Encourage all young players to develop a ‘long smash’
One that is hit hard and fast towards the rear court
Only practising a smash that lands in the midcourt
can be tactically limiting for young players
I wished I’d known the advantages
Accuracy at a young age can be variable
Often, ‘down’ smashes land closer to the opponent, therefore making it easier for them to cross-block.
When I first thought about this, it surprised me.
The shot I was trying to coach, often ‘helped’ the opponent at (U12) to play this cross-block and put my player in trouble.
The smash isn’t always what you expect at this age
Often, it is not hard enough to stress the opponent and not wide enough to make cross-blocks difficult.
I recommend not focusing on just steep smashes to the midcourt but also harder, ‘longer’ smashes.
This will be more effective down the opponent’s back hard side and if aimed to land in the rear tramlines, may resemble a low flat clear.
This is not a problem and should be encouraged 
Create practice situations that encourage both steep smashes and long smashes,
especially down the opponent’s backhand side.
Send me a question
I’m always grateful if you have read this far.
If there is anything that you have read that has helped or that you disagree with, then please send me an email.
I promise to read all your comments
It would be great to hear from you contact@badmintonandy.com
![Introducing the badminton overhead – Challenge No.3 - Duplicate - [#36874]](https://badmintonandy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Badminton-Forehand-Overhead-3-scaled-1.jpg)
![Introducing the badminton overhead – Challenge No.2 - Duplicate - [#36821]](https://badmintonandy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Badminton-Forehand-Overhead-2-scaled-1.jpg)
