Shots & strokes · Overhead · Advanced · ~5 min
Jump smash
A smash from a jump, giving a higher contact point, a steeper angle and earlier contact.
▶ Learn The Jump Smash! Step-By-Step Badminton Tutorial — Badminton Insight (YouTube)
More videos: 5 Drills To Hit The PERFECT BADMINTON JUMP SMASH (Aylex Badminton Academy) · Jump smash MASTERCLASS by Basic Feather | Badminton tutorial (Basicfeather)
Tactical use & trade-offs
Steeper and earlier, but costs a lot of energy and makes recovery harder. Use selectively on short lifts. High-impact landings add load.
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. Move early so you are under the shuttle before jumping. |
| Contact point | At the top of the jump, in front of the body. |
| Racket face | Angled steeply down. |
| Swing | Full smash action in the air; legs scissor during the stroke. |
| Body & footwork | Jump from both feet or the right foot; rotate in the air. |
| Follow-through | Land left then right (scissor) and move forward immediately. |
Coaching cues
- Get under it first
- Land soft, move forward
Common errors
- Jumping late or from too far back
- Poor landing balance
- Overusing it
Practice
On your own: Countermovement jump to stick plus shadow swings; scissor-kick landings (3 × 5).
With a partner: Feeder lifts to midcourt; hitter jump-smashes 5–6 shuttles then rests fully.
Volume: 2–3 × 6 shuttles with full rest; not on days with heavy leg work.
Safety
- High impact: requires good landing mechanics, leg strength and a non-slip surface.
- Stop if you feel sharp pain, dizziness, chest pain or unusual breathlessness.