Depends what you count as a winning shot. The shot that puts the shuttle on the floor is power, or at least a kill. The shot that sets that shot up could be either or a mixture of both. A well placed smash causing a weak return is often a good way to win a point, if you can hit that well placed smash hard, then all the better.

Good ideas Paul in terms of dealing with retrievers, I know some players I will try that out on.

Unfortunately the players I had in mind when talking about speed also have the racket skills and fitness to back that speed up. I guess that's why they play county and I don't.

Firstly, I think “finesse” would be a better word than skill – since power is mainly the result of skill.

Either way, I'm picking power. It might not win you the most games, but so what? 5 minutes after the game finishes, I'm not going to remember who won (half the time I don't even remember the score during a game). On the other hand, smashing really hard at people is fun. Occasionally, I'll play against someone who never allows me to smash, because they never lift (even when they're in trouble and should lift) – regardless of the outcome, it's always going to be a horribly tedious and unenjoyable game.

And as far as winning points goes, none of these finesse shots work unless there is at least the threat of power. For example, if I know someone can't smash particularly hard, I can just wait further forward, and that completely nullifies the danger from any finesse shot they might play.

I actually somewhat share Sketchy’s sentiment in that I also become a bit frustrated when neither me or my double’s partner can land a good smash.  Although I guess my reason is more because I’m the front court leaning player, and not having a good smash usually means I’m not doing enough to create a chance for my partner. 

That being said, I do side on skills, since that’s how you create the chance to use your power.

Whilst I do think skill is the more important factor I do agree with Sketchy in that hitting hard is great fun. Nothing better than hitting a big winner, and if you can dent the floor while you're at it, why not!

On a serious note I can get a bit stuck playing people who just tap it round the mid court and don't give me anything to smash or any pace to work with, especially in mixed doubles. Hopefully Paul might have some ideas on his coaching weekend for playing out of the mid court and dealing with situations where you have to make the running yourself.