Physical Education

Forehand Smash

The forehand overhead smash is similar to the action of throwing a ball. If you can throw a ball well, you shouldn't have problem playing this stroke. You can always practice throwing with a shuttle first before stepping on to the court.

Here are some pointers for playing a forehand overhead smash.

• Adopt the forehand grip.
• Turn your body and stand sideways to the net with your non-racket shoulder facing the net.
• Shift your weight on to your rear foot.
• Bend your elbow and lock your wrist preparing to swing forward.
• Raise your non-racket hand and point at the shuttle to improve timing and balance.
• Contact the shuttle as high as possible and in front of your body using a strong throwing action as if you are going to throw your racket high and forward through the air.
• Straighten your elbow as you hit the shuttle.
• Snap down your wrist at the point of impact giving the shuttle extra power and angle towards your opponent's court.
• Follow through with your racket and shift your weight from your rear foot to your front foot.
• Move back to your base position.