“What shot should I get ready for!”
That was the question I was asked by a player
I had to think for a moment,
what had I been taught in my coaching course?
Is there an answer that works in nearly all situations …
I’ve heard these 3 possible scenarios …
Which reply would you choose?
- Prepare for every possibility and wait until they play their stroke
- Prepare for the most likely reply
- Prepare for the shuttle that will hit your court first
Coaches and Players – consider this question
“What shot should you prepare for?”
The advice you give will shape how players think in games
I needed a phrase that would require little thought and apply in nearly all situations.
It certainly isn’t….
“return to the centre base and prepare for everything!“
1. Prepare for every possibility?
To prepare to move anywhere in court for every stoke the opponent could possibly play is a NOT EFFICIENT, and will NOT IMPROVE your play.
If you wait until they play their stroke, you will in many cases, either be later getting there or be beaten by that stroke.
Will you get to the shuttle, yes you will sometimes, BUT waiting will make you slower and give you less time when you realise which stroke they are playing.
Please DO NOT ENCOURAGE your players to be ….
“Ready For Everything” 🙁
2. Prepare for the most likely reply
This is a better thought, and the ultimate aim
However, there are problems with giving this advice, especially to beginner players.
It requires players to have an understanding of what replies the opponents may be considering.
Do young players have the skills to anticipate and prepare a “list” of possible strokes?
Maybe not a list, more of a ‘feeling’ (an anticipation) of what is likely to happen next.
A thought that needs to be answered x10 faster than the time it’s taken for you to read this sentence.
The elite performers will consider the “most likely reply” without consciously doing it.
They have developed a skill that allows them to “have the best prediction” and then take action on it. Often, they make a preparatory movement and adopt a stance that will maximise their choice
How can players develop anticipatory skills that are automatic, generally correct,
linked to stances taken up prior to the opponent striking the shuttle
3. Prepare for the shuttle that will hit your court first
I recommend that this is one of the first tactical thoughts you give to your players
It works in many situations and is a positive, actionable thought phrase
Considering which of the opponent’s shots will strike your court first encourages an early stance, either forward/backwards attacking or a square defensive stance.
The use of these stances and the introduction by coaches (using well-designed practices) is one of the most misunderstood and underrated aspects of movement coaching.
Using this phrase in training, over weeks and months it will create a mindset that encourages players to think (in an autonomous way) about the situation of the rally
“Prepare for the shuttle that will hit your court first”
The next time you are asked “what shot should I get ready for?”
What will you say?
Send me a question
I’m always grateful if you have read this far.
If there is anything that you have read that has helped or that you disagree with, then please send me an email.
I promise to read all your comments
It would be great to hear from you contact@badmintonandy.com
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