Shots & strokes · Overhead · Intermediate · ~5 min
Cross-court smash
A smash angled diagonally across the court, moving the opponent across and away from their position.
Prescription3 × 10 shuttles · rest 1:30
EquipmentRacket, Shuttles, Badminton court
ImpactLow
FormatNeeds feeder
Tactical use & trade-offs
Moves the opponent sideways and can be a winner if they cheat toward the straight smash. Travels further (more reaction time for them) and leaves the straight areas open for their reply, so recover well.
Technique
| Grip | Forehand grip: shake hands with the handle, the V between thumb and index finger on the top-left bevel, fingers relaxed and slightly spread. |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Turn side-on early, racket arm cocked with the elbow at about shoulder height, non-racket arm pointing up toward the shuttle, weight on the back (right) foot. |
| Contact point | In front and slightly more to the left (for a forehand cross smash) than the straight smash. |
| Racket face | Angled down and across the body toward the far side. |
| Swing | Same as the straight smash with a slightly more across-the-body path and pronation. |
| Body & footwork | Full rotation; hips turn through. |
| Follow-through | Follow through across; recover to cover the straight net reply. |
Coaching cues
- Same look, different angle
Common errors
- Opening early (telegraphed)
- Going out wide
Practice
On your own: Shadow straight and cross smashes from the same preparation.
With a partner: Feeder lifts; hitter is told straight or cross after contact or chooses randomly; defender practises reading it.
Volume: 3 × 10 shuttles.
Safety
- Stop if you feel sharp pain, dizziness, chest pain or unusual breathlessness.