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12:51 pm
December 8, 2011
Offline
Hi everybody, forgive me if this topic is addressed elsewhere, I just joined the Forum and got distracted reading everybody else's great questions and answers.
Formerly a half-decent player, I have returned to Badminton after a few years out, and find that I have a legacy bad habit that I could once upon a time workaround with better agility and mobility, but that I now think I need to address directly.
How to train myself to watch the shuttle – I have great shots in my head, and know exactly where my opponents are and where the shuttle will land…but I am failing to make contact with the shuttle competely or at all….not always, but often enough to be a worry.
Do you guys watch the shuttle all the way to the raquet head, and do you have any advice to offer on how I might practice this away from the court?
I was interested to see the discussion on wearing glasses. For day to day use I wear varifocals, but these are totally unsuitable for badminton, and I have reverted to an older non-varifocal pair, and am exploring the disposable contact lens option. However, while the improved vision aspect will help my game, I need to learn to make sure I am getting best (or any) contact with the shuttle.
Unless the rule changes will allow me to play with a dustbin lid nailed to a piece of 4 x 2, any advice/experience would be gratefully received
Many thanks, Peter
8:23 pm
April 15, 2010
Offline Hi Peter,
Definitely watch the shuttle onto the racket at all times. This applies to every shot in every situation, ideally you want to be taking the shuttle from in front of you as well.
I don't know of any 'official' techniques for practicing watching the shuttle, but you could try just knocking the shuttle up to yourself. You can easily do it at home (mind the ornaments!), and it helps with your touch as well as hand-eye coordination.
I wear glasses to play and have no issues, but am looking to try contacts so will post my experiences if I take the plunge.
Rob
11:41 pm
February 15, 2011
Offline
Peter
Before I can answer your question, I am curious in which area of the court this bad habit occurs?
Whilst an optician may have other suggestions to assist with your vision on court, I am particularly interested in understanding whether this relates to a specific shot or situation as there could be another explanation that's worth exploring.
Over to you…
Paul
11:41 pm
February 15, 2011
Offline Peter
Before I can answer your question, I am curious in which area of the court this bad habit occurs?
Whilst an optician may have other suggestions to assist with your vision on court, I am particularly interested in understanding whether this relates to a specific shot or situation as there could be another explanation that's worth exploring.
Over to you…
Paul
3:27 pm
VIP Coaching Program Members
August 10, 2010
Offline The joys of a habit!! lol. Sometimes this happens also because we are thinking about where the shuttle is going after we hit it or where we want it to go. Ul know where its going to, the important bit is to hit it well so it goes there. once its left ur racket, by al means look at ur opponent and what they are doing.
It mite be an issue which will be addressed with a partner and a court on your own just hitting shots back and forth say from smashes to clears to drops etc etc. Constantly being aware and constantly saying to urself when the shuttle is hit, “watch the shuttle”……..it gets hit again, “watch the shuttle, watch the shuttle”
Be interesting to see what paul says on this. I have done this myself sometimes with anticipation of the next shot. Its like pool/snooker players missing an easy shot because they are focusing on the getting good position of the white ball after!!
11:00 am
December 8, 2011
Offline Thank you to everybody who has responded, my apologies for the delay in getting back to you.
Answering your question directly Paul, this doesn't seem to be confined to any particular area of the court, or any specific shot…although I will try to 'log' the incidents in my head to see if a pattern is there.
The malaise seems to be general, and maybe I need a few more court hours to get back into it. While I am getting used to the environment, the feel of the racket, the court etc, maybe I am just having to reassemble too many skills at once…although the basic hitting of a shuttle could hardly be called a skill so much as a basic requirement.
Repeating the mantra 'watch the shuttle' is a good suggestion, possibly a good deal better than the '#!”?' what's the matter with me' that I am repeating now. 
To help, I was hoping for some bright ideas on how I might be able to practice this away from the court…at home perhaps during the long dark evenings, with the added caveat that even if I clear all furniture, I don't have the room to knock a shuttle around 
Thanks again everybody
Regards, Peter
9:22 pm
February 15, 2011
Offline Peter
Perhaps this is more a case of you getting court and reaction speed back. When you've had a long layoff, it's great to get back on court. However, you're not match fit and this can take considerable time. But, your brain, being competitive expects you to replay old actions and reach the shuttle.
I would guess there is an element of snatching here having to dart or scramble to the shuttle and therefore you're so late to play the shot, which can easily result in a miss.
My armchair exercises will help a little in developing your grip speed. No need to move furniture for these. Also, better wrist and forearm strength will assist with split second changes.
Core workouts can also help as a stronger core will help with changes in direction.
If, after all of this you continue to miss the shuttle outright, then there has to be a simple explanation. More than likely you're not watching the shuttle onto the racquet and probably looking where you want it to go before you've hit it. It's almost like a golfers “head up” scenario where they look for the ball before the strike which can cause an air shot or a miss-hit where they “top” the ball.
Hope this helps.
Paul
9:22 pm
February 15, 2011
Offline Peter
Perhaps this is more a case of you getting court and reaction speed back. When you've had a long layoff, it's great to get back on court. However, you're not match fit and this can take considerable time. But, your brain, being competitive expects you to replay old actions and reach the shuttle.
I would guess there is an element of snatching here having to dart or scramble to the shuttle and therefore you're so late to play the shot, which can easily result in a miss.
My armchair exercises will help a little in developing your grip speed. No need to move furniture for these. Also, better wrist and forearm strength will assist with split second changes.
Core workouts can also help as a stronger core will help with changes in direction.
If, after all of this you continue to miss the shuttle outright, then there has to be a simple explanation. More than likely you're not watching the shuttle onto the racquet and probably looking where you want it to go before you've hit it. It's almost like a golfers “head up” scenario where they look for the ball before the strike which can cause an air shot or a miss-hit where they “top” the ball.
Hope this helps.
Paul
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