This is a huge worry for some men…being made to look bad chasing a shuttle in the rear court.

The key here is shuttle placement. Many men toe the line with the intention of killing the return. Whilst the theory is good, in reality this doesn't happen very often. Badminton is a game of chess and therefore careful placement is essential to out-position your opponents and create a weak reply. Too often players are so eager to hit the big winner when it's not on.

Look for the gap between the server and their partner. You will find that there is enough room for you to cause trouble and force the lift, moreso by taking the pace off the shuttle to ensure it falls lower to the ground before the partner in mid court can pick it up. This means that if they take the shuttle lower, then they are not in the position to drive the shuttle over your head and must lift higher, therefore giving you more time.

Sadly, too many players do not understand the skill in the return of serve, or the tactical application and therefore are caught in “no-mans land.”

There are more examples I can give e.g. if you watch top international players, more returns are played to the net to create first advantage or aimed at the server or their partner. Again, placement is the key rather than agression and power!

Paul