1. When you’re playing a game and you’re not over 40, ALWAYS be ready when you are playing badminton. This doesn’t only include receive smash-it could be service returns, moving to front when the opponent has hit to your partner’s back court. If you get ready a few more times, ‘being ready’ will never occur to you since it is automatic.

2. Ready position requires you to bend down on both feet and a slight tip-toe. Whilst defending, I find it good to usually stand between 1/2 to 2/3’s on the back of the court.

Attacking clears from opponents are usually stupid and is only good when the opponents are way off position. If you stand like where I do anyway, you can usually retreat in time anyway. If caught, then you simply arch back, do a drop shot, then you’ve gained the initiative on your next shot.

Which leaves drop shots. If they are good, I use the stored energy from bending the right foot to spring my left foot forward (a big step). Then I take another big step with my right foot and lift cross court.

I weigh like 110 lb so I cannot advise you on the split step since I find it completely unnecessary. And yeah, you gotta wait till the shuttle moved before you do. Exception is if you know your opponent cannot do a smash from the position and the cross court guy should move forward so you can gain the initiative.

All keen followers of Paul’s forum know that good footwork is key to playing the game well.

If you want to know what footwork speed and agility a top player has, do this.

Pick any top doubles match off youtube and cover the top part of the court with a newspaper. This means that you can concentrate on the footwork of the closest pair. You will immediately see the answer to Dobbies question, the players NEVER stop moving, except for serving and receiving. By doing this their leg muscles are primed and loaded at all times and ready to react immediately.

This dazzling footwork only comes from years of training at the highest level.
So what can us mere mortals do. Easy. Splitsteps
.
By doing these little movements just before the opponent hits the shuttle your brain is sending a message to you legs. Get ready to move.

I know the challenge is to remember, especially in a match, but it’s well worth persevering.Keep thinking SPLIT just before the opponent hits.

Hope this helps
Roger