How much do you know
The timing, the direction, and how to coach it
Are you confident - especially about how to coach it
Is all the information you’ve been given actually true,
when compared to what actually happens in a real game?
It is important to question all you have been told
Talk with your coaching friends and gather your opinions
What have you been told, seen or heard?
Has everything been proven by real game examples and arguments?
Most importantly, have you been advised on how to effectively coach it (or allow for it) in structured, progressive practices?
What have you tried with players (especially beginners) and how easily did you see development?
I’ve heard many questions from coaches trying to understand the split step
It certainly is a key factor in movement, and starting to move
So important that how it’s introduced and practiced is probably the most important factor and question!
I haven’t read or watched any explanations that truly give advice to coaches concerning these questions AND also advise how to introduce and practice.
Is the confusion because there are very few absolute truths,
some myths and lots of personal opinion
My beliefs
You decide if they are truths or myths
- The split-step when used is an anticipatory movement – it starts before you know what shot the opponent will play.
- Split into a stance that prepares you to move in a direction you think is the most likely or one that you have decided upon
- It is wrong to assume that the split will always be in the direction the player eventually moves. What do you see when you watch this great Tai Tzu Ying video?
- The height of the movement is not critical (it will vary from player to player and as they develop), the timing and the stance taken is critical.
- Sometimes players won’t split at all – generally when they have limited time or the movement is continuous
- My request to all coaches is that you don’t coach the split in the same way as other movements. REduce the information in favour of practical tasks.
- Practice with a Certainty of Stances and Uncertainty of opponent shot choice
- Don’t specifically talk about "splitting", talk about ‘Stances’ instead
- Don’t set practices that specifically target it, however, have it used in nearly all movement practices
- Practice with a Certainty of Stances and Uncertainty of opponent shot choice
If you want to take the ‘Split-Step Challenge’ and read much more
including my answers the questions – click here
In preparation, watch this video below
then try the questions
Watch this great Tai Tzu Ying video
How many stances do you see?
How often does she ‘split’ and then move in that direction?
Now is your opportunity to watch the footwork and the stances used by players
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.
