If I was playing a match with plastic shuttles I would drop my tension to 18/19lbs.

I would pay attention to the feel of the shuttle in the knock up concentrating on clears, drops, smashes, net shots and serve. The intention is by covering all of these shots as a pair, I am able to practice my defence and attack without giving too much away.

I would then play a simple game whereby I focused on setting up my partner by playing them into the game. The block to the net is important in defence so I really want this to work. As usual. I’d follow it in and apply pressure at the net.

Delivering a decent drop shot, faster smash are important too. I’d cut out any kind of slice action until I was happy with the other shots. I would then test it in another knock up before bringing it into play.

Generally I’d play my shots to gauge the flight of the shuttle in the knock up. I would then adjust if required to ensure I can keep the shuttle in. This may mean hitting clears higher but could be I need to hit them lower.

Paul

As Matt says, plastic shuttles act differently to feathers. I grew up using an assortment of plastic shuttles and would agree with Matt.

Hitting plastic shuttles requires a different mindset. Cut out the more detailed shots such as spins and slices and simply keep the shuttle in play. Be careful with shuttle speeds otherwise injuries will occur and these can take months to repair. As the saying goes, you stroke a feather and thump a plastic. So, shuttle speed is vital to be able to thump it well.

By all means test a string tension that suits you. However, for me I would not go beyond 22lbs. That said, I know a players that plays mainly with plastic shuttles and he strings his rackets over 30lbs. My personal preference is to allow the strings to play a bigger role in the power of the shot and I’ll take care of the control around the net, bearing in mind I on’t be spinning the shuttle. Thankfully I can choose not to play with plastic shuttles and therefore avoid them.

Paul