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8:15 pm
VIP Coaching Program Members
December 4, 2010
Offline
As its been quiet on the forum, I was wondering what psychological aspects effect your game either positive or negative.
For example when you play a team that turn up in club shirts. Does this make you think they are better then you before the game has even started?
Is there a venue where you always struggle or lose.
What happens when your team mate is having a bad game does this have a knock on effect on your game?
Is there a team that you’ve beaten before, that when you play them again you go on court confident or do you take each game as they come?
How do you deal with the psychological aspects of the game?
Do you have a set routine you follow for each game?
What psychology do you use to help you win games.
Looking forward to reading people idea’s & thoughts.
9:18 am
December 31, 2011
Offline Dobbie98 – some great questions there!
There is a whole world of expertise out there geared towards sports psychology and I am sure we will have some expert provide us with their opinion. Personally I take a very simplistic view of things.
Firstly, in terms of venue, opposition and previous results I tend to ignore these (or at least suppress). I cannot change them so why waste time on it?
Secondly, I relax. Badminton is a game; I play because I enjoy it. If I get too tense then my game will go downhill rapidly. You will recognise this effect when you try to over play a shot – your grip will tighten, your muscles will contract and you will play a duff shot and possibly injure yourself. Don't let the opposition psyche you out with “gamesmanship” (delayed serves, dubious line calls etc – I never do that sort of thing…if it is the only way you can win then I feel quite sad for you!).
Envisioning – I have played a lot of different sports over the years and I have found that it helps tremendously if you can imagine yourself playing that winning shot or scoring that great goal – I guess it is all to do with PMA – Positive Mental Attitude.
Partners…if your partner is having a nightmare of a game then try to remain positive and give encouragement; you cannot take all their shots for them so you have to try and help them focus – you can only win as a balanced pair – that's why doubles is such a great game. If you get into a blame game then you will both play badly and will damage your future games together. It is easy to do and, to my shame, I have been there myself. This can be one of the most difficult aspects of the game.
To sum up. If I were playing in the All England finals then I might be a little less relaxed!!! However, that is never going to happen (trust me, you are not going to see a 54 year old taking on Fu Haifeng and Cai Yun anytime soon…
). In the league winning or losing will not end the world – the question is whether I played well and behaved well; if I have then I have succeeded! I will work hard to improve my game. I will listen to advice. I will practice over and over. I will win and I have a will to win. But ultimately I need to have fun and enjoyment from the game – badminton is a big part of my life (I play/coach 5 days a week) – and do you know what? I absolutely love it! 
.
Look forward to hearing other views or philosophies.
4:21 pm
February 15, 2011
Offline
Good question Darren and thanks John for starting us off on this great topic.
Having studied on how the brain works, to me mindset and psychology and two great aspects of the game completely overlooked, and yet, athletes will tell you how vital they are.
However, let's look at this from the mere mortal perspective rather than the elite…
Venue – I take notice of any venue and its quirks. For league badminton players, there are times when home advantage can make a difference e.g. in low ceiling halls which calls for a fast game, or pipes near the back line. In other words, I make sure I take in the surroundings and possible areas for concern. Aside from that, I'm there to play my game, albeit I may need to adjust to avoid faulting.
In venues like this, using other shots becomes a necessity which I consider is good for my game e.g. I have to punch clear, stick smash rather than high clear.
If my team mate is having a bad day, then it's up to me to steady the ship. Being reckless and going for rediculous winners increases my chances of making a mistake. The best way is to play steady and continue to set up chances for my partner. After all, even on a bad day they won't miss many easy sitters at the net.
If I try too hard, step in to take their shots, I'm actually leaving more gaps on court where I should be covering. This provides more areas for the opposition to attack. So trying to help out can present more opportunities for opponents.
I agree with John, you really need to get the balance in your team. Steadying the ship means agreeing not to go for silly half chances and play the rally out. Keep it simple.
I also agree with John regarding PMA and not allowing your opponents to take the upper hand through cheating. The best way to respond to a bad call is to bury a shuttle in your opponents chest – in the nicest possible way.
As players who know me will testify, wherever I go, the net is mine…it will always be mine even my opponent plays a good shot and for the life of me I can't understand how I didn't kill the shuttle – we all have our misses. This attitude regarding the net is the one thing that never leaves me. Wherever I go I will dominate the net and own it, regardless of the tactics employed by my opponents. Sometimes I have to be patient but I will be re-acquainted with the net very soon. I will gladly leave it in trust to my partner if need be.
John has responded to this question, I should have dittoed my response.
Like John, I'm not going to be a world beater…I have too little time on court actually playing. But, I love the game and win or lose I thoroughly enjoy it. I don't lose often but when I do I move on very quickly having quickly understood the tactics played against us. Occasionally, this will be as simple as “cut Paul out of the game.” I accept this, focus on doing my best and being ready for any situation.
