smash

[killer321]

I i have a moderately powerful smash, but im not sure where to aim it. when i usually smash, its at my opponent's feet, making it easy for a reply. any ideas on how i can can get out of this habit? thanks

[JoeWright]

Well, you could always go in for a bit of video analysis. ;)

Joe - Badmintology
http://www.topracket.com/Badmintology

[Phil McBride]

Most people tend to aim for the inside hip since it takes a bit of manouvering to get the racket into position for a good reply, the other most effective area is into the space on the court.

[JoeWright]

Are you mixing your smash up with drop shots effectively? This can dramatically improve the effect of your smash as it will (hopefully) stress the defensive formation.

Joe

[ferguwat]

Must admit that due to injuries over the years I hardly ever use a smash .... tending to favour drop shots or "trickery" to get the opponent moving around .... I like to think of it as Chess ... with me forcing opposition around and my partner waiting at the net to kill off the rally.
If I do too many smashes my shoulder hurts like *&@GG!)$ ..... and I worry that my elbow problems will come back too.
For the few smashes that I do .... it would be into space .... or into the opposition body .... not nice, but it usually works !!

[Luncheon]

Another good/safe tactic for doubles is to aim straight down the middle of the court......your opponents won't know which one of them to take it and it avoids the possibility of the shuttle going out, whilst also allowing your partner to know exactly where the shuttle's going.

[Smurf]

Another good/safe tactic for doubles is to aim straight down the middle of the court......
Having a bit of a 'WILD' tendency that's the safest place for me, it also limits the angle of return which gives your partner a better chance to intercept the return.

Where you smash also depends on your opponents and their strengths/weakness in defence, in many cases players tend to favour one side for defence (forehand or backhand), putting it on the other side can force a weak or predictable return. (A smash can be used as a winning shot or to produce a better opportunity for a winning shot)
So try smashing to different places, if your opponents whip it back across you for a winner you've picked a bad place to smash, if it hits the floor or gets bounced up to the net for your partner to kill that's a good place to smash.
Experiment with different heights, angles, playing at people or playing into space. Whatever works :D

[Luncheon]

A WILD one is always worth a go!!!