough momentum to overcome this load and propel the bird forward, but before that happens your body might be overcome in localized areas, such as your hands.

When this happens your transfer of energy towards the shuttle is somewhat diffused, and what you hear is a softer thud at impact instead of a sharp pow.

[martin8768]

maybe ur slicing ur smash?

[dp_prinz]

Tensions are probably different :D

[DinkAlot]

maybe ur slicing ur smash?

Exactly, what Martin said. When I first started playing, I smashed harder than many of my peers. However, though my swing was fast, when I made contact with the shuttle, the sound was minimal. In contrast, my peers made a loud "BOOM" when they smashed the shuttle. This was the same for my forehand and backhand. I could clear as far or further than my peers but there was no "pop" sound.

I learned real fast it was because I was not hitting the shuttle square (ideally 90 degrees) and cutting/slicing it, not making ideal contact .

Once I corrected this, well, "BOOM" was in full effect. :D

Actually, I'm still trying to correct this with my backhand as I still cut it a bit sometimes. It's actually kind of deceptive the first few times as there's no sound and people move in and the shuttle goes back to the baseline. People tell me it's fine but I want my backhand to sound like my dink smash. :p

Please note: there's nothing wrong with cutting the shuttle. In fact, in many instances, it's good. However, if you're trying to get impressive sound or maximize distance/power, you need to make ideal "BOOM" contact.

[DivingBirdie]

The above posts have explained it well.
What tension do u play at? If you are sure of your techniques, you might want to up your tension


Maybe its the type of string...Isnt higher bgs thinner which makes a louder sound or something? (friend told me that XD)
i haven't heard about this......is this true??

[Marc E]

Maybe its the type of string...Isnt higher bgs thinner which makes a louder sound or something? (friend told me that XD)
If you mean the yonex strings when you say 'bgs' then not neccessarily, bg-65 and bg-70 are the same thickness, bg-68 is thinner than both of them, bg-80 is thinner than bg-68, but bg-66 is thinner than them all.
So you get bg-65/bg70 > bg-68 > bg-80 > bg-66.
The thinner the string and the higher the tension the 'sharper' the smash will sound, but it also depends on the construction of the string. I find bg-65ti sounds sharper than standard bg-65 with the same tension.

[DivingBirdie]

can someone explain to me the theory behind thinner string = louder sound?

[fsnicolas]

I sincerely doubt that the string thickness affects the sound of the impact to a degree described by Athelete1234. As long as the racket strings hit the shuttle squarely and with sufficient force, the "bang" sound should be produced.

One question is, what produces the "bang" sound? The strings or the bird?

[SystemicAnomaly]

...
One question is, what produces the "bang" sound? The strings or the bird?

I would think that it could be a combination of the two - the stringbed and the shuttle interacting with each other. The actual waveform of the sound is probably a bit more complex than what our ears & brain tells us. My guess is that the shuttle interacting with the air is really the major contributor to that "bang" that we hear.

Feather shuttles tend to make more of a "bang" than synthetic ones.

[Mark A]

maybe ur slicing ur smash?

One of Lee Jae Bok's videos addresses this point. It's a tricky one to spot, because YOU will never know you're doing it - it has to be pointed out to you.

I'd suggest the following: do some smashes with your normal grip, then twist the racket slightly "closed" (as though the grip were partly pan handle). Then do some more smashes. If these are more powerful than those from your usual grip, twist the grip even more closed and do some more smashes. As the grip closes more and more, there will come a point where your power peaks and then starts to drop again, as you are slicing "the other way". The grip that gives peak power is the one you should use for smashing.

[fsnicolas]

I would think that it could be a combination of the two - the stringbed and the shuttle interacting with each other.


My thoughts exactly. But, inasmuch as the feathers catch a lot of air, I think it is the strong impact and sudden change of direction of the shuttle produces the impressive "bang" sound. The strings probably just resonate a slight ringing sound. My Yonex racket with "shockless" frame/grommets produce a nice ringing sound that resonates after smashes and strong clears.

