The VT80 is a great racket for anything! It is a little bit heavier so requires better technique in the forecourt and in defence, but on the whole you won't be disappointed if you decide to work at your technique!

I would like to say that, in general, if you like a racket, then use that racket! There is no such thing as a good singles racket or a good doubles racket. If you like playing with it (and it is a great racket), then use it to play badminton! Not just singles and not just doubles. The best players in the world/country/county are the best players in the world/country/county because of their SKILLS, not their rackets. That doesn't mean people don't like some more than others, but I think people should stop worrying about it!

This is a common problem I see a lot of players have – knowing which shots are theirs in the forecourt!

At a professional level, after the serve, the server simply doesn't have time to cover anything except a net shot i.e. they crouch low and let their partner take the third shot.

I feel it is something people don't understand very well: badminton is EASY! You just have to take the easy shots! And the easy shots are the ones that you can take in front of you. So if you are serving, the ONLY shots you can really take effectively are the shots that you CAN take in front of you – i.e. net shots. Any pushes or drives will go at you/past you much too quickly for you to take them in front. But your partner has LOADS of time to see them coming and to hit them! So let your partner take the easy shot, or else do lots of practice to try to learn to intercept them yourself. If you can't yet intercept them, do not try! Badminton is about consistency not trying anything too spectacular!

If shots are not consistently easy then you are either

1. out of your depth and playing a game that is too fast for your ability level

2. OR you are stood in the wrong place and hence no shots are easy.

Most people fall into category 2! Together with thinking they need to be superhuman and intercept all sorts of stuff. Its not true! Just keep playing the easy shots well!

Hi 11tatic, VT80 one of my favourite rackets along with the Victor Bravesword 12 both ideal for doubles. Just wondering if you discuss with your partner which shots you will take & practice together? Good luck : )

Good comments from Pete and Rogerh! It is so important that front court players go for the shots that they KNOW they can make. And leave the rest to the back player. Only in this way can you really understand what each other is capable of – and hence how to play with each other!