Amanda Knapp
Spiking, or smashing, is a legal move in badminton, and there are several types of smashes, including the forehand, jumping, and backhand. While it is a valid strategy, some consider it unsportsmanlike, especially at intermediate, casual, or recreational levels. There are also specific rules around serving, such as both feet of the server and receiver must be in contact with the ground, and the shuttle must be below 1.15 meters from the court surface when struck.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Spiking allowed? | Yes |
| Body shots | Part of strategy |
| Head shots | Dangerous and unsportsmanlike |
| Types of smash | Forehand, jumping, backhand |
| Badminton serve rules | Both feet must be in contact with the ground when striking the shuttle |
| No time limit for the serve, but delays are frowned upon | |
| The shuttle must be below 1.15 metres from the court surface when hit by the server |
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What You'll Learn
Smashing is a legal move in badminton
Smashing, or spiking, is a legal move in badminton. However, there are several rules that players must follow when serving, and players can be disqualified for faults. For example, according to the BWF Laws of Badminton 9.1.6, the shuttlecock must be below 1.15 metres from the surface of the court when it is hit by the server. Additionally, the server must make their serve in a forward continuous motion, and both feet of the server and receiver must be in contact with the ground until the shuttlecock is struck.
There are three main types of smash: the forehand, the backhand, and the jumping smash. To execute a forehand smash, a player must be on their toes and ready to return the shuttlecock with a smash at any instant. For a backhand smash, it is important to be able to switch to a backhand grip quickly and naturally. The player should get underneath and slightly behind the shuttlecock, switch to a backhand grip, and point their body to the back of the court. The faster the player can switch their grip, the more powerful the smash will be.
While smashing is a legal move, some consider it unsportsmanlike to target body shots and headshots. It is recommended that players focus on improving their defence against smashes rather than relying on them as a strategy.
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It is considered unsportsmanlike at casual levels
While spiking or smashing is not illegal in badminton, it is considered unsportsmanlike in casual settings. The aim of these games is to have fun and play well without worrying about getting hurt. Body and head shots are unnecessary at this level and are considered a "bully move".
Spiking is a strategy employed by players to win by exploiting their opponent's weaknesses. It is a more advanced technique that requires a player to be balanced and have good grip strength and footwork. However, in casual games, players are not expected to have mastered these skills yet, and spiking can be dangerous.
In casual badminton, the focus is on enjoying the game rather than winning at all costs. Players want to improve their skills and have a good time without fearing injury. Spiking can be seen as targeting and is therefore frowned upon. It can also be dangerous, as one player noted that they were hit in the eye, and another mentioned that the 2004 Olympic MS silver medalist is nearly blind in one eye from a similar accident.
To avoid being spiked, players can stand further back from the net and work on improving their defence. However, this takes away from the casual nature of the game and can ruin the experience for those who just want to play for fun.
If players want to spike, they should communicate this to their opponents beforehand to ensure everyone is on the same page and consenting to this style of play.
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There are three types of smash
While spiking is allowed in badminton, players are not permitted to target their opponents' bodies or heads. This is considered unsportsmanlike behaviour, and players who engage in this kind of conduct are viewed as bullies.
Now, onto the smash. The smash in badminton is a powerful and aggressive shot played from the rear court, hit with speed and force in a downward direction. There are three main types of smashes, each with its own unique characteristics and ideal scenarios for usage:
- The Standard Smash: This is the most common type of smash, characterised by its downward trajectory and powerful nature. It is typically employed when an opponent is off-balance, out of position, or has been pushed back to the backline. The scissor kick movement is often used to execute this shot.
- The Stick Smash: The stick smash is a controlled variation of the standard smash, with less power and a steeper trajectory. It is effective when playing off-balance as it can be hit from various positions. The hitting action is shorter and snappier, and the swing speed is slower.
- The Jumping Smash: This technique involves adding a jump to the standard smash, allowing players to hit the shuttlecock with increased force. It is a more advanced move that can be highly effective in beating your opponent.
While the standard and jump smashes are considered the most important to master, the stick smash can also be a valuable tool in a player's arsenal, offering more control and the ability to hit from different positions on the court.
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It is not illegal to hit an opponent
While badminton has a set of rules that players must follow, intentionally hitting an opponent with the shuttlecock is not explicitly forbidden. This means that it is not illegal to hit an opponent during a game of badminton. However, this does not mean that it is encouraged or considered good sportsmanship.
In fact, some players may view this action as a "bully" move, especially if it is done intentionally and repeatedly. It is important to note that the primary goal of badminton is to hit the shuttlecock over the net using a racket, not to target and hit the opponent.
That being said, some players may argue that hitting an opponent is simply a strategic move to exploit their weaknesses and win the game. This strategy, sometimes referred to as a "smash" or "body shot", is more commonly employed in competitive badminton.
If you are playing recreationally and are uncomfortable with being targeted by smashes or body shots, it is advisable to communicate your concerns to your opponent. If they do not adjust their strategy, you may choose to discontinue playing with them or limit the amount of playtime you engage in with that person.
To avoid being hit by the shuttlecock during a game, it is crucial to prioritise your defence. This includes practising wall hitting to improve your reaction timing and maintaining a safe distance from the net. Additionally, you can improve your defence by positioning yourself side by side with your partner in the middle of the court, ready to defend against smashes.
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There are strict rules for serving
Firstly, the server in a badminton match is determined by a coin toss, and the player who serves first in any game does so from the right side of the service court. The basic rule for serving is that the player must use a continuous forward motion to strike the shuttlecock. The shuttlecock must be hit below 1.15 meters (3.77 feet) from the court's surface, which limits the power of the strike. This rule was introduced in 2018 to improve the fairness of high-level tournaments.
In addition, the server must have both feet on the ground during the serve, and neither foot can be touching any of the court lines. The server also cannot move their feet until the shuttlecock has been struck. The receiver must also have both feet on the ground until the shuttlecock is struck, and they cannot receive two consecutive services in the same game.
Furthermore, the players on either side cannot impede the sight of the server or receiver. The players can take up any positions on their side of the court as long as they do not obstruct the serve. After each game, the sides change, and any player from the winning side may serve in the next game.
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Frequently asked questions
While there are no explicit rules against spiking or smash hitting your opponent in badminton, it is generally considered unsportsmanlike and dangerous. It is a strategy employed by bullies, and players are advised to discontinue playing with such opponents.
You can either stop playing with them or train yourself to defend against such shots. Improving your defence and reaction timing through wall-hitting practice can help.
There are three main types of smash: the forehand, the jumping, and the backhand. For a forehand smash, get underneath and behind the shuttle as quickly as possible to boost your reaction time. For a backhand smash, switch to a backhand grip quickly and point your body to the back of the court.
Yes, the BWF Laws of Badminton specify rules for serving. Both feet of the server and receiver must be in contact with the ground until the shuttle is struck, and neither side should cause undue delay in serving once both players are ready. The shuttle must also be struck below 1.15 metres from the court surface or below the server's waist.
