Physics of badminton’s new killer spin serve

The article discusses the physics behind the new "killer spin serve" in badminton. Researchers have found that adding a pre-spin to the shuttlecock can significantly affect its oscillating behavior and trajectory, depending on the direction of rotation. The pre-spin is imparted to the shuttlecock before it is struck, causing it to rotate around its axis. This rotation can influence the shuttlecock's movement in the air, with different spin directions leading to different trajectories and behavior. The study showed that a counterclockwise pre-spin resulted in the shuttlecock oscillating more vertically, while a clockwise pre-spin caused it to oscillate more horizontally. This phenomenon is due to the Magnus effect, where the spinning object experiences a force perpendicular to its direction of motion. The findings suggest that the new spin serve technique can be a valuable asset for badminton players, as it allows them to add unpredictability and control to their shots, potentially catching their opponents off guard.