This question comes up very often
What stroke would you coach first to a complete beginner?
Its asked as part of many Coach Eduction qualifications
The places where this question being asked
It’s a task on the BWF L1 coach award
Candidates are given a list of badmonton strokes and asked to arrange all into a development order.
Then, asked to justify the order, an answer is required
Do you have a preferred stroke order to introduce
I start with lots of ‘below shoulder work.’
It’s been asked on the BWFL3 coaching courses
Each candidate was given an opportunity to reply, and then they were questioned on why and asked to justify their reply.
The Turors wanted a reasoned, well-thought-out reply, then the other coaches were encouraged to try and find weaknesses in the coach’s proposal.
Coach to coach conversations
In these situations, there is either total complete agreement or entrenched thoughts, disagreement or no reply at all
Often, coaches will suggest starting with a backhand low serve, but how many essential skills and techniques does that encourage?
Coach development officers often get asked
Many motivated, inquisitive coaches look to their Association for advice and guidance. Often, they seek out the officials and ask them, believing them to be experts in this area.
All too often, the answers vary, with personal views being offered and limited justifications for why a specific stroke is better than another.
Ask for justification, the underpinning reasons why you should follow their advice. Don’t forget to request to see the progressive practices.
It’s answered (hidden) in beginner programmes
Do you use any beginner programmes?
I’ve heard of 3 that are used worldwide, in Ireland, in England.
Consider the type of striking they encourage in early beginner practices. If it is generally above or below shoulder height?
How would you reply and what would be your justification ?
Many coaches are “Experience Rich and Theory Poor”
This is a phrase to describe a tendency to accumulate vast amounts of personal experiences while lacking the frameworks or conceptual tools to understand and make sense of them.
Coaches often haven’t cructially investigated what other ways or theories there are behind what they do or have seen.
I’ve not met many coaches who have sought out theories, research, or carried out mini-experiments in order to justify their ‘gut feeling’ .
I’ve heard these replies
Which do you agree with, and which prickles you?
- Start with the overhead as it’s an important skill. Even if they miss or can’t initially control the stroke it doesn’t matter.
- Start with backhand net shots as the practice is more controllable than others and the coach can feed for the player.
- Start with backhand low serve so that they can easily make contact and then start to play games.
- Start with below shoulder strokes and maybe even without a net.
- Ensure they hit lots of shuttles, the actual stroke is unimportant, aim to try to ensure that they want to come back to the next session (motivation is key).
- Start with footwork using shadow movements, strokes can come later
Did you find some of them contradictory?
I did, I agree with two of them, I’m undecided about two, and I disagree with two.
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.
