Do you ever use very fast multi shuttle feeding,
feeding faster than in a game
If you do, what are you trying to improve?
Is there a difference between reaction and anticipation?
Or do you believe that they are the same thing?
Multi-shuttle practice has many uses : some more effcetive than others
This post is part of a mini-series looking at the uses of multi-shuttle.
What are the physical, physiological, or technical aspects you are trying to develop?
My initial thoughts
How many do you agree with?
Do you recognise these 3 types of fast feeding
- Shuttles being struck earlier but similar to those that would be returned in a real match i.e. the feeder delivers the next shuttle before the one struck by the player goes over the net. This could be called ‘overspeed' feeding
- A shuttle being delivered by the feeder with power (speed) from a position that is specifically chosen for the practice, i.e. the feeder may choose to stand closer to the net or on a raised platform. This is another variation of ‘overspeed' feeding
- The feeder delivers the next shuttle with only some regard (or none at all) to the shot being played by the player i.e. the player hits a downward slice but the feeder plays from another location on the court and strikes from a different height. Again, they feed 'early', therefore giving the player very little time.
Reaction and Anticipation are different
Speed feeding described above does little to improve anticipation.
I’m unsure if ‘Reaction Training’ is the correct terminology.
However, there is something to be gained from participating in this type of practice, especially for doubles defensive and doubles net/forecourt work.
There is often an increase in player confidence, that should not be underestimated. (read more here)
It’s questionable what exactly is being practiced when players experience this faster than game-like feeding, it’s certainly not anticipation.
However, there are benefits. Maybe I just need to be better at defining what they are and how they occur. Do you want to help me?
Do you believe that there are benefits of ‘Overspeed’ multi shuttle practices?
Which of the 3 types do you use?
Using multi shuttle for reaction speed
I do not agree with all the points below
I’ve made them in the hope that they will simulate your thoughts: good or bad
Positives and advantages – do you agree?
(I don’t necessarily agree with the points below; they are made for your consideration only)
- The next shuttle can be fed much sooner (earlier) than it would be returned in a real match. Essential for developing the speed of reaction.
- The speed of recovery and preparation for the next shot will be tested and hopefully improved over time.
- A players reactions to this ‘next shuttle’ will have to be faster than in a game as there are little or no anticipation cues (is this a positive or negative, you decide).
- Superfast (faster than a game) feeding can, over time increase player confidence in practice.
The confidence gained from this type of fast shuttle practice should not be underestimated
Sometimes, increasing confidence is the goal
Negatives and disadvantages – do you agree?
- Anticipatory skills will not be improved as often the next feed is struck out of context: i.e. not from a position as in a game, or from a body position unlike that in a real game.
- The players’ expectations of the opponents’ likely return based on their own strokes can never be experienced, as the shot is not returned.
- The timing of the next feed is not as it would be in a game: great to test the bodies reactive systems but not any anticipatory skills.
Are you content that overspeed multi does not improve anticipation as much as people wish?
Speed of reaction is not the same as anticipation speed
What do you think?
Now that you have read all the positive/advantages and the counterpoints, what are your thoughts?
Do you believe that multi-shuttle can be directly used to develop reaction speed?
You may still believe that muti-shuttle has other more effective uses (of the 7 mentioned)
How you coach the practices you create will always be your choice
All I ask is that you consider why you do what you do and how effective it is
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
