How to Hit the Birdie Hard

Badminton is a racket sport developed in England during the 1800s. The game eventually became popular in North America and is now an Olympic sport with an international federation. In badminton, players do not hit a ball. Instead, they hit a shuttlecock or "birdie" back and forth over a net. A birdie can be hit very hard, but its triangular shape makes it difficult to return.

Things You'll Need

  • Badminton racket
  • Birdie
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Instructions

    • 1

      Learn to serve the birdie well. Scoring only occurs during the serve. Throw the birdie up in the air and hit it overhand. It's important to hit it hard, but also over the net at the same time.

    • 2

      Relax your body and bend your knees slightly, setting yourself in a good position for hitting the birdie. When hitting, lead with your non-racket leg and leave your racket leg behind.

    • 3

      Watch the birdie while it is in the air before hitting both on serves and returns. It doesn't matter how hard you swing at the birdie if you miss it.

    • 4

      Bring your arm back and hit the birdie as much with the center of the racket as possible. Tipping it with the rim will not give you a hard shot.

    • 5

      Use the forehand grip and turn your body sideways to the net so that your non-racket shoulder is facing the net.

    • 6

      Hit the birdie in its highest position. This will give you optimum momentum back to your opponent. Shift your weight to your back foot and bend your elbow, locking your wrist in preparation for a forward swing.

    • 7

      Use a throwing motion with the racket -- as if you were going to throw the racket itself -- and "smash" the birdie over the net. Snap your wrist at the end to give the birdie more power.

    • 8

      Practice hitting the birdie over and over. Throw it in the air and hit it as hard as you can. Vary your stance and your arm motion to see if other techniques help you hit it harder.

    • 9

      Ask a friend or coach to watch you hit it and evaluate how your stance or technique are affecting your hits. They may be able to see something you don't notice that can help you hit the birdie more effectively.