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10:19 pm
VIP Coaching Program Members
December 4, 2010
Offline
Just wondering what the forums thoughts are on being either a skilful player or a power player after a discussion in the local pub following a club night? 80% from the pub went for power!
10:48 pm
March 12, 2013
Offline Skill. Cause if you just use power all the time, you are bound to make mistakes.
I have a lot of power and can keep going but I lose out to a skilful player every time because I am slower on my feet!
With good skill, you know when to use power effectively.
11:42 pm
February 15, 2011
Offline
Power is easier to play against and generally you find that a very powerful player is a one trick pony. Stop the power, or better still, know how to return it and there isn't much left to worry about.
A skillful player is different. Now you are constantly on your guard, not knowing what they will throw at you. And no matter what you throw at them, the shuttle is returned…with change.
And that is why I teach skill rather than spend hours teaching power. I will of course try to maximise a player's power by improving their skill. However there is only so much I can teach, the rest is genetics. Either the player is naturally powerful, or they can train in the gym to be more powerful. But, there is no match for natural genetic power. This cannot be trained, you either have it or you don't.
That's like asking Mo Farah to run 100 sprint against Bolt. Power will win easily. However, change the race to a distance where power is replaced by strength and endurance and we all know who to bet on.
Badminton is just the same. So, train for skill, do your best to improve your skill to maximise your power and remember above all else, shuttle placement is far more important compared to power.
Paul
4:16 pm
March 10, 2013
Offline I agree with Paul and everybody who supports the skill option. One thing to remember is that as you get older your power diminishes,sad fact of life, but if you continue to develop you skills you will be playing at your highest level for a lot longer.One of the joys of watching league matches is to see a pair of young guns with killer (they think) smashes be taken apart by a couple of old guys with skill and deception.
7:01 pm
May 25, 2010
Offline Good topic this and good question. I'd say skill although a bit of power looks good! I'm really not a powerful person compared to other players so I should just focus more on skill and maximise on that. After all, I can set up shots for my “power” partner can then put away! In theory anyway! 
I would agree with the comment that using power can lead to more mistakes and points lost and you would still need a good placement for the smash or power shot to work properly.
I'd imagine that if I asked this question at my club, I'd also report that 80% said power!
Badminton Gives Me A Purpose In Life – To Serve Others
I'd Rather Be Playing Badminton…………..
2:46 pm
February 15, 2011
Offline I agree Peter that the players in your club may opt for power. That's because they follow the same delusion that most league players do that the game is won on winners. We all know the game is won by making the least number of mistakes but you can't be seen a hero on court by playing consistently and skillfully. You only “look good” by hitting the boomers.
In reality, there are only a small percentage of players with the genetic capability of hitting the big smash. Others just hit hard. So let's lock away the ego and you will automatically play better badminton.
Paul
3:29 pm
March 12, 2013
Offline As much as I like smashing, I enjoy a deceptive drop shot more. For the past 3 sessions, I have only smashed when I absolutely know that the spot I'm aiming for will have a near impossible chance of a return. I'm trying to be more effective as a whole. Now if only my feet will cooperate with my will…
7:38 pm
April 15, 2010
Offline Good discussion here, I'd also have to side with skill, but more specifically speed through skill.
A player with fast footwork covering the whole court and consistantly taking the shuttle early is an absolute nightmare, you're constantly trying to just stay in the point.
8:46 am
February 15, 2011
Offline Rob
The combination of speed and skill is very interesting. The difficulty with players like this is that usually when they tire, skill lapses as they are unable to get to the shuttle on time to perform at their optimum skill levels.
As you know, when playing fast players the tactic is to slow them down.
I've played against a few players recently who are very fast but lack the racket skills to compliment their asset. In this case they are retrievers with little ability to change their game. Again, they tire and open the court for exploitation.
Playing against a player with speed and skill, especially early in a match when they are fresh, presents problems for any player. However, variation is always the key when playing against these opponents paying particular attention to dominating the net and setting up the opportunities for your partner.
Paul
11:24 am
May 25, 2010
Offline Elisha said:
As much as I like smashing, I enjoy a deceptive drop shot more. For the past 3 sessions, I have only smashed when I absolutely know that the spot I'm aiming for will have a near impossible chance of a return. I'm trying to be more effective as a whole. Now if only my feet will cooperate with my will…
Deceptive shots are good, however, I do think that only smashing when you are sure you will only win the point is hampering your game in my opinion. Firstly, you won't know till you try smashing whether you will win the point by smashing (element of surprise can win many points) and secondly, you can do a smash which they will (hopefully!) high clear back AND then you do your deceptive shot. Make the deceptive shot that much better. By not smashing much they will know that you will always do deceptive or net shots and will be more ready and prepared to return the shots. Deception works better when they don't know what to expect. You could ply them with smashes at every opportunity (not full out smashes, enough to get them into thinking that every shot will be smash) and then boom, deceptive cross court drop 
Unless of course I am reading your post wrong and you just meant with regards to power.
I agree with Rob about court coverage too. Which is a good point about deceptive shots could actually put YOU out of position if you play them at the wrong time.
So in summery, perhaps is best to play an all round game, and use your strengths every now and then to cover up what your strengths and weakness are, and keep them guessing.
Badminton is a lot like chess…….
Checkmate! 
Badminton Gives Me A Purpose In Life – To Serve Others
I'd Rather Be Playing Badminton…………..
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