Which of these statements do you agree with?
This coaching advice needs your thoughts
How would you convince a friend to follow the statement that you choose?
Your Challenge
Quickly scan the statements below and choose between the alternative contradictory badminton coaching advice that is being offered.
Could you accept both or you may decide that neither fits your thinking, hopefully, you will be able to write an alternative option.
My aim is to create thoughts in your mind, thoughts that need resolution. Therefore I have deliberately tried to write an opposing view between each statement.
(A) or (B)
Which would you agree with?
Overhead Hitting Actions
No big swings
(A) Reduce all follow-through actions
vrs
(B) For Power, use a full throwing action
Size of preparations
(A) Keep all your preparations short and quick
vrs
(B) Pull your elbow back and downwards for power
Movements
Net shots – striking cues
(A) “Land – Hit”
vrs
(B) “Hit – Land”
Moving forward nets
(A) Chasse, don’t run
vrs
(B) Chasse / Run / Step use them all
When moving backwards for overheads
(A) Always encourage Chasse
vrs
(B) Develop both Chasse and Backwards Running
Base position
(A) Stay on your toes for fast movement
vrs
(B) A solid base of varying widths, push into the court
Base / Recovery positions
Recovery position
(A) Always return to the centre of the court
vrs
(B) Prepare to move to the shuttle that will hit your court first
Type of recovery stance
(A) Stand in a Square Base and face the opponent
vrs
(B) Use of one 3 Stances (Forwards, Backwards attacking, Square defensive)
Grips for Singles Players
Which to Coach
(A) Change grips: shorten and lengthen where you hold the racket as you move between the front & rear court because long grips are ok in the rearcourt but lack the control at the net
vrs
(B) Play the majority of your shots with a grip that allows you to strike the shuttle how you want. Use minor changes to make a big difference.
vrs
(C) Understand the names : the Basic, Neutral, Corner, Thump, Pan grips. Players need to know the grip names and when each is used. Knowledge is Power
Racket Positions
General cue
(A) “Racket Up and Ready” around your head height
vrs
(B) “Early Preparation for the opponents most likely reply”, even if the racket is down by your knees
Overhead Backhands
Elbow position in preparation
(A) “Elbow up” in preparation for BH overheads
vrs
(B) Prepare with elbow low (below) the racket head
Grip type & Position
(A) Always use a thumb up the back
vrs
(B) Move your thumb depending on the shuttle position & the intended shot
What were your thoughts?
Did you find it east to choose A or B ?
I hope some were difficult choices, whilst others just took a few seconds to think about
Some of the statements may be difficult to choose between as it always DEPENDS on the aim of the practice/situation and who you are working with.
Be aware that I have deliberately tried to write opposing views
This may cause you to struggle a little
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