[illusionistpro]

i think the more important point is if you are hitting the shuttle properly rather than the sound it produces. I know the sound my woven7 makes is much different than my ti10, so mind your technique over the sound.

in general yes it should make a louder boom or i like to say pop. for smashing its fairly simple to tell if youre doing it right. Youll get an explosive sound and explosive speed out of the bird, feather or plastic. If youre not doing it right youll likely hear a whiffing sound (from slicing or driving through vs snapping your racket). At this point you need to focus on your technique like i said and focus on how you swing your racket. Like dink says different strokes for different folks, but its more like different strokes for different rackets. Mind your shaft flex and play accordingly, generally i believe the stronger you are, the stiffer shaft, but thats not this topic.

summed up i wouldnt rely on sound all that much as you can have super tight strings but a "weak" racket so it will be popping and exploding on each shot but they wont have the same speed as a powerful racket with lower tension string. rely more on your feel and response through how the bird flies after you hit it and how it feels down the racket. hope this helps

[cheongsa]

One question is, what produces the "bang" sound? The strings or the bird?

The bang sound is a mini sonic boom, so something has to move faster than the speed of sound, for a miniscule amount of time.

My guess is that it is some part of the bird that has surpassed the speed of sound, most likely the tips of the feathers...

[Athelete1234]

Thanks to all the replies:)
I'm pretty sure I'm not slicing the shuttle...it's problably the tensions, as I got my racquet strung to 23 lbs, yet it feels like 25 :confused:
Perhaps my stringer has a differently calibrated machine, or overtensions to overcome the fact that my current string (Bg 65) tends to relax...

I think I'm just not hitting hard enough for my strings to activate properly, cause I noticed that I can get a loud bang.... if I hit really hard.

[kwun]

i suggest you borrow your friend's racket and try it out. see if you can make it "boom" like they can.

if so, then perhaps it is the racket/string, if not, then perhaps you don't hit like they do.

[Athelete1234]

i suggest you borrow your friend's racket and try it out. see if you can make it "boom" like they can.

if so, then perhaps it is the racket/string, if not, then perhaps you don't hit like they do.

That sounds like a good idea. I'm also looking for a replacemnt racquet for the one I broke, so I have to try around anyways:p
They all have looser strings than me though. I prefer the better control I can get with higher tensions.

[SystemicAnomaly]

...
I think I'm just not hitting hard enough for my strings to activate properly, cause I noticed that I can get a loud bang.... if I hit really hard.

Perhaps you are trying too much to hit it harder -- ironically this can actually be counter-productive. Try to relax your body, arm and grip a bit more & see if that helps. Oft times when a player tries to hit a 70% or 80% speed smash, they end up hitting it faster instead (kinda counter-intuitive).

Is it possible that you area not hitting your smashes on the (longitudinal) mid-line of the stringbed -- in line with the shaft? Another possibility is that you are hitting too low in the stringbed (below the sweetspot)? You might be swinging too late for your swing speed.

A better contact point would be approx half way between the stringbed sweetspot and the top (tip) of the frame. Try reaching up and contacting the shuttle a fraction of a second sooner -- also, your arm should be extended (but not absolutely straight -- not hyper-extended).

[SystemicAnomaly]

The bang sound is a mini sonic boom, so something has to move faster than the speed of sound, for a miniscule amount of time.

My guess is that it is some part of the bird that has surpassed the speed of sound, most likely the tips of the feathers...

This is a possibility -- much like the tip of a whip breaks the barrier for a very short time when we "crack the whip".


My thoughts exactly. But, inasmuch as the feathers catch a lot of air, I think it is the strong impact and sudden change of direction of the shuttle produces the impressive "bang" sound. The strings probably just resonate a slight ringing sound. My Yonex racket with "shockless" frame/grommets produce a nice ringing sound that resonates after smashes and strong clears.

I believe that the "turn-around" time of a feather shuttle is much quicker than that of a synthetic shuttle -- the feather shuttle is travelling backward and catching extra air for a much shorter period of time than most synthetic shuttles.

Also, feather shuttles tend to become more stream-lined (initially) when struck forcefully. This often does not happen for many synthetic shuttles. These 2 factors make it easier to accelerate a feather shuttle to a higher initial speed and easier to create the "bang' than most synthetic shuttles.

(On the other hand, feather shuttles tend to decelerate more -- later in their flight than some/many synthetics. A lot of beginner shuttles hardly decelerate at all).

[illusionistpro]

The bang sound is a mini sonic boom, so something has to move faster than the speed of sound, for a miniscule amount of time.

My guess is that it is some part of the bird that has surpassed the speed of sound, most likely the tips of the feathers...

not trying to flame but are you kidding? speed of sound is like 700 mph. the sound it just the impact, friction and what not. i really doubt theres a sonic boom goin on there.

