Why didn’t anyone tell me that

Welcome to the series that gives you access to expert opinions and views on all things badminton

Why didn't anyone tell me that .... things you wish someone had said, serious and fun facts

Ben Caldwell

I had no idea how the whole thing worked !

When I first started I didn't know that you could become National and European Champion in juniors.  I played the sport because I found it fun and challenging but I was so out of the badminton world at a young age that I had no idea how the whole thing worked.

I guess the message from this is that young players need educating about everything. If they are not from a ‘badminton family’ or don’t have parents who can support them a lot then coaching them is educating them in far more than how to hit the shuttle. (not sure about including this it’s a bit embarrassing. I didn’t know about these tournaments until I was at University.

I didn’t know about funding, how to get in the ‘system’, tournament circuits, training centres etc… this is a big topic though I think for a young ambitious athlete.  It si important to know how the sytem works, maybe its easier nowadays woth the internet and all the sites out there.

Martyn Lewis

When I was young ... 

I wish someone had told me to practice ways more skills as a youngster and also more prehab from a younger age.

Habits that could’ve made me better in my later career.

Jeff Tho

Why didn't anyone tell me that durian was disgusting before I tried it!

Everyone said it was nice but I hate it!

Daphne Ng

I was too serious! 🙂

I hope now I've learnt to enjoy every moment, every experience as it happens.  Love everything you do and grab all the experiences you can

Tracy Hallam

That I would live and play badminton in France because I would have paid more attention to French at school!

Jordan Hart

A difficult question because experience is everything for me

I think that when you are junior you, of course, are really concerned with results and tournaments and who is winning this and that but in the grand scheme of things when your a senior only a handful of your junior results matter.  Not many people will refer to them or measure your overall success by them.

It’s all about what you do on the Senior Circuit.  Ages 17/18/19/20 seem really long when you are a junior and senior badminton can sometimes feel a long way away.

But if you stick in at those years it will set you up for hopefully a very long and successful senior career.

Thanks to everyone for their time and considered thoughts  

If you'd like to join this expert team and start sharing your knowledge, send me a message and I'll send you some questions

 
Don't forget to click here to see a list of all the questions

Martyn Lewis

Tracy Hallam

Jeff Tho

Jurgen Van Leeuwen

Ben Caldwell

Daphne Ng

Jordan Hart