I am still unsure of the relative importance of strength/technique in the smash. As someone who throws with a different hand to the one I play badmnton with I'm always a bit worried that my throwing technique is suspect. After lots of practise and tips I seemed to reach a plateau of power. And there were still people who I would consider physically weaker than me with a smash which was stronger. So recently I've just concentrated on developing my shoulder strength and it has really helped. So is this the route to smash nirvana? Build up strength without bulk and hey presto a massive smash...hopefully.
Once you play a sport, strength is surely always a factor, no question. However, technique is much more important than the physical condition. You can see a 5ft young kid excute a thunderous smash, while a 6'5 300lb linebacker can't even put the shuttle over the net.
There's this one BF member, chiho ... I weigh maybe 200 lbs more than him, and he looks like he fix computers all day long, and read computer manuals for fun. His SMASHES make my jaw drop, and he laughs at mine. Technique is supreme. I'll hazard, even over talent. When I look at the army of juniors in VRC on a Sat morning undergoing training, even the juniors disinterested in badminton have superior strokes compared to the most avid casual player. -dave
Technique, precision and accracy with consistantly would be your main importance before putting the power in.
I would say I was looking at this from the perspective of a competent/good player rather than a knockabout player where technique vastly overides any benifits from strength training. Having trained with an international level player I was stunned by how strong his upper body was and how much work he seemed to do in stengthening his racquet arm. Being a number of notches below his standard I thought that it would have little payoff for myself but having recently started a strength program the difference is noticeable. I thought like the views expressed, that technique would be the main factor - but despite attempts I cannot seem to improve the power from any technique changes.
I believe that Technique is very important. Strenght does play a role here , but it is not that important. I experienced this from some pros, even after a marathon game or match. The player's energy almost zapped out "so called". But his smash is still powerful. The sound is almost the same as the time he started playing. They say that most important is the technique.
Most likely you'll not be the first to notice the effects of changes you made. Others or at least the observation of their reaction to your shot will provide better evaluation of your power.
strength I think most people underestimate the physical requirement of a smash.. I don't know if they did any measurment of the smash speed for women during the torunaments. But i suspect women smashes are alot slower than most mens smashes.. And I also assume that after as much traingn the ladies technique would be as good (if not better, in order to compensate for the lack of strength) than mens.. I think what makes people confused is that they define muscular power as having "big" muscles and be able to do few reps of large weights.. Muscles are complex and as we all now a badminton racket isn't that heavy.. Muscles to lift it doesn't need to be that greatly evolved.. However.. its' VERY important with fast-twitch muscle fibers to rapidly be able to rotate the fore-arm and or use the wrist, fingers etc to generate racket speed and thus increase power.. So, the question may be if you define these fast-twitch muscle fibers as "strenght" or if (becuase they are not that wisible) is misstaken for pure technique... /Twobeer
Twobeer: good post. Yes, fast twitch muscles is the key. The ability to transfer the energy from your body movement through the racket.
How do you mean Sir? My smashes stink today. I was hitting them from the baseline and they were going long by 2'-3'. I need to learn more angle.
hmm , interesting but i think i am not an amature. technique>speed>strenght also influnced by shuttle + racket + tension
I am not sure if the shuttle plays a factor during a game because both sides are playing the same bird. Also, just a thought, a strong beginner can swing a NS8000 as fast as he/she can. However, without proper technique, the player will miss hit a lot and break the frame or string.
I think the comparison between top male and female players is a good argument since you would expect their techniques to have reached an equivalent level. Yet, the difference in power is marked. The difference in speed between top badminton male and female smashes compared with the male/female serve in tennis seems similar (need to check the respective stats). But, most people would say that strength has more of a role in tennis. So, if that's the case, similar gains in power can be made by a strength program- at least for weaker male players. So, I would say just purely by working on strength a 10-20% improvement can be made to smash power.
thats why i say technique > speed and speed > strenght and shuttle do make a differencee , playing on a low speed shuttle , it's harder to edge those killer smash and i rather play a placing game when keep smashing harder to maintain the smash i get frm high speed shuttle's.
I totally agree with your deduction (or suggestion) of tech>speed>strength. I also agree that racquet and string combo is a strong factor also. That is many of BFer here emphsize that a proper racquet for your level and style of play is necessary. That is why I say a expensive racquet is useless for beginner. However, I thought you are suppose to use the shuttle according to the court condition. Here is a link http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=25368&highlight=shuttle+speed Also, according to the rule 4.4, a shuttle used in a tournament should pass the shuttle test. I don't think you get to select the speed of the shuttle you use during a tournamnet. I just feel that shuttle is not a factor you should change to get an advantage. Also, just my opinion, type of shuttle will change your stratgies or style of play, it should not help you because you can not ask for a super slow shuttle during a tournament just because you play a net drop game or your opponent can samsh the hell out of you.
