Andrew Pace
The cross-court smash is a powerful attacking shot in badminton that can reach speeds of up to 565 km/h. It is a type of smash that is hit diagonally to the other side of the court. The technique is similar to a normal smash, but with a few key differences. To perform a cross-court smash effectively, players need to stand behind the shuttlecock, with their feet shoulder-width apart and their knees slightly bent. The racket should be held upright and as far back as possible, with a forehand grip. A little twist of the wrist towards a hammer grip can help with a clean hit. The player should then swing the racket to connect with the shuttlecock, shuffling their feet forward and following through with the swing. The forearm rotation is key to this shot, as it helps to deceive the opponent and makes it difficult for them to anticipate the cross-court smash.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of shot | Attacking downwards shot |
| Speed | Up to 565 km/hour |
| Player's position | Behind the shuttle |
| Racket position | Upright and as far back as possible |
| Racket grip | Forehand grip, at the bottom of the grip handle |
| Racket movement | Fast racket head speed, transferring body weight forward |
| Body movement | Rotate hips, torso, and shoulder |
| Footwork | Directional split-step towards the backcourt |
| Opponent's position | Aim for the defender's racket-side hip |
| Deception | Use forearm rotation to disguise the shot |
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What You'll Learn
Forehand grip
The cross-court smash is a powerful attacking shot in badminton, where the shuttlecock travels diagonally across the court to the opponent's side. It is a high-risk, high-reward shot that requires deception and good technique.
The grip used for a cross-court smash is generally the basic forehand grip. However, the wrist can be twisted slightly towards a hammer grip, allowing for a cleaner hit and making it easier to rotate the arm to send the shuttlecock diagonally. The grip is a crucial part of the technique and should be mastered by beginners. The grip should be loose until the last moment before impact, creating extra speed.
To learn the forehand grip, imagine you are shaking someone's hand. Your thumb and forefinger should create a 'V shape', with a little space between the index and middle fingers. The grip should be loose, as a tight grip will hinder your ability to change grip styles quickly during a match. Practice is key to mastering the forehand grip, and it is recommended to start with a routine where you switch grips after every shot.
The forehand grip is also used for all quick and low forehand shots. When performing a powerful shot, the grip may shift slightly towards a pan-handle grip, and the grip may be tightened to generate more power.
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Footwork
The starting position for the footwork in a cross smash is the same as for any other shot in badminton. You should begin in the base position, which is at the centre of your court. This position allows you to quickly react to the shuttlecock's location and move accordingly.
When the shuttlecock is at the back corner of your court, initiate the movement with a directional split-step towards the backcourt. This split-step helps you reach the shuttlecock quickly and gives you a higher chance of setting up a powerful cross smash.
As you prepare to hit the shuttlecock, position yourself about half a metre behind it. This slight distance behind the shuttlecock is crucial because it allows you to rotate your body forward, generating more power for the smash.
While executing the smash, ensure that your racket arm is close to your body, and your non-racket arm acts as a counterbalance. This balanced stance helps you maintain stability and control during the shot.
After making contact with the shuttlecock, follow through with your swing and shuffle your feet forward. This forward movement adds momentum to your shot and can help deceive your opponent, making it difficult for them to anticipate your cross smash.
Additionally, footwork for a cross smash can benefit from a deceptive approach. Instead of facing the diagonal direction of your target, try to disguise your intentions by using your arms and upper body deceptively. This way, your opponent won't be able to predict the direction of your smash as easily.
In conclusion, the right footwork for a cross smash in badminton involves a combination of quick directional steps, balanced stance, and deceptive body movements. Practising these techniques will help you improve your footwork and become more successful in executing powerful and deceptive cross smashes during a game.
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Deception
When hitting a cross-court smash, you need to add a little deception to the shot, as your opponent will have more time to react to it than a forward smash. You can do this by positioning yourself as if you are going to hit a forward smash, but then rotating your forearm a little more to push the shuttle diagonally. This is called a late forearm rotation, and it will make it difficult for your opponent to read your shot.
