I'm a beginner/intermediate badminton player but the one thing I've always struggled on was returning smashes, especially when they aim for your body (the center, the face, close to the sides, legs, etc). How do I return these smashes in such a short amount of time?
The simplest answer I can think of is: "Move!" If you are rooted to the spot, it's tough to play any shot. You must move. By 'move', I don't mean move a lot. It's a matter of making enough room to play your shot. If you move, then a body smash is no longer a body smash because you are no longer where you were when he aimed for your body.
What helps for me is to bend my knees, and do a split step by widening your feet. That will help you see the smash and block it
He means move like Neo in the Matrix. A lot is also reading the opponents stroke. Being a beginner means you haven't yet picked up the clues about how to predict the opponents smash direction from their body position and strokes. I.e. accumulating many hours of playing experience will help.
a correct grip can help - if you're stuck with pan handle and they smash at your 'racket hip'... well good luck to you!
I can return the smash but not able to place it while returning and any technique for effectively returning the smash ?
Stand further back. Crouch down lower. Look up at the smasher's racket. Racket ready in front of you, lower or higher depending on where you think it'll be. Grip higher and closer to the cone for better maneuverability.
racket down(!) when expecting smash. Relaxed upper and lower arm. First arm movement with elbow, then flow through with fast supination.
In the context of double game, I would move further back, lower down the body and anticipate their smash. Drawback is harder when opponent play perfect drop shot.