[stumblingfeet]

Yeah, the sonic boom seems implausible. For metric guys out there, that's about 340 m/s or 1200 km/hr. The acceleration that the shuttle would have to go through, and consequently the stress of the various forces involved would be quite large, and I'm not sure whether the shuttle could survive such an impact. The feathers are fragile, after all.

Also, plastic shuttles are much more deformable than feather shuttles. Just try squeezing one in your hand - for a given force the plastic shuttle bends much farther. Also, feather shuttles are much more brittle - squeeze too hard and you'll break the feathers. Plastic shuttles on the other hand won't break so easily, though they may be permanently deformed if you squeeze too hard.

[cheongsa]

Also, feather shuttles tend to become more stream-lined (initially) when struck forcefully. This often does not happen for many synthetic shuttles.

Do you mean the other way around? Most high-speed videos show the skirt of plastic shuttles deforming more than feather shuttles...

[cheongsa]

not trying to flame but are you kidding? speed of sound is like 700 mph. the sound it just the impact, friction and what not. i really doubt theres a sonic boom goin on there.

The bang sound is the give away signature of a shock front, though I do not know enough about fluid dynamics to know whether it is necessary to exceed the speed of sound to generate one. Maybe I am wrong.

I just tried a hand clap, which sounds like it involves a shock front. And clearly, no part of my hands ever come close to the speed of sound.

I know that shock fronts can form in large-amplitude waves, because of the nonlinear term in the Navier-Stokes equation. Perhaps this is the origin of the bang.

It would interesting if someone can test this, because the two scenarios: (i) sonic boom, and (ii) no sonic boom, can be distinguished experimentally. If the shock front forms in the absence of a sonic boom, there should be a detectable lag between the shuttle being struck, and the bang sound reaching its peak intensity.

[Side remark: it is not terribly difficult to exceed the speed of sound, actually. A stiff and light beam has a very high transverse elastic wave velocity that is greater than the speed of sound in air. The time rate of change of its transverse displacement, which is how fast parts of the beam moves, is usually slower than the speed of sound, because the amplitudes of the normal modes are small. If we can either make the amplitude of the fundamental mode very large, or make the amplitudes of higher harmonics larger, we would be able to make some parts of the beam move faster than the speed of sound.]

[stumblingfeet]

Shock waves appear in transonic flow - about Mach 0.8 to 1.2. For speeds between Mach 0.3 and 0.8 (~360-960 km/h), the flow is compressible, but without shock waves. Of course, this makes no reference to the amplitude, but the common example of fluid flow is an airplane which I'm guessing is a lot louder than a feather shuttlecock.

cheongsa: I'm not sure if I'm understanding you correctly, but are you basically saying that when you move the racquet handle, there is a delay between that movement and the movement of the racquet head given by the length of the racquet divided by the transverse elastic wave velocity?
Is anything actually interacting with the air, or is this effect internal to the racquet (i.e. it's an expression of the speed of sound in the racquet)?

[SystemicAnomaly]

Do you mean the other way around? Most high-speed videos show the skirt of plastic shuttles deforming more than feather shuttles...

My understanding is that high-speed studies have shown that the deformation of synthetic shuttles is rather ugly -- it initially becomes very distorted on a fast shot because of the nature of its construction (the skirt is all one piece & duznt change its shape in a very uniform or coherent manner).

On the other hand, the feathers of a feather shuttle can move more independently and will move pretty much only in 2 directions -- inward to make it a bit more stream-lined (the skirt narrows uniformly) and then outward again as the shuttle continues on its path trajectory (to provide some additional braking action during its flight that is not seen, to the same degree, with many synthetic shuttles).

The feathers do not change shape lengthwise at all whereas synthetic shuttles can do so (which can initially impair their ability to accelerate to the same top speed that a feather shuttle does).

Granted, the deformation of a feather shuttle is not huge, but it is significant and, most inportantly, it is uniform. for this reason the initial top speed of a feather shuttle can be greater than many, not all, synthetic ones. However, the extra braking action (as the skirt widens uniformly) wll cause the feather shuttle to slow down moreso than most synthetics.

I would imagine that a synthetic shuttle cause a greater air turbulence than a feather shuttle becuz of the manner in which each of them deforms. This can account for differences in their initial top speed.
.

[stumblingfeet]

Fluid dynamics is a tricky subject.

I agree that the feather shuttle deforms more uniformly, but the fact remains that the material stiffness of the feather shuttle is greater than that of the plastic shuttle. For a given pressure, the plastic shuttle will simply deform more than the feather shuttle. The surface area opposing the direction of motion will have a much greater effect on the magnitude of the drag than the shape characteristics.


