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7:52 pm
July 21, 2011
Offline
My daughter (almost 10 yrs old) has been playing for about a year and a beginner-level player. Since we didn't know if she'd like the sport, she's been using my old racket, an Armortec 700 (defense). Since she likes the sport, I'm concerned that the racket she's using is inappropriate as I've seen some reviews saying this racket is suited for better players. I'm looking for recommendations for a more suitable racket (although if the current racket is fine, I'm very happy to not purchase a new one).
Please assume that she will continue to play and that cost is not a concern. I've heard that a Yonex racket is viewed as somewhat of a status symbol among the kids she plays with, so if all things are equal (or close to equal), would probably choose a Yonex.
Thanks for your help!
9:59 pm
April 6, 2011
Offline Do you mean “Armortec 800 Defensive”? I'm fairly sure there aren't offensive and defensive versions of the AT700.
I personally would recommend beginners use a flexible racket that's light overall, but still has a bit of weight in the head, as I think that's the best combination for effortless clears and smashes (without being cumbersome). The AT800 is likely to be a bit too stiff for her, but otherwise not a bad choice (although it's a classic racket and arguably too good to be wasted on a 10 year old – no offense to your daughter). The AT700 is much more demanding, and really not suitable.
I think something like the Armortec 600 or Voltric 7 would probably be a good choice. The AT600 is slightly the more flexible of the two, but it's an older model (the Voltric series replaces the Armortec series), and therefore hard (not to mention expensive) to get hold of. So far, the VT7 is the closest thing there is to an AT600 replacement, so I'd probably go with that.
10:16 pm
July 21, 2011
Offline Thanks sketchy. If the AT700 doesn't come in offense/defense, then it is the AT800. I don't use the rackets at all, so while it is a waste on her, it's less of a waste than the alternative which is having it sit in a closet.
Will look into the VT7.
9:51 am
March 2, 2010
Offline IMHO, the 700 was the heaviest racket in the AT series. I wouldn't give such a racket to a 10 year old, especially if she's just beginning. But if she can cope with it, then why not. So, if you purchase a new one, I know money is not an issue, but keep in mind the more she will play, the more rackets will not survive comming matches (experience tells me). So, since Paul rated the VT5 and VT7 as very equal rackets; I would even recomend the 5 more than the 7. The 5 is cheaper, and the money saved on the racket can be used for clothing, shoes, …
All the best, ED
10:47 am
VIP Coaching Program Members
August 12, 2010
Offline I would definitely get her to try to VT5 and VT7, but I don't know alot about the AT800 defense, sorry!
12:10 pm
February 15, 2011
Offline If she's anything like my girls she'll want something pretty.
How much are you looking to spend ?
The Arcsaber 002 and 003 seem quite good for the £40-50 range.
VT5/VT7 for £60-70
I have 2 daughters a little older than yours and I'd rather spend the money on good shoes and perhaps some coaching, when those teenage hormones kick in they change their minds more than a politician.
You can pick up Nanospeed 100's for £30 RRP ( less if you shop around) and I can't see a lot wrong with them for someone at that stage of playing.
For an extra few pounds you can get it strung with pretty coloured strings and a matching grip, a customized Yonex should be cool for bragging points at that age group.
12:32 pm
April 6, 2011
Offline I recommended the VT7 over the VT5 because of the lighter weight (4U vs 3U), which I think is going to be more of an issue for a young girl than it was for Paul when he reviewed the racquets – and the price difference is so small as to be irrelevant (less than £10).
The AT800Def is also in the lighter 4U weight bracket (it's a pretty similar racquet to the AT900T, which replaced it).
2:06 pm
February 15, 2011
Offline
Overall this is a tough question to answer.
You need to take into consideration a growing child and their current capabilities. Without experience it’s difficult to know what feels right because against an AT700 or 800, anything will feel good!
At age 10, it may be too much to move the young girl from a head heavy racquet to a head light racquet. The weight in the head will be helping in terms of her feeling the head of the racquet which is important when learning technique and being aware of the racquet head and it’s flight pattern.
Because of these factors I would consider VT5 or VT7 as suggested earlier. Kids need spares as they develop and these racquets should be around for a while. Also, they have sufficient flex in the shaft to help with power and they’re a good price.
It was also suggested that you invest in coaching. I agree entirely here because developing good technique at an early stage is worth so much. In the long run this will give any player an ideal start in the game. Even if they give up for a while, correct technqiue learned and developed at an early age will stay with the player.
Paul
7:32 pm
July 21, 2011
Offline Thanks everyone for your suggestions. Will probably go with the VT7 as it's lighter. She is taking lessons, although only 30 min/wk; in addition, our club has a free junior program where she plays 2x/wk for roughly 90 minutes/session. I can't say that I find the private lessons that valuable as I don't know that I agree with the teaching style which seems largely drills and not much on technique and strategy (or is this common for 10 yr olds?).
There was a comment about shoes. I never really thought before about getting badminton shoes (she has regular court shoes) for someone of her age and ability.
11:09 pm
VIP Coaching Program Members
August 12, 2010
Offline I am not the most experienced person to comment, but for any player teenager or older who wanted to play seriously, the first thing I would ensure is that they have a good pair of BADMINTON shoes. However, perhaps there is less pressure when you are just starting out 🙂
For 10 year olds, the key developmental thing is fun and enjoyment (as it should be for everyone!). Drills are fairly common. Over emphasis on technique may be confusing or seen as not so much fun… I think it depends on the individual, how good they are, how quickly they progress etc. The key thing to look out for with her coaching is that good technique, particularly the correct grips, are taught. However, even this is second to the child enjoying the game! Its the little things, like turning side on before hitting overhead, using chasse or side steps, reaching up high, and using a good grip, are normally the sorts of things focussed on in childrens coaching – not too complicated, but these are the essentials!
Strategy is not something that is normally discussed with younger children – it is practiced through drills… learning to drop to the sides and close to the net, learning to come side by side when defending, hitting drops then clears to work out how to move an opponent. The problem with strategy is that it often involves a lot of talking, and when you just want to get on court, this is perhaps not so great! Thus, the emphasis is on the “general tactics” – actual game plans and shot choices etc are normally developed as the player continues to develop and play at a higher standard. However, everyones different! And maybe your daughter would enjoy more in the way of discussing tactics and technique? Who knows! Out of interest, have you asked her?
I wouldn't be surprised that, if she keeps enjoying it (wanting to play), then she is more likely to be pushed harder by the coaches and learn at a pace more suited to her!
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