The Smash Vs. The Lob

Wednesday, August 22, 2018 - 11:15
Larissa
Customer Service and Admin

We’ve all been there – you go to hit the birdie and can’t quite decide if your going for a lob or smash. There are a variety of different types of badminton shots, but in this article we’ll be focusing on these two essential shots.

The Lob
The lob is also known as a “clear”. The goal of this shot is to send the shuttle to your opponents’ baseline. The trajectory of this shot is a high curve with a drop at the end of the court.

When to use it:
To slow the pace of the game if there are multiple quick back and forth shots.

  • This forces your opponents to run backwards towards the baseline (giving you a second to breathe).
  • It also makes it harder for them to hit back with a powerful shot as the birdie is often to low to the ground to smash back if executed perfectly.

How to accomplish:
  Grip:

  • As an overhead shot with a forehand grip
  • Underhanded in either the forehand or backhand grip
  • Or if you’re feeling really ambitious the overhead backhand which is completed while facing backwards!

  Weight:

  • Depending on your grip, a medium weight is needed as too hard and you’ll go sailing too far, but too light and you’ll be passing it right to your opponent.

Negatives:

  • Can be easy to smash back if the shuttle does not travel as far as intended.

The Smash
The Smash is often thought of as one of the most powerful shots in the game. The shuttle is brought from higher in the air to any spot on the court very quickly.

When to use:

  • When you are in the back half of the court
  • When your opponent hit up a lob that did not travel as far as intended.

How to accomplish:

  • Most commonly done in the forehand grip.
  • Raise both your racquet arm and non-racquet arm to counter balance.
  • Shoot the shuttle at the highest point and with a full swing. The shot will not be as effective if attempted when the birdie is already on the decline.

Negatives:

  • If you’re not careful, you can easily smash the birdie on your own side of the net.

Both of these shots have their place and vary in effectiveness depending on the situation and your comfort level. However, make sure to avoid using the same shot every time as your opponent will quickly figure out what you’re doing and how to best defeat you.

We hope you have a smashingly good time this season.