default

Author	Malcolm Pescod (mpescod@freeuk.com or mpescod@ntlworld.com)
Occupation	Software Developer (Delphi, Oracle, SQL)

Here are a few Badminton hints and tips and equipment which I have found usefull.

This kit simply contains two string clamps, a wooden handle from a file (from any tool shop) with a groove cut into one end, a thin pen, a small set of pliers with curved stem, a small set of clippers and a string map.

Using these items you can fully re-string a racquet with practice, however, they are best used to repair snapped strings on an already strung racquet. I do have a machine capable of a full restring which is shown below. The above works by first clamping the broken strings and then using the wooden handle simply thread the string through the groove and then around the handle. This allows you to tighten the string by turning the handle. Once the string is tight enough (improves with experience) then you move the clamp to hold the string in it's new state. You can then tie off the end. Repeat for the other end of the snapped string. You can now secure the new string and thread it through and tighten it as before until you have completely strung the gap. You then tie the end off and cut the loose off.

It sounds a little complicated but is really quite simple. I just need to get a few more photos and a step by step explanation of the process and it will all become clear. If you want to know more about this then let me know via e-mail.

This is where it gets a little more complicated. The above is completely self designed, assembled and tested and I can confirm that unlikely as it may seem, it does actually work very well. The big advantage being that it doesn't cost a great deal, but it does take a little longer to string a racket than with the more expensive models. All the materials come from one of the big DIY stores except for the weight measure which comes from any fishing store. The total cost is under £60 last time I checked and will be even cheaper when I optimise the design. I am aiming to make it completely portable so that you can take it with you when you are playing. If you want any further information then let me know via e-mail.

I am currently investigating the 3x3 training method in badminton whereby you divide the court into 3x3 areas and then play by deciding which areas you need to cover. You eliminate areas depending on the shot you have just played and, if playing doubles, which areas your partner is covering. In doubles the maximum areas you should be covering is five and the minimum is four. I will be adding further information to this and will put diagrams up to help explain the theories behind it. If you have any suggestions, comments or questions then let me know via e-mail.

I use the following techniques when playing and they have proved to be effective for me. There are many more, and some of these may not work for yourself but give them a try and if they do improve your game then give yourself a pat on the back for effort in trying new ideas. If they don't work then try to find out why they don't work for you (it may be that my explanation is a bit hazy) and let me know what you find. Trying to gain a full understanding of why you are doing a particular thing is essential in improving your play.

I'm now a BA of E coach part I, have played county level badminton here in England and have played badminton for a long time so most of what I am saying here should help most people who haven't received any coaching at all or very little coaching. It's always a good thing to try out new ideas and find out for yourself if they really do work or if they're just a fluke.

I started off playing in university and wanted to smash hard as much as possible, then I slowly realised that the people who won the games weren't the ones who could smash the hardest but those who could control the game. So that's where I am currently. Trying to improve my tactics so that I can control the game, on demand. It works for me up to a certain level, then you have to rely on your partner thinking in the same way for you to progress to the higher levels. Give it a go and let me know what happens.

[1] Serve wide to the tramline for receivers who threaten the net. When they adjust to cover the wide serve they will leave themselves exposed for the flick serve to the back of the court, or they will be further back from the net and less threatening.

[2] Either hold the shuttle almost horizontal when serving as this produces a cleaner hit that can be controlled to get closer to the net and prevent an attacking return.

[3] Or hold the shuttle very lightly by a single feather tip and hit the shuttle out of your fingers (don't crack your fingers though, keep your eyes on the shuttle all the time until you're proficient). This will ensure you hit the shuttle in a consistent manner and your serves will improve dramatically.

[1] Ensure your racquet side foot is nearest to the rear of the court. Push off with racquet side foot to get the most power. Lift racquet side foot off floor just before hitting the shuttle to avoid injury from over stretching.

[1] You must make sure that your opposite foot to your racquet hand is nearest the rear of the court. You plant this foot, bring your racquet and shoulder back, push off this foot lifting your racquet side foot off the floor slightly and then strike the shuttle. You will get far more power with this method and reduce the risk of injuries from over stretching. The biggest mistake people make here is that this shot is played with the forehand grip NOT the backhand grip.

[1] Hold racket high up the handle with index finger on tapered top of handle. Holding the racquet in front of you, you should be able to rotate your hand through 360 degrees from your left hand side to your right hand side and keep the racquet face pointing forward. This lets you adopt an attacking/defensive posture for pushing the shuttle back at your opponents fast and gives you more control over your shot. It also gives you a much more crisp, powerfull return from the backhand side as you're still hitting a forehand drive. All you need to do now is bend your knees to adjust your height slightly to attack any flat shot coming to you. Your index finger provides a great deal of power for the shot, not pushing with the index finger produces a more controlled, softer shot for returning just over the net to force the opposition to lift the shuttle. After all the one most important rule in badminton is to get the shuttle below your oppositions net line thus forcing them to defend always.

[1] Do not stand too far forward.You are trying to ensure you win the point, not frighten your opponent. Pressuring your opponents on the serve can give you some advantage but once they start serving wide and flicking then you have problems. Points from serves are usually always won from bad serves, if your opponent can serve well then you will be giving your opponent a lot of points through your own hurried mistakes. If you take the approach that your return should not win the point, but should put your opponents in a defensive position then you will find it much easier going.

[2] Cover your wide service area without spreading your feet too wide. This then means you can stop the flick serve, the wide serve and anything else is plain sailing.

[3] Try to push the shuttle back at the server to their forehand shoulder which makes them lift the shuttle or push back flat. They cannot attack this return unless they are already prepared for it. Or push half court down the tram lines to try to get the server to move for it and the rear player to also move for it. This creates gaps which means your opponents have to play a defensive shot so they can recover and fill the gaps.

[1] Always play a drop shot to the middle of the net, varying slightly either way to try and drag both opposition in for the same shot. Dropping to either corner gives your opponents excellent angles to completely take your partner out of the game.

[2] Smash at the underarm area of the oppositions racket hand. This is the hardest area to defend as you can't get the racquet there naturally.

[3] Try to adjust your position just prior to the opposition playing their shot to return a smash with a cross court attacking clear.

[4] Smash two or three times to one player then a net shot as they will adopt a natural defensive wide stance meaning they cannot get forward or backward as easily as side to side. Watch their feet to see when this happens. If they cotton on to this tactic they may approach the net before you play your shot at which point your partner must warn you so you don't play a blind net shot that they can easily kill. Alternatively clear two or three times to the same player then play a net shot to throw them off their rhythm.

[1] Push the shuttle to the midcourt tramlines bringing the man forward then lift to the opposite back corner. Repeat this a few times then play one or two drives down the middle. This should force mistakes from your opponents and should keep you in control of the game.