Besides, air turbulence doesn't always mean more drag. Think of the dimpled golf ball versus the smooth one. The dimples create more turbulence which results in less overall drag on the system.

[cheongsa]

Shock waves appear in transonic flow - about Mach 0.8 to 1.2. For speeds between Mach 0.3 and 0.8 (~360-960 km/h), the flow is compressible, but without shock waves. Of course, this makes no reference to the amplitude, but the common example of fluid flow is an airplane which I'm guessing is a lot louder than a feather shuttlecock.

To avoid confusion, let us be sure to identify the moving object in each case.

(1) In my initial post, I claimed that parts of the shuttle moved momentarily faster than the speed of sound. I realized later that this is not a necessary condition for the bang sound.

(2) In my example of the hand clap, no parts of my hands ever come close to the speed of sound. I don't know enough about fluid dynamics to tell whether air within the boundary layers might be ejected at high, possibly supersonic, speeds, or that they are ejected merely at large amplitudes, forming shock fronts after they have been ejected.

[Side remark]
Also, are you referring only to streamlined objects in your statements above? Most objects are audible when they move through air. Unlike sound coming from the degradation of shock fronts, their sound spectrum is also peaked at discrete frequencies. A badminton racquet hisses as it is swung, because of the degradation of vortices trailing the stringbed.

I can identify three characteristic length scales for the stringbed: (a) the gauge of the string, approximately 1 mm; (b) the interstring distance in the cross-weave, approximately 1 cm; and (c) the overall extent of the stringbed, approximately 20 cm. Using c = 340 m/s for the speed of sound, the three characteristic frequencies should be f_a = 340 kHz, f_b = 34 kHz, and f_c = 3.4 kHz.

f_c is of course the principal frequency we hear when we swing an unstrung racquet, but f_a and f_b are both inaudible. Perhaps an experiment can be done to analyze the acoustic spectrum of a racquet swing in ultrasonic frequencies...



cheongsa: I'm not sure if I'm understanding you correctly, but are you basically saying that when you move the racquet handle, there is a delay between that movement and the movement of the racquet head given by the length of the racquet divided by the transverse elastic wave velocity?
Is anything actually interacting with the air, or is this effect internal to the racquet (i.e. it's an expression of the speed of sound in the racquet)?

No, that was not what I was saying. My claim is: (1) if any part of the shuttle exceeds the speed of sound, a sonic boom would occur. This is most likely to occur when the shuttle is struck, which means that the peak acoustic intensity from the sonic boom would occur momentarily after the shuttle is struck; and (2) if striking the shuttle merely produces a large amplitude pulse of air, this pulse would first move outwards, to form a shock front some distance away from the origin of the pulse. The acoustic intensity of this shock front would therefore peak some time after the shuttle is struck. This time lag should be measurable.

[cheongsa]

Besides, air turbulence doesn't always mean more drag. Think of the dimpled golf ball versus the smooth one. The dimples create more turbulence which results in less overall drag on the system.

Form drag versus skin drag...

A shuttlecock, being a bluff object, suffers primarily from form drag. But this situation is complicated by airflow that bleeds through the space between the shafts of the feathers...

[XtC-604]

ok all this transonic stuff is more than my physics 11 knowledge can handle..... but i would like to say, how is it possible that if you smash as hard as you say you do, but no SOUND!? i mean everyone that i've played against, even 12 year olds can make a minor boom @.@

[SystemicAnomaly]

ok all this transonic stuff is more than my physics 11 knowledge can handle..... but i would like to say, how is it possible that if you smash as hard as you say you do, but no SOUND!? i mean everyone that i've played against, even 12 year olds can make a minor boom @.@

Sure, everyone makes a sound when they smash a shuttle. However, the sound that we are talking about here is a fairly loud, very sharp (staccato) acoustical event. It has been my experience (25+ yrs) that most recreational players (& even many intermediate players) do NOT make a sound of this quality very often. Also, this type of sound is much less common with synthetic shuttles.

[SystemicAnomaly]

Better choice of words: Feathers deflect, Nylon deforms.

I would think that the feather deflection (skirt becomes narrower) would make the shuttle sleeker - more aerodynamic. Nylon shuttles become distorted upon impact (uneven wider skirt?) & somewhat after impact making them less aerodynamic very early in their smash flight.


Fluid dynamics is a tricky subject.