Paul
11:25 pm
March 10, 2013
Offline Great Posts
As I see it the psychological aspects of the game are more challenging and harder to fix than the physical. How many times have we gone for a shot that we know that we shouldn't but can seemingly do nothing about it. That's our brain, or a portion of it, determined to show us who's boss. Some of us reflect on what has happened and try devise a strategy to cope, some don't care and others take it out on anyone and everyone.
As John and Paul have said enjoyment is the key word and going to your club night or a match in the right frame of mind, leaving your troubles and woes at the sports hall door, does wonders for your game.
The only falling out I've had in 30 years of playing has been with players who have brought the frustrations of their day onto court. I'm not saying I've been perfect over the years but I have always tried to play in the right spirit.That's why I am 100% with Paul on gamesmanship,turn it into positive energy and let 'em have it.
If you haven't a coach who can help with the “mind game” side of things two publications that I can heartily recommend are, “Ahead Of The Game” by Jeremy Lazarus an NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) take on sport psychology and “The Chimp Paradox” by Dr Steve Peters sports psychologist to the G B 2012 Olympic cycling team. Both books are an easy read and very informative. Even if you don't buy into everything they say no one who reads them will ever look at themselves in the same way again.You've been warned.
Roger
9:42 pm
February 15, 2011
Offline Roger
Many thanks for the book references. Having trained and received my Master NLP Practitioner award, I heartily support any material that will enhance a players performance. I had the forune to train with one of the creators of NLP which was a wonderful experience.
I'm not so sure readers of this forum will really understand the huge impact psychology plays in sport. For some, no disrespect intended here, but you won't care. You are not elite players and play badminton for fun. And, that is what this sport is for – to enjoy and get the most from it. I love the sport, and rarely play because of my coaching duties. So, when i play, whilst I play to win, I also just play for the fun of it.
Those players and readers of this forum wishing to progress, you should take time to read these books or learn a bit more on this subject – it could completely change your approach on court without taking away the enjoyment.
Paul
6:44 pm
VIP Coaching Program Members
December 4, 2010
Offline Think I will have a look at the Chimp Paradox book, as I have heard good things about this book since reading about it from Roger H. As I know I need to work on this area both within the game & other areas of my life, I’m getting better, but used to rate my worth depending on the outcomes of games etc.
Re psychology: I remember one game when a good team came to our place for a league match, the Captain told us to warm up left handed. The away team turned up saw this, I overheard them laughing & stating “god we will be home in an hour. Needless to say they went away well beaten. Not sure if that’s bad sportsmanship, but there over confidence cost them dear.
1:57 pm
May 25, 2010
Offline Both books look good from a neutrals point of view, I have no knowledge on either or anything on this subject. But I can only afford to buy one book (although I'm not a book reader so your asking for too much for me to read TWO books 
).
So, with all of that in mind, can someone recommend one book over the other or maybe a short summery of what each book contains, so that I can pick one that might suit me better?
I see Ronnie O'Sullivan (snooker player for those that don't know) has reviewed the Chimp Paradox on Amazon.co.uk!
I don't want to go too deep into the subject as I'm a bit stretched for time and knowledge but I would like to learn something as I think this is definitely something that I can improve on (I always have a blip when I lose a big batch of points).
Any help is of help!
Thanks in advance! 
P.S. Love the story about warming up left handed, found that really funny, and quite cunning too and not particularly bad sportsmanship in my book. Dodgy line calls are worse or slowing the game down.
Badminton Gives Me A Purpose In Life – To Serve Others
I'd Rather Be Playing Badminton…………..
5:12 pm
March 10, 2013
Offline Hi Peter
Both books are really about the same thing. Training your mind to deal with the ups and downs of sport and indeed everyday life. As I've said, both books are excellent but I think that “The Chimp Paradox” would be more accessible to you. The NLP book is perhaps aimed more for coaches whereas with Chimp, although it is advisable that you read all the book, you can dip into it at points that would be relative to yourself. Hope this helps.
Good Luck and let us know how you get on.
Roger
9:48 pm
May 25, 2010
Offline Cheers, you have made up my mind for me, I will order one soon. Need to read it and implant some of it before the new season starts (yes, I’m already thinking that far ahead!). I will keep you all posted.
Badminton Gives Me A Purpose In Life – To Serve Others
I'd Rather Be Playing Badminton…………..
4:17 pm
February 15, 2011
Offline For those players that came to Lilleshall a few years ago, I spent 20 minutes explaining how to overcome lots of psychological issues on court using NLP techniques. This session was videoed.
Additionally I have used these techniques successfully with players including current forum members.
I will probably order one of these books but at the moment I have too much happening on my website with articles and racket reviews to write. Also, we are about to change the website to make it mobile responsive, but this is pretty tricky, so will take a bit longer to launch.
After that, i may get the time to launch a video series based on the coaching I have done at Lilleshall and all that is yet to be done, which eventually will make a 150 video + collection. Some will be quick 30 seconds showing key points and others take a little longer.
Paul
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