In badminton, what is the term for a fast downward attacking shot?
VerifiedAnswer: Smash
Explanation:
The smash is one of the most exciting and powerful shots in badminton. It's an aggressive attacking stroke where the player hits the shuttlecock forcefully downward into the opponent's court at a steep angle. This shot is designed to win points quickly by making it extremely difficult for the opponent to return the shuttlecock.
To execute a proper smash, a player needs to position themselves behind and slightly under the shuttlecock when it's at its highest point. The technique involves a powerful overhead motion, similar to serving in tennis, but with the racket face angled downward to direct the shuttlecock toward the opponent's court. The key is timing and positioning – the player must jump or stretch upward to meet the shuttlecock at the optimal height.
Professional badminton players can achieve smash speeds of over 400 kilometers per hour, making it one of the fastest shots in racket sports. The downward trajectory of the smash makes it particularly challenging to defend against because it forces the opponent to hit the shuttlecock from a low position, often resulting in a weak return that can be easily attacked again.
The smash is most effective when the shuttlecock is high and in front of the player, typically following a clear shot from the opponent. Players often use deceptive movements before smashing, making their opponents think they might play a different shot like a drop shot or clear. This element of surprise adds to the effectiveness of the smash as an attacking weapon in competitive badminton.
