Rob
 
Many thanks for your comments. I’m absolutely delighted that you get the whole ethos behind the course. Sometimes I wonder whether our approach is too subtle, bearing in mind it’s so staring you in the face.
 
When I do a smash clinic players expect me to break down every component of the shot into minute detail and then coach each element until you’re all hitting so much harder. The truth is I would need 4-7 weeks to do that and be able to show a significant difference. What I did was take the big chunks, as I could see from your technique that this would have the greatest impact. Also, I covered elements that nobody seems to cover and that is the emotional commitment to the shot.
 
We all know that when we commit to doing something rather than say “I’ll try,” the job itself gets done so much faster and so much better. So why shouldn’t that apply to badminton? When players get nervous, lose confidence or are getting tired, the key element that is mssing is the emotional commitment to the shot. This is really what “staying focussed” is all about and yet I’ve NEVER seen this mentioned anywhere – even on my blog.
 
I thought the course in September was the right time to unleash this little gem because it’s also the first time I have taken the advanced group on the first morning.
 
I’m really happy that you’ve got what we were teaching and already finding results in your game. There will be  more to come. I really wanted to take the advanced group for the net section as it’s the one area of the court I’m fanatical about. But I had to spread my time across both groups as equally as I could.
 
If you apply the tactical thinking too, your game is going to take off!
 
As I wrote on Facebook earlier this week, attendees on my courses have no idea how much the course means to me. I really do put my heart and soul into it, hence why I always break down in my final address. It’s hard to describe the number of transformations I see in the weekend on all levels and it really get’s to me. I can’t help it and this Lilleshall I was worse than ever! I make no apologies for it because it’s just who I am and really sums up everything that is behind my blog and the courses.
 
I still want to do more and will be working with players to test my thoughts and theories going forward. Since I really got into testing I have introduced the return of serve section in a completely different way, net clincs, smash clinic and a range of other subtle differences that advanced players like you have taken away and used to great effect.
 
At the moment you may not notice a big difference in your service return. But, please stick at it. Your wider stance with legs loaded (remember that part) will give you more speed and power. Your hand position will give you more options in placing the shuttle. If you had seen a picture of yourself before we did the adjustments then you would have agreed with the comments and made the changes. Perhaps that’s something for us to consider adding next time. You can always chat to me about that again if you need to.
 
Overall, I’m delighted with your first night on court and I wish you even more discoveries and success over the season. I do hope you will continue to share them with us as you have here.
 
What can I say about sore and achy limbs?
 
Paul 

Rob
 
I’m looking forward to reading your future posts on this subject.
 
The good thing is a number of improvements have already been made. The quicker you integrate these news skills into your game the easier the game becomes. Hopefully it won’t be long before players at your club notice the difference and comment on your excellent play.
 
Paul

Peter
 
Let me know what you want information on and I will personally write your notes. Bear in mind I wrote the course so I know the outline from the first hit of the shuttle.
 
Thanks for your comments Peter. I can’t help the fact that I am so driven to deliver to a high standard and constantly see areas where we can improve. I think I need another coach and then I can relax more!
 
Paul