Produced by: BT Desk Designed by: Manoj Kumar
PV Sindhu has refined her smash by trading the full-blooded jump for a hop-and-skip style. This adjustment enhances her stability and allows her to remain composed, giving her an edge by reducing the opponent's chance to counter. Her jump is calculated, ensuring she hits the shuttle at the optimal height and angle for maximum impact.
With a smash speed of 350-360 kph, Sindhu's shots are a blend of raw power and precision. This speed, comparable to men's singles, means that her opponents are often left scrambling, unable to match the pace and angle, making it a formidable weapon in her arsenal.
Sindhu's powerful smashes stem from her well-developed core and lower body. This strength allows her to generate thunderbolt smashes that leave her opponents defenseless. The power is not just from her arm but a full-body effort, maximizing the force behind each hit.
Leveraging Every Inch: Standing tall at 5'11", Sindhu uses her height to her advantage. This allows her to access more angles and apply steep trajectories on her smashes. Her stature enables her to execute a variety of shots with ease, keeping her opponents guessing and on the defensive.
Sindhu's ability to consistently get behind the shuttle puts her in prime position to execute her shots. By contacting the shuttle in front of her body, she can choose from a range of strokes, whether it be clears, drops, or smashes, making her a versatile and unpredictable player.
Shifting from a full-blooded jump smash to a more composed hop-and-skip technique, Sindhu maintains stability even if the smash is not perfect. This method ensures she stays balanced and ready for the next move, keeping her a step ahead in the rally.
Inspired by men's singles, Sindhu incorporates cross-drives and quick reactions into her game. This aggressive approach on returns adds another layer to her gameplay, showcasing her strength, reach, and rapid response times.
A powerful smash does more than win a point; it demoralizes the opponent. Sindhu's smashes force her opponents to rethink their strategy, often leading to errors and a psychological advantage for Sindhu. Her ability to consistently apply pressure through her smashes makes her a daunting competitor.