Fatima Bilal

Engr. Mnahil Javed

Biomechanics BM-214

25 March 2024

Biomechanics of the Badminton Smash: A Biomechanical Analysis

Abstract:

This analysis thinly slices and dissects the phases of a badminton move widely known as

Badminton Smash. Coursing through the importance of correct posture and perfectly timed

moves along and precise mannerism and accurate delivery.

Introduction:

Badminton enthusiasts and athletes alike are captivated by the artistry and power behind

the badminton smash. A deep dive into the biomechanical underpinnings of this skill reveals a

symphony of muscular actions, joint dynamics, and lever mechanics that together produce a

formidable stroke. This comprehensive report illuminates the biomechanical intricacies

surrounding the badminton smash, dissecting every element from stance to follow-through,

highlighting key muscle groups, joint movements, technique faults, anatomical planes, and

leverage mechanics.
 Preliminary Movement Analysis:

It is quite necessary to grasp the idea of the layout of the human anatomy to gain the

understanding of the foot position, the grip required to exert the entire body’s weight, wide

stance and the proper wrist positioning.

Fig. 1. Jenny, the creator of Badminton Insight, shows how keeping a loose and low grip on the badminton handle

creates speed and a longer lever.

Executing a powerful badminton smash relies heavily on the correct positioning of the feet and

grip on the racket. To begin with, a well-coordinated foot position and grip play a crucial role in

delivering an effective shot. Players often adopt a staggered stance, with the non-racket foot

placed slightly forward to facilitate smooth weight transfer during the smash. This positioning

allows for optimal balance and power generation, enhancing the overall impact of the shot.
Fig. 2. Indonesian badminton player, Praveen Jordan. If observed closely, Praveen is in the middle of the execution

of a badminton smash. Observe his grip on his racket. His fingers are barely wrapped around the racket. This results

in generating vast speed.

Apart from foot positioning and grip, the wide stance and proper wrist positioning are also

essential components for a successful badminton smash. A wide stance not only provides

stability and balance but also enables the player to harness maximum power from their legs and

core muscles. This stability is crucial for generating powerful and accurate smashes.

Additionally, the correct wrist positioning is vital for executing a flawless smash.
Fig. 3(a). Jenny, in the first picture shows her stance to be reserved and in Fig. 3(b). we can clearly see the result of

her restrained mannerism. Due to her conserved posture her activity is limited.

A wider stance would make the surroundings more accessible. There would be no limitations.

Rotation is very important, and for that the limbs need to be quite frail around the body, in terms

of placement. Here is how a wider range looks like.

Fig. 4(a, b and c). A wider body positioning.

By keeping the wrist cocked back during the backswing and snapping it forward during the

swing, players can effectively transfer energy from their body to the shuttlecock, resulting in a

powerful and precise shot. Grey mentioned in one of his lectures that the swing of the arm,

forearm and the hand is important, but he is trying to put his entire 75kg weight in his swing.
Fig. 5(a). Optimal point for hitting. Fig. 5(b). A forehand grip, but in some cases a panhandle grip is also suggested.

The feet, powered by plantar flexors like the gastrocnemius and soleus, provide propulsion for

the smash. Grip strength, courtesy of forearm muscles such as flexor digitorum profundus and

flexor digitorum superficialis, ensures racket control. Wrist extensors (e.g., extensor carpi

radialis brevis, extensor carpi radialis longus) play a pivotal role in maintaining proper wrist

positioning for optimal racket orientation.

Phase Analysis:

Body Position: When executing the badminton smash, it is essential to maintain a slight forward

lean, with the non-racket shoulder facing the net. This specific body position is crucial for

optimizing the transfer of kinetic energy from the lower body to the upper body and racket.
Fig. 6. Greg and Jenny, depicting how to achieve a proper body position.

Phases Breakdown: The badminton smash can be broken down into several key phases to

ensure maximum effectiveness. The first phase is the backswing, where the racket is brought

back behind the body, storing potential energy. Next is the force-producing movement, which

involves explosive leg extension, trunk rotation, and rapid acceleration of the racket towards the

shuttlecock. The critical instant comes when the racket contacts the shuttlecock, exerting

maximum power. Finally, the follow-through phase emphasizes the continuation of the swing

motion post-contact, leading to improved accuracy and control.

