I hear this all the time from female players:

“I’ve changed rackets, changed strings…
but my smashes are still weak.
After two games, I’m exhausted.”

From a stringer’s perspective, the issue is rarely “lack of strength.”
More often, it’s a mismatched setup.

Here are the three most common mistakes I see.

The 3 Worst Equipment Combinations for Most Female Players

1️⃣ Racket Too Heavy

A heavier racket may promise power, but if it slows your swing:

• Arm fatigue sets in quickly

• Swing motion becomes smaller

• Timing breaks down

Power in badminton comes from speed and timing — not just mass.

2️⃣ High Tension + Hard String

This is the classic “more tension = more professional” myth.

When tension is too high and the string is stiff:

• Every shot feels like hitting a metal plate

• The shoulder and elbow absorb more shock

• You must generate all the power yourself

Instead of helping performance, it drains energy.

3️⃣ Fatigue → Short Clears → Forced Power

When players get tired:

• Clears become short

• Contact timing drops

• To compensate, they swing harder

That forced effort disrupts technique and slows long-term progress.

A More Suitable Baseline for Most Female Players

For many women, a balanced starting point looks like:

4U racket + 0.63–0.66mm string + medium–lower tension

The goal isn’t to hit harder.
The goal is to swing freely and efficiently.

Age & Activity-Based Recommendations

🔹 Under 9 Years Old – Build Confidence First

Before talking about “smash power,” young players must feel safe to swing.

• Racket: Lightweight, even balance or slightly head-light

• String: Softer 0.65–0.66mm strings (e.g., Yonex BG66 Ultimax, Victor VBS-66N)

• Tension: 22–23 lbs

The objective: encourage full swings without fear of harsh feedback.

🔹 18–25 Years Old

① Trained / Regular Players

• Racket: 4U, even to slightly head-light

• String: 0.63–0.66mm thin gauge

• Tension: 22–24 lbs

This setup supports speed while still allowing control.

② Recreational / After-Work Players

• String: 0.65–0.66mm, slightly softer feel

• Tension: 21–23 lbs

Energy efficiency comes first. Power can develop gradually.

🔹 25–40+ Years Old – Joint Protection Matters More

As recovery slows, equipment must reduce stress.

① Experienced but Infrequent Players

• String: 0.66–0.68mm for durability and stability

• Tension: 21–23 lbs

② Casual Players Who Just Want to Enjoy the Game

• String: Softer, elastic feel

• Tension: 21–22 lbs

The priority: no pain, no excessive fatigue, shuttle clears comfortably.

The Truth About Tension

Higher tension does not automatically mean higher level.

What truly matters:

• A racket light enough to swing freely

• A string that helps you borrow elasticity

• A setup that does not punish your joints

A well-strung 23 lbs can feel solid and responsive if:

• The string bed is evenly tensioned

• The frame remains stable

• The stringer knows what they are doing

The number alone means very little.

If a player feels weak, I rarely tell her to “train harder” first.

I check:

• Is the racket weight appropriate?

• Is the balance suitable for her swing speed?

• Is the string helping — or fighting her?

Badminton is already demanding.
Your equipment should support you — not exhaust you.