I agree that the feather shuttle deforms more uniformly, but the fact remains that the material stiffness of the feather shuttle is greater than that of the plastic shuttle. For a given pressure, the plastic shuttle will simply deform more than the feather shuttle. The surface area opposing the direction of motion will have a much greater effect on the magnitude of the drag than the shape characteristics.

Besides, air turbulence doesn't always mean more drag. Think of the dimpled golf ball versus the smooth one. The dimples create more turbulence which results in less overall drag on the system.

You probably know a bit about more about fluid dynamic, specifically aerodynamics, than do I. I see your point that air turbulence duznt always equate to more drag. Some amount or type of turbulence (coherent turbulence?) could be beneficial to the speed/distance and control of a projectile. However, wouldn't excessive or very unruly turbulence be a detriment?

It is my belief that the synthetic shuttle experiences 2 types of deformation. The first, more detrimental, deformation occurs as the shuttle makes contact with the stringbed. This is when the nylon shuttle becomes quite distorted -- it scrunches up & loses its conical shape. The feather shuttle, due to its longitudinal stiffness does not experience very much of this type of distortion.

Something else to consider -- since the nylon shuttle deforms more, does it lose more of less energy in the form of heat than does a feather shuttle?

I believe that the nylon shuttle does not turn around as quickly after string contact. This is due to its construction -- probably due to its aerodynamic qualities as well as its distribution of weight. If this is true then the nylon shuttle would be flying backward for a slightly longer period than the feather shuttle -- causing it is "catch" more air. This would undoubtedly result in more form drag. This action would most likely result in somewhat less acceleration and a different sound.

The 2nd type of deformation of the nylon shuttle experiences is similar, but significantly different, to the type of deformation that the feather shuttle. After it turns around, the skirt of the synthetic shuttle would attempt to streamline like the feather shuttle does. However, this deformation would probably be somewhat irregular (since it does not consist of individual moving parts = feathers). In light of what you have pointed out, I'm not certain if this difference in this type of deformation is a minor factor or a major factor.

[Slicedbanana07]

If you mean the yonex strings when you say 'bgs' then not neccessarily, bg-65 and bg-70 are the same thickness, bg-68 is thinner than both of them, bg-80 is thinner than bg-68, but bg-66 is thinner than them all.
So you get bg-65/bg70 > bg-68 > bg-80 > bg-66.
The thinner the string and the higher the tension the 'sharper' the smash will sound, but it also depends on the construction of the string. I find bg-65ti sounds sharper than standard bg-65 with the same tension.


BG68's are the same thickness as BG80's. Also, bg66's, i've seen them advertised on the actual packet as 0.68 as well.

[fsnicolas]

My, my... all this physics just for getting satisfaction from the sound of a shuttlecock. :D

[Shifty]

i simply think that a quick, more explosive action generates a louder bang as the force is compressed more. for those with a larger swing, the it usually sounds less loud as the time span is longer, meaning less force per time but same force in total as it's a longer time frame. so i think maybe your friends hit it with a very fast action, whereas you hit it with a slower, more lengthened shot.

[XtC-604]

Sure, everyone makes a sound when they smash a shuttle. However, the sound that we are talking about here is a fairly loud, very sharp (staccato) acoustical event. It has been my experience (25+ yrs) that most recreational players (& even many intermediate players) do NOT make a sound of this quality very often. Also, this type of sound is much less common with synthetic shuttles.


Well, i don't think the thread starter is that much of a recreational player or intermediate......

[XtC-604]

Well, I've been playing for about 4 years, and I've durastically improved over the last two years, and for some reason, when I play people, they always get these exploding sounds when they smash hard...(We play plastic, by the way) but when I smash, it's about as hard as theirs, but I get a relatively quiet sound in comparison...it's almost like a "piuuuu" sound instead of a "bang". Any reasons for that? Or is my hearing just shot :p??

Btw i think its cause your slicing your shot

[SystemicAnomaly]

Well, i don't think the thread starter is that much of a recreational player or intermediate......

the thread starter is a 14-yr old who uses nylon shuttles & describes self as an intermediate. he has indicated that he duznt believe that he is slicing the shuttle -- maybe he is, maybe not.

[Matt]

Maybe he is not hitting the shuttle straight on. Still, even if you do, the crack does not come out every single time, even if you were using a feather – more like a ping or somewhere between a ping and a crack.

The strings resilience would also have something to do with it as well.

