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6:35 pm
February 15, 2011
Offline
I don't think I'm going to get noticably better at this game.
I'm nearly 42 and apart from cleaning up some of my technique I'm not sure there's anything more I can do.
This comes off the back of a serious arse-kicking at the hands of some (very) young university players.
I know their coaches so their tactics hold no surprises, they are just so much quicker than me and so well versed in their positioning that it was embarrassing at times.
Getting to the point, is their a time to stop trying to improve and just enjoy myself ?
6:59 pm
February 15, 2011
Offline
Simon
Interesting question.
Bearing in mind you've had time away from the game if my memory serves me right, why should you expect to beat two players who are obviously getting a lot of coaching and outplaying you, probably tactically moreso than physically.
OK, they may be faster, but speed is only good when you're allowed to use it. I'll wager there's a ton of badminton you can learn yet and continue to progress. I'll wager you can improve on your fitness too, although I suspect time is against you here due to your duties as a father rather than your age.
I've taught players from 6 to 60 and seen improvements beyond my wildest dreams at times – some of these I've witnessed at Lilleshall, where players walk into the sports hall with disjointed skills and leave looking like players.
Personally, the time to stop trying to learn is when you decide you don't enjoy playing the game anymore. However, I can safely say there are a huge percentage of players who play week in, week out who have no aspirations to learn and just enjoy the sport.
Paul
2:05 pm
May 25, 2010
Offline I can see where you are coming from Simon, but I don't think you have peaked. You may FEEL like you have, but I don't think you have.
There is always something new to learn, no matter how small. You may not even notice it. Just because you feel that you have now mastered the basics of all shots doesn't mean there's not more to learn. And you have to remember, badminton is very mind related. If you “feel” old, then you may move old. If you truly believe that you can reach the shot, you may get closer than if you thought “I'm never going to get that”. Belief is a big part in badminton.
You also have to be realistic about what you want out of badminton and how much time to spend on it. As Paul have said, the wee rascals that you played maybe playing alot each week and getting coaching and progressing all the time. Where as you have a job and family and other things in life to worry about (like stringing rackets 
), so it's all about where you are in life. And getting plenty of sleep is a must when playing badminton, and as much as we all like to think we get enough, chances are that we don't (something always happens, kids are ill or what not). And your busy day might be more taxing than going to school.
The other thing to think about, is that if you were to play them again, you might play better, you know what to expect. What they are good at and you might even see some weaknesses that you did not see before as you were too busy getting beaten. You might also find that they are on form when winning, but if they are losing then they fall away badly. Have another go, they are a challenge, rise to it.
Only last thing I would like to say, is that if you find the story by Ginger Phil, about how one week he was thinking of giving up the sport, then the following week he won a tournament and was on cloud 9. This just proves that badminton is a roller coaster of emotions, Phil kept going and he got his reward. At this rate he is going to need a bigger trophy cabinet!
Peaked? Pffttt. You can play badminton for 20 odd more years yet!
Badminton Gives Me A Purpose In Life – To Serve Others
I'd Rather Be Playing Badminton…………..
9:26 am
VIP Coaching Program Members
August 10, 2010
Offline Peter is right. I felt this way few months ago. I was really thinking about giving up!! So I decided to take the pressure off back of my own neck and ave fun. I went in with attitude. I can win ere and Il try 100% my all but most of all Im going to enjoy myself no matter what.
I won that competition and looking good to move up a grade because of it.
I know a man who is 53 who is fitter and better than me at badminton!!! Ive improved to the point of being able to beat him some times but I have to work my butt of to do it.
So dont worry. At times like these go and ave fun. If u want try and focus on 1 small thing to improve upon compared to last day you played. If you found in ur last game that u were slow to net shots, focus on fixing this next time you play.
2:17 pm
February 15, 2011
Offline Yes Phil
Good points. And we know how much you've learnt over the last few years and how much more there is in you yet!
Keep up the good work and most of all, have fun!
Paul
11:52 am
February 15, 2011
Offline Thanks for the advice.
I have no intention of giving up badminton and I should probably explain more what I mean by “peaked”.
My fitness level is very high for my age but I also enjoy drinking and my nights out so unless I'm willing to undertake a serious regime and change my lifestyle a lot I can't see me doing that.
I'm fitter than most people I play with or against in local leagues and I'm not that interested in upping my level or joining competitions as it would probably mean going to county level and I don't have the time or inclination for the travel involved.
I think my problem is that I've outgrown the clubs I play at, two years ago I was an average player at them and now I'm by far the best player (hope that doesn't sound too conceited).
I really like the people at the clubs and even when I have a bad night of badminton I always have a good time with them.
I get the impression that the league players at one of the clubs are looking for an excuse to find other teams which could lead to an exodus that I would hate to be responsible for starting.
At another club I spend quite a bit of time coaching and I get a real kick out of watching them improve so I'm reluctant to leave them too.
I think it may just be part of a mid-life crisis so I'll buy a guitar, sports car and Thai bride off ebay and see if that helps
11:56 am
February 15, 2011
Offline Oh yeah, before I forget, we were supposed to play the return leg against those kids last night and they didn't turn up.
The coach apologised and said he couldn't get his first team out and wouldn't insult us by sending a second string team who we'd beat easily.
Annoying that we had a wasted night but a compliment when I think about it.
11:24 am
February 15, 2011
Offline Simon
Thanks for the update.
When you find a great bunch of players who make the game or night fun, it's tough to let go. When you get into coaching you have made a commitment and that's hard to break.
But, there is a players wants that require feeding too and I guess this is where the frustration lies. Lack of time prevents taking on another club unless you alternate between them so that every two weeks or so your playing needs are met and you're stretched to up your game. This is a possibility and allows you to decide if you gel the same with another crowd.You may get to the end of the season with both and then see if other players leave, which then changes the dynamics of the club and ,aybe help you make the decision to move on as a player. The challenge may then me to stay and re-build the club but that takes a lot of effort and energy.
Paul
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