Intermediate player who can smash decently. So lately, I've been working on my smash, but I've noticed that even if I put all my power into my smash, it's still the same speed as a smash I put less power. It's like there is a peak to my speed. So I'm wondering if it's me or if it's my racket. If it's my racket, then what can alter the smash power. I know string tension and shaft stiffness will, but is there anything else?
Check out Lee Jae Bok's videos on YouTube; he has done many on how to get a "power" smash and explains very good. http://www.youtube.com/coachingbadminton
It might be the case that as you put in more 'power' to your stroke that you tense up a bit. We've all been there where we want to absolutely batter the thing into the opponents face but often end up with a relatively weak shot compared to the effort put in. You can lose quite a bit of racquet speed this way - might explain your feeling of a 'peak speed'. I'd suggest trying to keep your grip loose and relaxed (until point of impact where you can squeeze the grip) and concentrate on transferring your weight for the extra power you want, especially using your legs.
Does anyone has a slow motion vid of Lee Chong Wei doing a forehand cross court smash (without the body turn)? We should analyze this smash. We are not talking about how he leaped from base.... most of us will never be able to copy that. At least I want to know he gripped, his preparation, his swing....