[XtC-604]

Matt, are you in BC right now?i played with Azn 123 today, lets play next week if your in town

[fsnicolas]

Sure, everyone makes a sound when they smash a shuttle. However, the sound that we are talking about here is a fairly loud, very sharp (staccato) acoustical event. It has been my experience (25+ yrs) that most recreational players (& even many intermediate players) do NOT make a sound of this quality very often. Also, this type of sound is much less common with synthetic shuttles.

Of course, we have different experiences when it comes to the frequency with which we encounter this sound among the players we are with. In the Philippines, badminton has become extremely popular and, from the sound produced from the racket-shuttle contact, we can tell whether a player is a beginner or not. The "pop" or "bang" more or less indicates whether a player has had some training, or at least advice, from a pro/coach. We know that the most basic stroke that is taught is the forehand clear. Once a player is taught this by a pro/coach, the player can produce the sound frequently when doing base-to-base clears and smashes.

Even pre-adolescent girls can produce this sound with their shots with the proper coaching. This is because it is not the strength of the entire stroke that is crucial but the speed of the racket and the angle of the racket face at the time of contact.

[Athelete1234]

Wow, I generated a discussion on sonic booms and explosions:D:D
Thanks for all of the replies though. I'll check my swing first, but I'm pretty sure that the lack of a big *boom* is probably because the amount of power I put in my smashes is inconsistant. In most situations, I prefer angle over power....
So anyways, I'm pretty sure it's just that I'm lacking in force to create a big bang.

[Matt]

If you can get a solid ping, that would be ok as well.

[SystemicAnomaly]

...
Even pre-adolescent girls can produce this sound with their shots with the proper coaching. This is because it is not the strength of the entire stroke that is crucial but the speed of the racket and the angle of the racket face at the time of contact.

I'm curious -- is this your experience with synthetic shuttles as well as feather? I believe that this sound is easier with feather and certain types of nylon shuttles -- particularly with shuttles that use real cork rather than rubber and have flight characteristics somewhat similar to feather.

String type, gauge and tension could also be significant factors. When I started playing, many moons ago, 15-16 lbs were considered tight tensions. Later, when I was competing (in the '80s), I believe that common tensions got up to 18-19 lbs. With younger players using much higher tensions these days, it may very well be much easier to attain the loud staccato sound if the shuttle is hit cleanly/squarely.

What type (& model) of shuttles is common in the P.I. ? Common string tensions?

[Athelete1234]

I've tried feather birds before, they make a nice crack when you do clears. I haven't had enough play time with them to tell about smashes though. For plastic shuttles, I use Yonex Mavis 300. I used an armortec 500 with Bg65 at around 24-25lbs, and I could get good sound out of it actually, but it broke, so I'm stuck with my relative's muscle power 99 with Bg65 21lbs.

[fsnicolas]

I'm curious -- is this your experience with synthetic shuttles as well as feather? I believe that this sound is easier with feather and certain types of nylon shuttles -- particularly with shuttles that use real cork rather than rubber and have flight characteristics somewhat similar to feather.

String type, gauge and tension could also be significant factors. When I started playing, many moons ago, 15-16 lbs were considered tight tensions. Later, when I was competing (in the '80s), I believe that common tensions got up to 18-19 lbs. With younger players using much higher tensions these days, it may very well be much easier to attain the loud staccato sound if the shuttle is hit cleanly/squarely.

What type (& model) of shuttles is common in the P.I. ? Common string tensions?

I seldom see anyone using nylon/synthetic shuttles here. Feather is by far more popular, at least in the northern island of Luzon, which is the main island. As for shuttle models, the following are readily available and used in clubs: Yonex: AS-40, 10 and 2; RSL: Tourney, Official, Silver; Aeroplane: (not sure of the models), Victor: Gold, Green, and others. There are many others such as Carlton, Prince and Dunlop but I don't see them used as often. Chinese brands have also come into the market. Currently I use Jinque AAA (the official shuttle for the Chinese National Team according to the ad), which has been used in official tournaments. Flies well and is pretty durable (usually is good for 2 games). Also, the price makes it even better.

As for string tension, since it's very humid here, recommended tension is higher than usual. For men (non-beginners), the range of tension can start from 21 lbs. to 28 lbs. (upper limit usually for pros). I'm not sure about women but 18 lbs. seem to be the lower limit here. These are for older teens and adults.

[thatoneaznguy]

I think the boom sound is cause from your acclerating racket making contact with the bird. For instance, when you snap, the sound comes from your middle finger making contact with your lower part of your thumb. Apply the same logic.

