Shots & strokes · Overhead · Advanced · ~6 min
Stick smash
A short, compact smash with a quick "flick" of forearm and fingers, played from midcourt or when there is no time for a full swing.
▶ Master The Stick Smash - Step-By-Step Badminton Tutorial — Badminton Insight (YouTube)
More videos: How To Do a Badminton Stick Smash? Badminton Tutorial🏸 (Shuttle Life) · How to score more winners with your Smash | Stick Smash Tutorial (Tobias Wadenka)
Tactical use & trade-offs
Fast to execute and steep, catching defenders before they set. Less power than a full smash, but quicker recovery. Common in doubles.
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. Very relaxed, then a sharp finger squeeze. |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Compact preparation: elbow up, racket close behind the head, little backswing. |
| Contact point | High and in front, often in midcourt. |
| Racket face | Steeply down. |
| Swing | Short, explosive forearm pronation and finger squeeze; minimal arm swing. |
| Body & footwork | Little rotation required; stay balanced and ready. |
| Follow-through | Very short follow-through; racket back up for the next shot. |
Coaching cues
- Short and sharp
- Squeeze and stop
Common errors
- Long backswing (defeats the purpose)
- Arm-only push without snap
Practice
On your own: Shadow compact swings; wall practice with fast, short strokes.
With a partner: Feeder sends short lifts and high drives to midcourt; hitter stick-smashes and stays ready for a second shot.
Volume: 3 × 10 shuttles.
Safety
- Stop if you feel sharp pain, dizziness, chest pain or unusual breathlessness.