Badminton Conditioned Games – what & when
I really like Conditioned Games!
They offer an effective supportive practice for Tactical & Technical
A coach asked me why and what was so good about them, the discussion certainly help me and hopefully created some interesting thoughts for me to share.
You may know these games by other names if you have created practice games/matches that help players develop game skills. I like these games because they provide an experience to try out and learn/improve tactics.
They provide a great link between technical isolated practice
Players and coaches can see if the technique practice actually translates into competitive match play.
Conditioned games also have the benefit of placing players in a different physiological state from their ‘normal’ practice. That could be a long discussion in itself!
Playing these types of games with their specific conditions/constraints enable the coaches to talk less (reduced direct instruction), question more effectively (based on players’ experiences) and allow players to develop game skills in a game context.
These reasons alone are enough for me to recommend that you use them extensively 🙂
During the discussion, we established these points
The different types of games – ones that have:
- Scoring adjustment: bonus or penalty points
- Limited or reduced use of specified strokes
- Specified strokes
- Amended rules
- Requirements for self-awareness and the use of psychological skills
What happens to players after using Conditioned Games:
- The ideas and thoughts that are developed in practice can be directly applied in competitions
- If players like a challenge, there will be one in every game : “how can I master this ?”
- They may be required to play in a style which is not natural to them
- They will become psychologically stronger and more confident
- For a short while, they may be frustrated at the game, themselves or even the coach !!
Checklist for Coaches:
- Are players able to make game-like decisions and hit winners at any part of the rally?
- What is the purpose of the game and how it can be replicated in a real competition?
- Can players still win without achieving ‘bonus points’? (if they are part of the game)
- Do the constraints reward the positive player
- Does the game look and feel like a real match?
- Do you (the coach) have 1 or more variations prepared?
Do you use Conditioned Games and if so, how do you design them?
What would you do when if player said …
“I don’t like this game Coach as it’s not real and people wouldn’t play like this in a real match”
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As always, I’m very grateful if you have read this far 🙂
I’d love to hear your views about which badminton backhand defensive footwork you coach. What are the positive benefits of each technique?
Why not send me an email contact@badmintonandy.com
