I really like Conditioned Games!
They offer an effective practices for Tactical & Technical
I was asked: why use them, whats so good
The discussion certainly created some interesting thoughts
Why use Conditioned Games
They provide a great link between technical isolated practice
I like these games because they provide an experience to try out and learn/improve tactics.
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)
… allow players to develop game skills in a game context.
These reasons alone should be enough for you use them extensively 
A Conditioned Game is one that has...
- Scoring adjustment: bonus or penalty points
- Limited or reduced use of specified strokes
- Limited or reduced use of specified strokes
- Amended rules
- Requirements for self-awareness and the use of psychological skills
Games with different themes of games and a variety of conditions and ‘rules’
After playing Conditioned Games players ...
- Develop the ideas and thoughts in 'normal practice' that can be applied in real game situations and then into competitions.
- Become accustomed to challenges, as there will be one in every game : “how can I master this ?”
- Experience having to play in a style which is not natural to them
- They will become psychologically stronger and more confident
- Maybe become frustrated at the game, themselves or even the coach !! (hopefully only for a short while)
Games for all stages of a players development
Coaches checklist
Do your games pass these test questions …
- Are players able to make game-like decisions and hit winners at any part of the rally?
- Is the purpose of the game easily defined, and can it 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?
We struggled to answer this question
What would you do when if player said …
“I don’t like this game as it’s not real,
I wouldn’t play like this in a real match”
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.
