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12:01 pm
May 6, 2010
Offline
I have recently started having a better warm up before my badminton games and that together with the mental tips I received from Paul a short while ago have helped me to maintain a much more consistent level. I was wondering what you all do in the way of a warm up and how long for, etc… I was mainly thinking in terms of club sessions or league matches rather than tournaments on a personal level as I don't play in tournaments, at least not yet 
but I would certainly be interested in how, when and what you would do for tournament warm ups too.
I find in a lot of the clubs that I have been to what most people consider a warm up is smacking a few clears to each other and then the ubiquitous “are you ready?” That certainly does not work for me and as I have had a few strains and pulls I find it important to get myself warm first or at least I do now!! 
In some of the halls I play at there is simply no room for anyone to do a warm up if the rest of the club are happy to just knock and play. In these circumstances I have taken to running round the block outside (even if its freezing out there) and doing most of it out there. I usually do a few dynamic stretches inside afterwards (took a few from the excellent 'badminton ultimate athlete'). Do a bit of shadow if I get a chance, some racket swings with the heavy racket and then I am usually good to go.
I think it is rather strange that there is some sort of stigma associated with actually warming up! The old, 'look at that fool over there prancing around' or whatever. But then when you think about it, who is the fool?
Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated 
5:16 pm
February 15, 2011
Offline
John
This is a great question. Here's my thoughts.
Begin with a few clears gradually increasing the length until you see your partners feet on the back line. Now you have found a length. Very important.
Ask your partner to lift the shuttle so you can play a few drop shots to get your eye in here and then a few smashes. Change over and repeat.
After this, focus on a few mid court drives to get some hand speed for defence with one player slowly moving from mid court taking a net position to hit down at you. Again, change over.
Finally play a few net shots and practice your serve and return.
This covers each area of the court and different aspects of attack and defence.
When I see you at Lilleshall in September you will see the coaches walk you through a knock up and explain the mechanics.
Sadly I see so many “pairs” trying to beat each other or worse still for mixed doubles, the man exposing their partners weaknesses to the opposition whilst at the same time trying to give their ego a boost. Shame on them.
Hope this helps
Paul
6:02 pm
February 15, 2011
Offline Do you mean stretching or knocking up ?
Quite frankly, anyone who doesn't stretch to warm up deserves to get an injury.
Warming up with a shuttle seems to vary from club to club, even player to player, I guess it's all about getting a feel for the court and shuttle.
The one where you flat drive over the net to each other is a nice one to sharpen the reactions, not sure I've described it very well but I think it's fairly standard.
The smash/block/lift drill covers quite a lot of things you want to be prepared for immediately but remember you want to keep it going so the smash is about accuracy not power and the block/lift is about shot preparation and footwork.
It's worth keeping an eye on your opponents warm up, it can mean a few early points if you notice something they aren't quite settled into.
Once you're comfortable with your technique and feel ready, I don't see a problem with a couple of competitive rallies, keeping it fun can be a helpful morale booster and opponents seeing you relaxed and enjoying it can feel a little under pressure before you start.
11:09 pm
May 6, 2010
Offline 
I should think any aspect of warming up and knocking up is valid in the discussion. I rarely see anyone (except me) do anything to raise their heart rate or stretch before going on to court to play at one of the clubs I play at and the other tends to have a much longer knocking up period.
One thing I have struggled to do is get together a proper knock up where I am going through my repertoire of shots like Paul and Simon mentioned. So I will look forward to trying it Lilleshall. I shall try and formulate something from the ideas you mentioned in your posts and clean it up when I can.
I have certainly found the getting the heart rate up aspect has helped me have more confidence in my movement and consistency. I am surprised most people in the clubs don’t do it.
10:48 am
February 15, 2011
Offline I expect being more ready at the beginning of the game also gives you an advantage and the opportunity to score a few quick points whilst the opposition is cold.
Paul
1:52 pm
May 25, 2010
Offline Cybershuttle said:
I think it is rather strange that there is some sort of stigma associated with actually warming up!
I think this is very true. It's one of the things that never get discussed or brought up, much like what do you eat on club/match nights or how do you prepare on match days.
I don't do enough warming up, I will admit that (sorry Paul! ), but I do some. But I find it difficult time wise as I get there early but as I want to play first you have to get on the court quick. The other thing for me is that I only play once a week and two hours isn't long enough so I don't want to “waste” any time warming up. Daft I know but it's true, I am just being honest. It sounds really bad when you say it out loud, even I'm cringing whilst I'm writing this!
There is one guy in our league who runs around the hall at the beginning and whilst most people point and snigger (OK, maybe not point), I do know that deep down he is doing the right thing and that we should all be copying him. The problem with this person though, is just his general personality and sportsmanship on the court kind of makes his warming up something for people to pick on him about if you get what I mean. If he was a well respected person I think some other people might copy or try themselves. I know that running around the hall gets you used to the hall temperatures and warms your body up. I think there is also the consciousness of looking a wally. Badminton is can be very image based and doing spectacular smash shots is better that a drop shot (for example). So running around the hall isn't very, erm, macho?
Anyway, glad you brought it up, it is something that people don't do and wished they did do when they get injuried. Although it makes it worse if people have no respect for them for not warming up. The problem I think lies in the fact that people that do warm up tend to think that the people that don't warm up, don't because they don't want to, rather than don't know how to. They can't do something that they have not been taught and you can't assume they know. But because of this stigma and the fact that no one speaks of things like this on club nights, no one will know.
Sorry for the rambling, but just trying to show both sides of the coin.
Pete “Might do a stretch extra on next club night”
Badminton Gives Me A Purpose In Life – To Serve Others
I'd Rather Be Playing Badminton…………..
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