To master this technique, you need to have good footwork. All shots in badminton start from the base position in the centre of the court. If the shuttle is at the back corner, you need to start your movement with a directional split-step towards the backcourt. You can improve your footwork by working on your legs and core at the gym.
It is also important to disguise your drop shots. You can do this by making your preparation look the same as for a smash or clear. You can also use slice and reverse slice to change the direction of your drop shots.
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Body rotation
Firstly, ensure you are standing behind the shuttlecock, about half a metre. This allows you to rotate your body forwards into the shot, adding power. Your body should be facing sideways, with your racket arm at a 90-degree angle, and your non-racket arm pointing upwards to assist with timing, balance, and rotation. This consistent preparation for all overhead shots will make your moves less predictable to your opponent.
Next, you need to rotate your hips, torso, and shoulder to generate a fast racket head speed. This rotation transfers your body weight forward into the shuttlecock. Imagine a fluid motion that begins at hip height and finishes at head height. This is a smooth, continuous motion that extends through the point of contact, with your arm finishing roughly straight.
To add deception to your shot, you can make it look like you are going to hit a forward smash. To achieve this, you need to rotate your forearm a bit more to push the shuttlecock cross-court. This late forearm rotation will make it difficult for your opponent to predict your move.
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Jump smash
The cross-court smash is a type of smash in badminton that travels diagonally to the other side of the court. The technique used is similar to a normal smash, but with a few differences.
To perform a jump smash, you should aim to take the shuttlecock from a higher point. This will allow you to get a steeper angle on your smash. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Footwork
The footwork for all shots in badminton starts from the base position, which is the centre of your court. If the shuttle is at the back corner, start your movement with a directional split-step towards the backcourt.
Step 2: Body Positioning
Position your body so that you are about half a metre behind the shuttlecock. This will allow you to rotate your body forwards into the shot, generating more power. Your body should be facing sideways, with your racket arm at a 90-degree angle and your non-racket arm pointing upwards to aid with timing, balance, and rotation.
Step 3: Racket Grip
Hold the racket in a forehand grip, with your hand at the bottom of the grip handle. This creates a longer lever, helping you to generate more power. You can twist your wrist slightly towards a hammer grip, which will allow for a cleaner hit and make it easier to rotate your arm for the cross-court smash.
Step 4: Body Relaxation
Keep your body loose and relaxed until the last moment before striking the shuttlecock. This helps to create extra speed in the racket.
Step 5: Body Rotation
Rotate your hips, torso, and shoulder to generate a fast racket head speed and forward momentum. This is key to transferring your body weight forward into the shuttlecock and creating a powerful smash.
Step 6: Forearm Rotation (For Deception)
To add deception to your cross-court smash, rotate your forearm a bit more to push the shuttlecock cross-court. This will make it more difficult for your opponent to anticipate your shot.
Step 7: Tighten Grip at Contact
At the moment of contact, tighten your grip to give more power to the shot.
Practice is key to mastering the jump smash. With enough repetition, you will be able to execute this shot with accuracy and deception, just like the top badminton players.
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Frequently asked questions
A cross smash, or cross-court smash, is a shot that is hit diagonally to the other side of the court.
The technique for a cross smash is similar to a normal smash, but with a few differences. You will need to use a forehand grip, with your hand at the bottom of the grip handle, and twist your wrist slightly towards a hammer grip. This will allow you to hit the shuttlecock cleanly and make it easier to rotate your arm to send it cross-court. To generate power, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent. Inhale deeply and swing your racket to connect with the shuttlecock, following through with your swing.
To deceive your opponent, make it look like you are going to hit a forward smash straight to the opposite court. At the last moment, rotate your forearm to push the shuttlecock cross-court. This late forearm rotation will make it difficult for your opponent to read your shot.
The cross smash is a great variety shot to add to your arsenal of attacking shots. However, it is important to note that if your opponent is covering the court well, you should probably avoid smashing cross-court as it can expose you to a counterattack. Instead, aim for the defender's racket-side hip, which is their most vulnerable spot.
