Comparison of Overhand Forehand Smash using 2D Kinematic Analysis and Shuttle Velocity Between Novice, Intermediate and Advance Club Level Badminton Athletes.

Badminton is an intense, fast-paced racquet sport that demands a high degree of aerobic capacity, agility, coordination, and technical skill. Among its various techniques, the overhead forehand smash is considered one of the most effective offensive strokes, capable of generating shuttlecock speeds that surpass other racquet sports. The proper execution of this stroke involves complex biomechanical coordination across multiple joints and body segments, including the shoulder, elbow, wrist, trunk, and lower limbs.

This cross-sectional study aims to investigate and compare the kinematic parameters and shuttlecock velocity associated with the overhead forehand smash among novice, intermediate, and advanced club-level badminton players. The goal is to identify biomechanical patterns and joint angles that contribute to more effective performance and increased shuttle speed, using Kinovea software for 2D motion analysis and a Bushnell radar gun for velocity measurement.In addition, the study will analyze gender-based differences and the role of technical efficiency across different levels of playing experience. The findings are expected to support performance enhancement, coaching strategies, and injury prevention by improving understanding of biomechanical requirements for a high-velocity forehand smash.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male and female badminton players categorized as novice, intermediate, or advanced club-level athletes.
• Players with a minimum of 1 year of continuous training under the guidance of a professional coach.
• Participants must train at least 3 days per week.
• Players who have participated in club, school, district, or higher-level competitions in the past 12 months.
• Participants who are willing to voluntarily provide informed consent and participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Players with any known musculoskeletal injuries (upper limb, lower limb, or spine) in the past 1 year.
• Individuals with known cardiovascular, pulmonary, or neurological conditions that may interfere with performance.
• Recreational or irregular players who do not train consistently.
• Participants unwilling or unable to comply with study procedures.

Procedure

To capture biomechanical movements, two video cameras will be strategically placed: one perpendicular to the athlete (lateral view) to record side movements, and another directly in front (anterior view) to capture frontal movements. Participants will then perform overhead forehand smashes, which will be recorded for motion analysis.The video recordings will be analyzed using Kinovea software to assess various joint angles, including shoulder flexion, abduction, internal and external rotation, elbow flexion, wrist flexion, trunk rotation, hip extension, and knee flexion, along with the center of gravity. Shuttlecock velocity data will be collected for each participant and compared across the three groups: novice, intermediate, and advanced. Furthermore, kinematic data will be analyzed in relation to shuttle velocity, and comparisons will be made between male and female players within each skill level to identify biomechanical differences and performance trends.Before testing, all participants will complete a standardized warm-up session lasting approximately 15 minutes to ensure optimal physical readiness. For data collection, shuttlecock delivery will be standardized using an experienced coach to maintain consistency across trials. A Bushnell radar gun will be positioned 45 cm outside the side boundary line near the net to accurately measure the shuttlecock’s velocity during each overhead forehand smash.The study will commence following approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee. Participants will be screened according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Once eligible, the participants will be provided with detailed information regarding the study’s purpose and procedures, and written informed consent will be obtained prior to participation.