Which type of footwork should you coach?
What’s your view on non-racket leg backhand defensive
I discussed with another coach
An important skill to have, irrespective of playing standard
But, when to introduce, and which technique
I had a conversation - but I found myself disagreeing
The coach seemed to have reservations about the badminton backhand defensive footwork that used non-racket leg blocks.
It was tough to find out why, as they seemed reluctant to talk and explore the when, why and how to practice.
In a brief conversation, it was established that they favoured a step-over defensive block (landing the racket leg).
They stated that this was in all situations.
We couldn’t seem to agree on much, maybe not anything!
Context is important
The confusion or alternative viewpoints may have come from the fact that no specific context has been established.
To have an effective discussion, it’s important that context is defined.
Context that defines the playing/training standard of the player, the situation in the rally, the opponents’ stroke and the intended reply.
Context is very important; however, it’s difficult for this stroke/movement to have absolutes in terms of which body movements (especially the legs) to be used when playing a backhand defensive block.
I had these thoughts afterwards
- Maybe I could have done a better job at explaining my thoughts. Maybe asking and allowing time for clarification by the other coach,
- Stepping onto the non-racket leg has advantages : did I state them cleraly and wait for a response?
- Could I have made refference to what happens in a match ? Dont players use both?
- I was sure that nearly all movements start with a step onto the non-racket leg (big or small) and then if required, step onto (maybe ‘fall’) the racket leg in recovery. Would these images have helped?s.
- Could the 'How to parctice' be a route to start a discussion - what happens when the feed is varied, random
- What would be sat, instruct or just allow (without comment) and encourge when working with novice players? - would take have taken te convseration in a different direction.
Whats your view,
how would you have managed this converstion?
Do you want a conversation?
I’d like to hear from you if you have a viewpoint on anything that you’ve read
We don’t need to agree, but explore viewpoints.
It would be great to hear from you, send me an email : contact@badmintonandy.com
This is part of a series of conversation starters.
Although not in detail, the posts are written to get you thinking and talking with others.
