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1:20 pm
February 15, 2011
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Hi, my kids (16 and 12 year old girls) have shown an interest in learning badminton and I haven't been able to find a club that suits their school stuff and my work schedule so I've decided to attempt to teach them myself.
I think I have grip sorted for them so we'll be hitting courts very soon.
Could anyone advise what I should be showing them first please ?
The plan is forehand clears IE: grip,footwork,timing and recovery, not worried about power as I'm hoping that will develop naturally.
Then I was going to work on movement around the court without a shuttle and then with one, hopefully moving onto overhead clears.
When they can hit the shuttle cleanly, I was going to move onto rear court/net drills and serving.
The theory being whilst one is practising serves I can show the other how to move back and forth with the drills.
I'm hoping the serves will be an introduction to backhand shots and then moving onto the more difficult backhand clears.
Probably smashes and drop shots after that.
I have zero experience at teaching and have never been coached myself so I'd like them to learn without instilling all my bad habits so any advice would be greatly appreciated.
If all goes well I reckon all 3 of us will be at one of Pauls coaching weekends in about 6 months !
Thanks for taking the time to read this
Simon
9:32 pm
February 15, 2011
Offline
Simon
Generally, once grip is mastered, start work on moving backwards and the stroke cycle for overhead shots like forehand clear. Remember, the cycle includes recovery back to base.
Once you've got this going, work on the serve and basic net shot and positioning.
Hope this helps get you started.
Paul
12:13 pm
February 15, 2011
Offline Thanks Paul, I've taken them a couple of times now and that's what I've been showing them.
I'll try and get some pics of their “ninja” stances for receiving serves, little monsters had the other 3 courts in hysterics.
I make them do rear to front court drills to practise their footwork when i'm collecting up shuttles and they've made it into a bloody dance routine.
Even the staff at the sports centre come and watch them.
5:14 pm
April 15, 2010
Offline Your training sessions sound great fun Simon!
Are your 'little monsters' playing at any clubs as well as your training? Whilst the technique is undoubtedly important I also think it's key that beginners learn the social side of badminton as well and just get a few games under their belt.
I play some juniors at my club who have good technique and get frustrated at being beaten by people with inferior technique, including me (dubious backhand). Playing in a club against many different people is a good way of picking up new tips from experienced players and identifying weaknesses in your own play.
I would always say you can't teach experience and the will to win. After all, however gracious in defeat we are, we all play to win!
10:21 pm
February 15, 2011
Offline Rob
Good point here.
When I first began coaching, I took my first student to many matches in the area. Whilst he wasn't playing in a high division he learnt so much.
You see what happens in lower leagues is that there are many unauthordox players. They've learnt their way of getting out of a situation and it works for them. It's important the kids learn how to play and beat these players who “don't play right” because that's also part of the game – thinking and working out how to win.
As the season progresses you can see a marked improvement in their game. It's good to watch their confidence grow as they learn how to win and have fun at the same time.
Paul
10:48 pm
March 2, 2010
Offline Hi all, not much of advice I can give; just this:
Movement: back and forward drills are the best start I guess (they have to hit the net with the racket before going backwards).
Technique: forehand serving high for singles. If I do give some advise/training to youngsters, I hammer quit a lot on having a good serve. Clearing, I mostly start with just a shuttle they have to throw away as far as possible, makes them do the right movement (stepping in, stretched arm, a bit polse, …). Once this is mastered, start hitting shuttles and if consistency and accuracy is on the menu, place a bucket in all 4 corners or a specific corner of the court. And off you go.
Since they are young and only just started, keep it pleasant and funny. I always admire trainers who have the ability to work with young kids without making it a military drill, but still bringing the lesson.
Cheers, ED
11:38 am
February 15, 2011
Offline All terrific advice as usual, thanks a lot guys.
I'm particularly pleased that I started with everything you've advised before I read it.
I've been considering becoming a coach for a little while and the satisfaction of watching kids soak up everything you say and learn so quickly is making me seriously consider it.
I've banned my girls from here for now as I want them to walk before they run but I'm sure they'd like to thank everyone too.
12:25 pm
February 15, 2011
Offline I took my girls to their first “proper” coaching session yesterday and was quite surprised at what they taught.
First thing they did was pair all the kids up and had one throwing the shuttle to the backhand net and the partner using a backhand push net shot. (that makes sense in my head not sure if it's a great explanation though)
It seemed a good way to teach net footwork but I'd have thought basic forehand overhead clears would have been a better thing to start with.
They didn't say anything about grip but I noticed the main coach (ex middlesex coach) had his thumb extended straight along the racket handle.
He didn't tell anyone else to do it and I forgot to ask him if it was correct technique or just a personal quirk.
Then they did the overhead clears and because there were 4 coaches between about 18 kids and 4 courts they did a really good job of 1to1 coaching.
It's a club called no-strings badminton and has sessions across the country if anyone is looking for that sort of thing, they were really good with the kids and I was impressed with the way they mixed things up and pushed the social aspect of it all.
7:10 pm
VIP Coaching Program Members
August 12, 2010
Offline Simon,
Its sounds as if your girls had a good time? The backhand net shot, as are all backhand shots, are usually taught with the thumb extended along the back of the racket, as if you were pushing with the thumb on all your backhand shots (for control and efficient grip tightening for power). This is what I would consider correct technique. I am surprised the coach forgot to stress this – maybe thats for a later lesson.
What I would say, is that the forehand throwing motion (as used for forehand clears) is a relatively complicated full body mechanism, that requires a lot of coordination. What you will realise, is that the coach of that session has actually taught two things: the backhand net shot, with footwork, and, if I am undertstanding you correctly as it sounds like an overhead throw, the “feeding” player is actually practicing their forehand clear technique simply by throwing a shuttle. The standard start tot eaching the overhead forehand clear is to practice throwing a shuttle or beanbag to a partner, and back again.
Learning a simple shot like a net shot may help players new to the sport to build up simple hand eye co-ordination, without the concern for hitting with power. This may be helpful for some players, but practicing net shots is helpful for all players. At an advanced level, the players with superior touch and control around the net are often the ones in control of the match, and so the more practice the better 🙂 (thats for EVERYONE, not just people starting out – I wish I had some time to improve my questionable net shots…).
Keep us updated!
Matt
10:19 pm
February 15, 2011
Offline Matthew
You may get the chance when I see you at Lilleshall very soon!
I think my money is on how much your return of serve will improve when i show you what I’ve discovered. And, when I show you, you’ll think it’s the most logical technique to use.
Paul
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