[DragonLord]

I have 3 Ashaway Flex 8000 rackets that i have been using for years. All are strung using the same tension 25lbs but 2 of these are strung using slightly thinner strings. I am able to get the 'boom' sound on these rackets but find it very difficult with the one which has the thicker string. The one with the thicker string has less of a bounce/ spring effect. I think its to do with the generation of speed when you hit the shuttle. The factors that need to be taken into consideration is your strength, speed and timing and its easier to make the noise if you hit it full on.

[joonu]

Dear Athelete 1234,
Throw away the synthetic shuttle.Play with good quality feather shuttle.I think your problem is of wrong shuttle contact.When the shuttle contact becomes correct, the sound you are looking for will follwo.One short cut-hit the shuttle as the racket contacts the cocrk and feather .When you smash, immeadiately after the hit stamp on the floor wood as if the sound generated seems continuation of the smash sound.Then another sound will follow.A long clap sound from the audience.

[kinoko]

focus on position of racket and shuttle at the point of contact. this very point of contact and how u swing the racket very similar to if you do basic stroke. focus on your wrist rather than swinging down the whole arm. i do think its because of you slicing the shot. and yes i do agree completely with joonu throw away the plastic shuttle.. they are evil... =)


I have 3 Ashaway Flex 8000 rackets that i have been using for years. All are strung using the same tension 25lbs but 2 of these are strung using slightly thinner strings. I am able to get the 'boom' sound on these rackets but find it very difficult with the one which has the thicker string. The one with the thicker string has less of a bounce/ spring effect. I think its to do with the generation of speed when you hit the shuttle. The factors that need to be taken into consideration is your strength, speed and timing and its easier to make the noise if you hit it full on.

i do agree with this too although i must say with the correct stroke technique you should be able to get the crisp sound. yes thinner string will helps delivering the power and sound too. id say anything above 23lbs should be fairly easy to achieve that unless ur a tiny midget with super unfit physical condition =p...

my suggestion is borrow sm1's racket that u heard him play the sound u want.. then try it your self.. although one thing with borrowing racket... different grip, length of racket, weight of racket can alter your timing too so u might not hitting it at ur usual timing.

[Smichz]

The tension matters,the thickness matters,the way u do it matters.Whether u slice it or smash rite onto it.The racket matters as well.

[DinkAlot]

The tension matters,the thickness matters,the way u do it matters.Whether u slice it or smash rite onto it.The racket matters as well.

If you're an all about BOMBER, not really. :p

[jhanple]

age: 19
playing level:average


My problems is that,sometimes when I smash the feather of the bird broke, i should say I hold the racket and swing the racket in a correct way but still the feather broke.
Ayone could say anything about my problem plz?

[azabaz_ipoh]

cheap feather? wrong timing? too much power? :D not really a smasher myself. better ask nice gentle panda for advice. :D

[ichandray87]

Yea I noticed the same problem. How do I ensure that i am hitting the shuttle properly and not slicing it?

[DinkAlot]

Yea I noticed the same problem. How do I ensure that i am hitting the shuttle properly and not slicing it?

You can hear the BOOM when you hit the shuttle correctly. When you slice it or don't hit the shuttle optimally square on the racket face, you won't hear the prominent BOOM.

The best way is to have your coach or an advanced player look at your grip/form/footwork to see if you are in the ideal position for that BOOM shot. If not, correct from there.

[Athelete1234]

I solved this problem by adding more wrist, and stringing at a higher tension. Dunno why that helped. I broke my previous racquet, and got a new one, so now I'm fine.

[ionoo]

are you suppose to bend your wrist to create a 90 degree angle when smashing?

[SystemicAnomaly]

are you suppose to bend your wrist to create a 90 degree angle when smashing?

Are you referring to wrist extension prior to contact or to wrist flexion after making contact? In either case, I'd say a 90 bend is not needed.

[slow_shash]

i just shifted from an mp44 to mp99.whenever i get it right the shuttle seems to explode of the racquet.other times it's worse than mp44.i guess it has a lot to do with timing and technique

[Athelete1234]

The MP99 has a sweetspot low on the face. If you hit it higher, then it feels incredibly weak, however, it gives amazing power if hit right.

