Hypothesis
The 3 shots that will be investigated are the smash, drop and offensive clear. All shots are to be hit from mid-back court. Diagrams are drawn at the final point of impact (hypothesis). The hypothesis will hypothesize what angle the point of impact should be, and what velocity the swing should be for the ideal shot. Point of impact is measured in relation to the direction the racquet head is facing, and therefore the direction the birdie will go initially.
Smash: The smash is a powerful and fast shot that should ideally land in the mid-range. The opponent should not have time to react to it. The sharper the angle the better, but birdie should not hit the net.
Hypothesis: The racquet will be at a 120 degree angle in relation to the reference point. The swing will be high velocity. This will ensure the angle is tight with the net, and so the birdie will travel fast. This will result in a shot that is hard to react to in time, and therefore a more successful smash. The high velocity will make the bird fast, and the birdie will not go too far because the tight angle will bring the birdie to the mid court.
Hypothesis: The racquet will be at a 120 degree angle in relation to the reference point. The swing will be high velocity. This will ensure the angle is tight with the net, and so the birdie will travel fast. This will result in a shot that is hard to react to in time, and therefore a more successful smash. The high velocity will make the bird fast, and the birdie will not go too far because the tight angle will bring the birdie to the mid court.
Drop: The drop shot is a light and slow-medium speed shot that should ideally land short (close to the net). This shot should make the opponent have to run and lose energy. In this shot, the best angle is the one where the birdie will land closest to the net on the opposite side --> shot to make the most reach for the opponent.
Hypothesis: The racquet will be at a 100 degree angle in relation to the reference point. The swing will be a slow velocity swing. The slow velocity will make sure the birdie will not travel too far, and land closer to the net, this way the opponent will have to run more. The 100 degree angle will make the birdie land tight and close to the net.
Hypothesis: The racquet will be at a 100 degree angle in relation to the reference point. The swing will be a slow velocity swing. The slow velocity will make sure the birdie will not travel too far, and land closer to the net, this way the opponent will have to run more. The 100 degree angle will make the birdie land tight and close to the net.
Clear: The clear is a heavy and powerful shot with a medium-fast speed. It should ideally land deep in the court. This shot should make the opponent have to move and lose energy. In this experiment, the offensive clear was used. This means the angle is flatter, but the birdie goes farther and faster.
Hypothesis: The racquet will be at a 70 degree angle in relation to the reference point. The swing will be a high velocity swing. The angle is going upwards in relation to the other shots, so the birdie can gain the most distance. The high velocity swing will also help the birdie gain the most distance. The more distance the harder it is for the opponent to reach, and the better the shot.
Hypothesis: The racquet will be at a 70 degree angle in relation to the reference point. The swing will be a high velocity swing. The angle is going upwards in relation to the other shots, so the birdie can gain the most distance. The high velocity swing will also help the birdie gain the most distance. The more distance the harder it is for the opponent to reach, and the better the shot.