How many matches have you watched?
Do you have stratigies to make sense of all that you see
There is so much to look at its easy to get confused or miss something
Position yourself behind the court
If you sit at the side of the court you may get a headache 🙁
Try varying where you observe from, but often it’s best to sit directly behind the court at a slightly raised level.
Observing from the side is difficult, as you will have to move your head from side to side to follow the shuttle.
Sitting directly behind the court, you will see a player’s movements towards the shuttle and in recovery more easily.
You may find that you can imagine playing the rally yourself when sitting behind. You will be able to see the preparation and movement of the opponent, just as the player in front of you is doing.
This anticipation aspect is very important and often is what separates good players from great players.
I recommend that you try to sit by yourself without the distraction of a friend chatting to you
The game will only last 15 – 20 minutes, I’m sure you can resist talking that long
Decide what to look for
Regular observations of a player give the opportunity to focus on one element. The more you watch that player, the more specific things you will see.
Repeated observations allow you to choose between technical or tactical or mental aspects.
Prepare yourself before the match by recalling what you observed last time with that player. Set out to see if what you think happened previously happens again.
Keep an open mind
To avoid cognitive bias: using a reality based on your own perceptions rather than objective input.
Also, to check to see how players actually move on the court and compare to the model you adhere to.
Time spent observing small elements will help define your beliefs: does what you believe actually happen.
- Questions
- Do players “take 3 steps to get everywhere around the court”?
- Do players chasse more than run? What do your players use?
- Is the recovery from RTH a chasse, step or run? Does it change on the shot they play?
- What are the variety of overhead racket preparation players use
Record them
Carry a notebook and use it
Do not rely on your memory to be specific over a long period of time. Even after one day at an event will be difficult to recall. Observations not recorded may become unsound very quickly.
Keeping a record of what you see will help you prepare for future observations and decisions for coaching or feedback.
Reviewing your records will also allow you to see where your focus was during the match.
When I look at my notes it’s a mixture of statement and questions. Often I will just write whatever I see and then try and review it later. Don’t look for reasons, record what you see.
I recommend that you record the score alongside your note. It’s amazing how many things only happen at those critical points in a match.
Recording the score will give you that added bit of critical information.
Be aware of not only recording negative aspects.
Look out for things that highlight the players improved performance
Notation methods
There are many tried and tested methods. The most effective way is to use a pen and paper and not your memory.
However, all notations must be quick to allow for observations.
Some methods use pre-printed sheets to allow for a systematic approach and can be used to notate each stroke in the rally.
Others record by code the length of the rally, who served, who won and with which stroke.
Simple observations written in short bursts can be equally effective.
They can be reviewed immediately after the game or later prior to training.
I will write a post soon called 6 Ways to record a Badminton Match, look out for it.
Why not send me an example of the methods you use and we can work together to create a fantastic post to help other coaches
It’s tough at the start
Initially, you may find that there isn’t enough time to record your findings.
The gap between rallies can seem very short. Some players take so little time between rallies that you may wish to record this if you coach one or both of them!
There is much to be gained about the benefits of a deliberate ‘rally break’ in a later 6 ways…. click here to read more
If you see lots of different aspects and feel overwhelmed, don’t worry. The more you become aware of the more you will want to record.
Try sitting next to someone who is used to taking notes and ask them what they record
Selecting what to record is just as difficult as deciding how to capture the information
It’s a skill to be developed
A summary of the best advice given to me
- Don’t be too hard on yourself, if you miss details. Hopefully observing should always be a pleasurable experience!
- Record Questions as well as Statements
- Develop your skill through practice and you will become more effective. As you gain experience you will find that your mind will simultaneously absorb and analyse several elements of a game.
- Don’t always look for absolutes such as rally ending shot
- Look for where the movements are initiated, trace a technique through its movement, identify causes of winners or errors
- The more you practice your observations the more you will see. Trust your instincts and allow them to develop.
A quick story
Three coaches are watching the same match.
… One exclaims, “did you see that return?”
… The second adds “that happened the last time they received a low serve from the LH court”
… Third coach replies, “which player are you two watching?” 🙂
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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