Introduction

The overhead clear is one of the most common, and therefore one of the most important shots played within a badminton game. An overhead clear is used to push your opponent to their back court, allowing you to gain time to return their shot, and to then exploit their front court. The trajectory of the overhead clear is long and flat, running almost parallel to the ground. Structurally, the overhead clear can be divided into three parts, the wind up, the moment of impact and the follow through, furthermore these sections can be further divide to easier understand the biomechanical principles within the shot. Below (video) is an example of an overhead clear being played throughout a game. Success in this shot can help the player to set up a scoring point for themselves, or just ensure they have more time to get back into position. 

To answer the question of how biomechanic principles can ensure success in playing this shot throughout a game of badminton the skill will be further broken up from these three main parts. Throughout discussion and explanation of how these principles, optimal techniques and the reasoning behind these techniques will become evident, allowing players to then apply knowledge and understanding of biomechanics to their own personal game.