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5:07 pm
VIP Coaching Program Members
August 12, 2010
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I guess many of you here have seen the exciting recent form of british players Chris Adcock and Imogen Bankier. They ruthlessly dispatched the 15t, 8th, 4th and 2nd seeds in the 2011 world championships a week or so ago. I wanted to talk about the way that they played together. I felt that, by comparison to most other top pairs, they actually played a fairly traditional brand of mixed, as opposed to the “ladies are so strong, you virtually play level doubles” that most people think about when looking at professional mixed doubles.
With this brand of mixed doubles, they put to the sword several of the TOP pairs in the world, making them look very ordinary. I feel mistakes cost them that final, as at 15 all in the first game of the final, it was looking like the pairs were evenly matched.
So, discussion time! What is it that made the mixed doubles they played “traditional”? In particular, what shots were chris adcock playing most of the time, and what was Imogen doing around the net that made them so formidable? Consider especially which side of the net she was covering!
As a starting point, most of the time when either one of the british pair lifted, imogen made sure she was defending cross court. This is very “traditional” and something that more poeple should take note of. Even when they physically had to swap sides, they made sure that this was the way they were defending where possible (although they didn't defend often!).
What do you all think?
8:24 am
February 15, 2011
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I only managed to see their semi final match and only part of that.
From what I saw Adcock played a perfect waiting game changing the pace frequently and useing his left arm well to change angle and line of his smashes.
Bankier was superb. Dare I say on this performance the new Gail Emms? She certainly played a similar game. She was clever. She didn’t try to hit much from the net, but used a variety of block shots to take the pace off the shuttle and drop it in front of Natsir causing a lot of problems. She also did a sterling job just by recognising her strengths and in particular, the biggest strength of the pair was being in their strongest combination. That is something many ladies forget in their quest to demonstrate they can hit hard and defend well. Erm, is their such a thing as female ego?
The other aspect of their game worth a mention is the superb serving and return. They both excelled in their matches giving their opponents nothing to play from. Excellent.
I’ll say more when I get the chance to watch more footage.
Paul
3:03 pm
VIP Coaching Program Members
August 12, 2010
Offline The reason I wanted to highlight these guys, especially Bankier, is that I thought they played an excellent tactical game. The number of times they “won” the first four shots of the rally, getting the lift, is no coincidence to go with their success. Chris adcock said he thought that Bankier was the best lady mixed player in the world right now. A bold statement.
9:12 pm
February 15, 2011
Offline Yes, it was a pleasure to see the standard of play from the get go.
Many players do not pay enough attention to the opening of a rally and how control and tactical application can make ALL the difference to the outcome of the game.
Good topic Matthew.
Paul
1:25 pm
March 2, 2010
Offline Well, like I said before, the new Gail Emms is Scottish. I was very impressed with her defence and net couverage. As far as I'm concerned (but I'm no coach), they simply match together. It was nice to watch their games, all of them. Their route to the final was impressive. I hope they can maintain this level of play. You see, for UK badminton, not all hope should be lost.
I recently watched Clark/Langridge against LYD/JJS. Okay, they lost yes indeed. The power was a magnitude away from that of the Koreans, the speed was half of that of Septano/Ahsan, but I saw bag full of really nice shots. Especially from Clark. But the finishing touch came from the other side.
Cheers, ED
8:35 pm
February 15, 2011
Offline Clark is one of the most gifted players I’ve ever seen in terms of his ability with a racquet. However, I’ver never felt he’s been fit enough. I know some of the Chinese players carry a bit of weight e.f. Zengbo but he is still so much fitter than Clark.
I do feel it’s about time Badminton England exercised a degree of realism regards the Olympics. There’s simply no point in paying for the likes of Clark or Robertson any more. In world badminton terms they have had their day. If they had the kind of steel and determination Gade demonstrates every tournament, then perhaps they’re worth taking. Unless they really tow the line and dig hard to train like world champion athletes I think we’re better taking youngsters and let them have the experience.
Paul
12:13 pm
VIP Coaching Program Members
August 12, 2010
Offline 
Gade is a shining example to us all of how to be a professional athlete. In one of his matches against TMN in the world championship quarter finals, he was doubled over, out of breath. I have never seen that before. He was a couple of points away from losing the match too. What happened though? He summoned all his energy and tactical brilliance (high serves? Haven't seen that for a while) to bait his opponent into playing the game that Gade wanted to play. In the old days, he would never be out of breath. But he is still SO quick. Can we say that about robertson? And Clark has never been that quick. Do they put in the hours Gade does?
I was pleased to hear recently, that, despite all being part of the GB team, Chris Adcock and Imogen Bankier said they wanted to qualify for the Olympics, at the expense of Robertson and Wallwork if need be. I am extremely impressed by this confession – they want their chance to do well, even if their team mates will suffer because of it.
4:37 pm
March 2, 2010
Offline Gade's match against TMN was simply awesome. But I thought (just like the rest of the world probably), next round LD was waiting. Being out of breath twice, at the end of his forces, he had all odds against him ! Everybody expected an easy 2 sets for LD. “Hmmm… no” Gade must have been thinking. Again, a typical Gade match: top level, all the beauty of this sport demonstrated. He will always be an extraordinary guy. Where will LCW and LD be at the age of 34 ?
All the best, ED
9:17 pm
February 15, 2011
Offline Ed
That’s a great example. Gade was so tired but his commitment, not determination saw him over the line. He has used the change of tactics before when playing against Taufik in All England Quarter Finals in 2010.
Gade has the ability to dig deeper than most and that’s why he’s been at the top for so long. The badminton world will be losing one of its all time greats when Gade retires after Olympics.
Paul
12:34 am
May 6, 2010
Offline I have watched the Chris adcock And Imogen Bankier games. I thought they played superbly well. one aspect I particularly liked was Chris's movement around the court. The way he would jump across to take a shot early and then spring back ready for the reply, keeping the pressure on with imogen ready to pounce at the net. His court movement (to me at least) looked better than any current GB player that I can think of. I thought Imogen was excellent at the net and she would often take the risk of getting in to play a net kill or round the head even if it meant her 'falling out of the court'. One of the many other things I liked about this combination was they kept it together when it mattered. I seem to remember Wallwork and Roberton squandering a sizable lead with silly mistakes and lots of errors at the net especially by Wallwork. Chris and Imogen however managed to hold it together, I particularly remember I think Imogen being faulted on a serve then Chris put one in the net giving their opponents a game point or two but they didn't wilt and came back to win the game. Very impressive nerve indeed! Excellent stuff I really hope this is a springboard for their careers.
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