Hi there!

Aside from the fact that I’m very glad I found a great badminton forum, I’m not quite sure what to say…

I’ve

played ‘badminton’ through my gym classes in high school, but I only

got a glance at the sport it could really be at 17. I had the fortune

of running into a semi-pro who gave me a few pointers, I hit my first

good overhead clear with snap, and I was hooked. It was love at first

shot. My only regret is that I couldn’t go back 10 years and start then.

I’ve had some tips from stronger players, but I’m otherwise self-taught. If I get somewhere in this discipline the first person I’m going to thank is ‘The Internet’.

It’s been tough playing, though, as people are very

disinterested in badminton around here. I can barely manage to play 3

hours a week though I would love to play at least 30! Plus there’s

nowhere to play in the summer without a long bus trip and expensive

membership. Somehow the people in charge haven’t been informed

badminton is an inside and, therefore, year-round sport.

I

consider myself to have a very good level for a non-competitive player.

I don’t like the idea of organized competition, but I’m the kind of

person who can only really enjoy a physical activity when I reach a

good level. Constant improvement is a big thing for me, but I wouldn’t

respond well to a coach harassing me about the upcoming tourney and

opponent’s profiles. I learn more than enough in a few exchanges

anyways.

If I think 2-3 years back, I could beat at least half of my

college’s competitive team players, who were ranked second provincially.

As

to my expectations of this forum, I hope I can pick up on some advice,

tactics and technical tips I can incorporate in my game. I would also

love to discuss anything badminton-related with like-minded people, and

maybe make a few connections.

My main weakness is my physical form, which I’ve so far

compensated for with a sharp eye for my opponent’s strenghts,

weaknesses and patterns, down to the slightest cues, combined with a

very control- and pressure-oriented play.

I’m definitely a

singles player. I like the idea of my successes and failures are my own,

and having full control of my side of the court. My main inspiration

and all-time favorite player is Peter Gade. Other than that, I’m

5’10″(ish), right-handed and always driving myself forward.

As to

my little problem with ‘court time’, I’m planning to move to Vancouver

as soon as possible. It’s a big step, with many factors involved, but I

would be lying if I said that badminton wasn’t a big decision clincher.

Love to hear from all of you!