Fig. 7 (a and b). The backswing involves eccentric contractions of deltoids, pectoralis major, and latissimus dorsi,

storing potential energy. Force production phase entails concentric contractions of deltoids, pectoralis major, and

triceps brachii for generating power. The critical instant sees the culmination of muscle actions, resulting in

maximum force on the shuttlecock. Follow-through phase engages muscles like rectus abdominis, obliques, and

quadriceps to dissipate energy and prepare for the next movement.

Biomechanical Principles: Throughout each phase of the badminton smash, biomechanical

principles play a significant role. These principles, such as Newton's laws of motion and force

summation, govern the mechanics behind the smash. For example, Newton's third law explains

how the force applied to striking the shuttlecock results in an equal and opposite reaction,

propelling the shuttlecock towards the opponent's court.

Fig. 8. A shot portraying how distance enhances the power and accuracy of the smash.

Bone and Joint Involvement and Utilization of Major Muscle Groups:

 Fig. 8. Bones involved in a badminton smash. Lower Body: The ankle, knee, and hip joints are essential for

generating power from the legs. The explosive movement starts from the ground up, with these joints working in

unison to provide a strong foundation for the smash. Upper Body: The shoulder, elbow, and wrist joints are crucial

for the swinging motion of the racket. They coordinate to deliver precise and powerful shots, while the spine

provides stability and transfers force from the lower body to the upper body.
 Fig. 9(a and b). Lower extremities (hip, knee, ankle joints) form the foundation for power generation.

Shoulder joint, supported by rotator cuff muscles, provides a necessary range of motion. Elbow joint and wrist joint

crucial for racket acceleration, precision, and control.

 Fig.10. These muscles work in coordination to execute the badminton smash effectively. Keep in mind that

some muscles have multiple parts or layers, and their activation may vary slightly depending on individual

biomechanics and technique.

 Fig. 11. Muscles involved in badminton smash.

Technique Faults:

Common Technique Mistakes: When executing a badminton smash, it is crucial to avoid

common technique mistakes such as improper timing, incorrect foot positioning, inadequate

wrist action, and insufficient rotation of the trunk.

• Mistimed swings lead to decreased power output.

• Incorrect body positioning compromises stability and balance.

• Faulty wrist action results in decreased racket control and accuracy.

 Fig. 12(a and b). Depiction of wrong execution resulting in losing control of the shot.

Impact on Performance and Injury Risk: These technique faults can have a significant impact on

performance by diminishing power, accuracy, and control. Moreover, they can increase the risk

of injuries due to overuse or improper biomechanics. For example, improper wrist action can

lead to a loss of racket head speed, resulting in reduced power of the smash and raising the
likelihood of injuries to the wrist or forearm. Proper form and technique are essential for

preventing injuries and maximizing performance in badminton.

Anatomical Planes:

The badminton smash technique relies heavily on movements in the sagittal and

transverse anatomical planes. The sagittal plane plays a crucial role during the backswing and the

force-generating motion, whereas the transverse plane is essential for trunk rotation and

acceleration of the racket.

• Sagittal plane movements driven by quadriceps and hamstrings for power

generation.

• Frontal plane actions by abductors and adductors maintains balance.

• Transverse plane rotations executed by obliques and rotator cuff transfer energy

to the racket.

Levers and the Badminton Smash:

Fig. 13. Examples of levers.

 In the world of badminton, the concept of levers plays a significant role in enhancing the

biomechanics of the smash shot. Lever, in this context, refers to the racket, which acts as a lever

itself to magnify the force applied by the player during the smash. The length of the lever, which

is the racket in this case, along with the coordination of muscle contractions around the joints,

determines the amount of force produced during the badminton smash. A longer lever enables

the player to achieve greater racket head speed, resulting in a more powerful shot. Additionally,

efficient energy transfer and power generation are facilitated by the synchronized contraction of

muscles around the joints.

• The racket arm acts as a lever, elbow joint as the fulcrum, and shuttlecock as the

load.

• Lever length influenced by anthropometric factors like arm length dictates

mechanical advantage.

• Muscle contraction dynamics, following sliding filament theory, determine the

force exerted on the racket.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, badminton smash is a skill that requires a deep understanding of the physics

behind muscle activation. By mastering the intricacies of timing, coordination, and technique,

players can unleash a powerful and precise shot that can give them the winning edge on the

court. Understanding the dynamics of muscle activation in the badminton smash is key to

mastering this essential skill in the game of badminton.

 Works Cited

Badminton Insight/ https://youtu.be/H7kpZ9inc10?si=AdeFdKpamw4fFenK

Basic Biomechanics by Susan J. Hall.

Visuals from Google Images.