Excellent analogy paul! I like the idea of a “crab”… I will have to borrow that one! I tend to agree: most professionals pre-load (split) with a wider than shoulder width base.

Its funny you should say about trying to “pounce on the shuttle and try to get to the net first”, as this is something I have started doing a lot more and is VERY effective – I used to be content just reaching the shuttle – but if I put in a bit more effort when waiting for the shuttle, I can really take control of the game from the front of the court in singles and in doubles (on a good day haha!). Unfortunately sometimes the will is their but the body is a step or two behind.

Simon: its interesting that he used that kind of (aggressive) stance most of the time! Perhaps he knows that he is in control of the game and won't need to defend as much! When you have played at that level, I am not surprised he can dominate the games so easily.

Matt

Simon:

The backhand is often coached as a last resort, and that playing a forehand round the head (even if slightly compromised) is often preferable. Why? Easier generation of power using a forehand hitting action, which leads to getting used to playing these shots, which leads to being in the habit of playing these shots.

The benefits of being able to see your opponents court more effectively are also usually emphasized as an advantage of playing around the head. Ultimately, they may be choosing to clear the shuttle from that position because it is the correct choice, and playing it forehand round the head is natural.

However, in other situations and with more practice, it will be possible for those players to hit a whole variety of attacking shots – something you would not develop without plenty of practice, which a backhand would not allow.

So in one sense: they could use a backhand clear, as you rightly point out, but if they push themselves a little harder, maybe they can learn to play many many better shots instead.

Matt