[jerby]

the 'best' way to ensure you hit it square on is practising it a lot. Minor tricks include a slight change in your grip to panhandle (just look at Lin Dan's photo on the yonex catalogue, for example) and making a more straightforward hitting action (álways keeping the head square on with the bird...less twisting and turning)

[Jurethatsme]

Hi! I read a lot about technique and saw a lot of videos about smashing and I have improved my smash a lot in 5 years playing badminton. But there is something which I cannot explain - I know how to make a "whip-like-stroke" and that the flexibility of the racquet is important here BUT: when has the racquet time to bend if you acctually accalerate the racquet surface parallel to the direction of stroke with your elbow directed to the shuttle and at very last moment you snap the wrist and hit the head surface perpendicular to the shuttle. So how is it possible to bend the racquet in direction perpendicular to the head surface during the stroke (because such reaction hits the shuttle with so many times called whip-like movement)? It's a little confusing I know but hope that you will understand what i mean. Any ideas?

[Gollum]

BUT: when has the racquet time to bend if you acctually accalerate the racquet surface parallel to the direction of stroke with your elbow directed to the shuttle and at very last moment you snap the wrist and hit the head surface perpendicular to the shuttle?

You really don't need to worry about this. The actual mechanics of a smash swing are very complex, and trying to analyse them is unlikely to help your game.

Suffice to say that the racket will bend, and the violent twisting motion of your forearm (with the final timing in your fingers) is necessary to generate a powerful smash.

[Jurethatsme]

You really don't need to worry about this. The actual mechanics of a smash swing are very complex, and trying to analyse them is unlikely to help your game.

Suffice to say that the racket will bend, and the violent twisting motion of your forearm (with the final timing in your fingers) is necessary to generate a powerful smash.

Yes I know that it works... I also saw on slow motion video (Lin Dan) that racquet really bends during the smash... And you can tell if you swing properlly... But ok, I will have to smash without knowing how this really happen. Like in that story where scientists proved that a bumblebee cannot fly because his wings are too small for his big weight. But bumblebee does not know this and he just fly! :)

[stumblingfeet]

The racquet flexes with any swing. The amount that it bends depends on the racquet flexibility and how much acceleration you're generating.

[XKazeCloudX]

Like in that story where scientists proved that a bumblebee cannot fly because his wings are too small for his big weight. But bumblebee does not know this and he just fly! :)

LOL if we can communicate with them they will go. OH NO i cant fly! *falls*

[XKazeCloudX]

To maximize sound output and power, you hit it squarely. I really despise people who think they have a quiet hit, and they think that just by increasing tension it will be louder. It would, a bit or alot, but you should first do it with whatever tension you have now. Because many players that i've seen including myeslf. Can have very loud pop while using very low tension. My bg-65 strung at 21lbs used for one year. And had no trouble producing sound, quite loud I might add. Now I know i am hitting it correctly. Not because I have a high tensioned racket.

[DinkAlot]

My bg-65 strung at 21lbs used for one year. And had no trouble producing sound, quite loud I might add.

Good point and I forgot to mention that. In fact, if you want a loud BOOM, go lower tension. It will be a loud deep BOOM. High tension makes a higher pitch BOOM, not as impressive as the deep loud BOOM when you smash. :D

Of course this is assuming you can maximize the racket and string to produce the BOOM. :p

[Athelete1234]

Well the problem wasn't that I had a fast swing speed, it was that I wasn't having a consistent swing speed, sometimes fast, sometimes not as fast. If I wanted to, I could produce a loud boom, but most of the time, I didn't have the swing speed. I'm getting better at that though.

[XKazeCloudX]

Good. Then keep a lower tension. Because a lower tension does not require you to swing that fast anyways.
Thanks for backing me up dinkalot lol.

[Athelete1234]

I find that 24lbs is good for me, and I can get a good sound about 80-90% of the time. It's been a month since I first started this thread, and I've been working on a consistent swing speed.

:D 100th post!!

[XKazeCloudX]

I find that 24lbs is good for me, and I can get a good sound about 80-90% of the time.!

everybody loves high tension.

[Athelete1234]

No, I've been using 23lbs for a while, and after I broke my racquet, I just went up 1 lb. Not that much.

[badboy4life]

also has 2 do with the racket aswell!! mainly the smashes!!

if i use the yonex 8000 it dont make a proper sound...but if i use the 9000 its so much more powerfull!!!!!

[dyrtla]

i dont think the racket has much to do with the sound.
of course if the racket swings faster i assume its going to make a bigger 'boom!'
but what really determines the sound is, as somone previously mentioned, the string tension.
Lower tensions will definitely create a deeper Boom!
whereas higher tensions will create a piercing boom!

[Athelete1234]

Yep.....explosive swings with no slice will generate the clearest sound and with the most repulsive feel.