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.
Wow, I generated a discussion on sonic booms and explosions 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.
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'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.
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.
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.
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.
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 follwne 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.
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 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.
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.
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?
cheap feather? wrong timing? too much power? not really a smasher myself. better ask nice gentle panda for advice.
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.
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.
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.
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
