The choice of stroke depends on how near…

The choice of stroke depends on how near the shuttlecock is to the net, and whether it is above net height. Players have much better attacking positions if they can reach the shuttlecock well above net height, especially if it is also close to the net. In the forecourt a high shuttlecock will be met with a net kill hitting it deeply downwards and attempting to win the tally immediately. In the mid-court, a high shuttlecock will be usually met with a powerful smash also hitting downwards and hoping for an right winner or a weak reply. Athletic jump smashes where players jump upwards for a steeper smash angle are a common and special element of bright men's doubles play. In the rear-court players strike to hit the shuttlecock while it is still above them rather than allowing it to drop lower. This overhead hitting allows them to play smashes, clears and drop shots. If the shuttlecock has dropped low, then a smash is possible and a full length high clear is difficult.