Activity recognition models based on wearable devices are becoming increasingly popular. However, models that are trained and tested on the same players show a large bias and are not generalizable to previously unseen players. In this paper, we tackle the badminton stroke recognition problem from this perspective, comparing the performance of individual and generalized models based on an accelerometer and a gyroscope, and identifying which components of the solution can maximize the performance of generalized models. First, we describe a simple convolutional neural network trained to classify 7 types of stroke. Second, the model is extended in a hybrid way to identify two additional classes (movement and rest). Third, data augmentation is applied on the training set. Fourth, transfer learning is applied to use data from the test player to fine-tune the generalized model and attempt to reach the performance of an individual model. These models are evaluated on a dataset collected from amateur players, both in a controlled environment and in a match simulation. The results showed a large difference between the performance of individual and generalized models; however, the latter could be improved by increasing the number of players in the training set, by data augmentation, and by transfer learning, highlighting the necessity of larger datasets in this field.