Biomechanical principles applied to badminton stroke production

The purpose of the present paper is to review biomechanical research carried out over the last thirty years on the execution of badminton power strokes, and to share with the coach important implications of that research. Emphasis is on the forehand and backhand clear and smash. Results emphasize the importance of the rotational movements at the shoulder and radio-ulnar joints. Appropriate coaching cues are devised to assist coaches and players in assessing and improving performance. KEY WORDS: badminton, biomechanics, power strokes, joint actions, coaching cues INTRODUCTION: The purpose of the present paper is to review biomechanical research carried out over the last thirty years on the execution of badminton power strokes, and to share with the coach important implications of that research. Thirty years ago, very little research had been done on the game of badminton generally and none biomechanically. Only hypothetical evidence was available regarding the ‘fast ’ stroke