I am wondering if those "desperate" shots, (i.e. behind-the-back, between-the-legs etc.... ) are of any use? About 99.9% of the times when these kind of shots are sucessfully executed, they tend to be half-court clears which are usually met with a 100% killer smash. I know these shots when sucessfully executed are quite an eye-opener, but when the opponents meet these kind of returns with a very hard smash; it can only makes the opponents feel good and confident!!:D :D I have yet to see these kind of shots to be a high & deep clear.
So, does the pros of getting the shuttle back outweigh the cons of getting the shuttle smashed back at you?

They're not really futile shots... more like showboat shots:D. If your racquet is always in front of you, it takes extra effort and time to get it behind and take the shot between the legs. Of course, there are odd occasions where you are in a very intense rally and you would react with such shots. Hard to execute and harder to execute effectively... the thing is not to lift but rather drive flat crosscourt (for the between the legs shot anyway).

Well, futile as it is, at least it is another shot that may or may not get back over to the other side of the court. 90% of the time you'll get smash back, but that means there is still that 10% chance of the opponent messing up. That's your fighting spirit right there.

-Rick

actually I think is nearly impossible to clear it deep(if you do it between the legs, u got to swing the racquet so fast, it is very dangerous if u hit the wrong spot, and painful). I would say the best option is to drop it back instead of trying to clear it.

-Rick's Friend

Originally posted by SmashingBird
actually I think is nearly impossible to clear it deep

I would say the best option is to drop it back instead of trying to clear it.


1. Actually, the good players can clear deep effectively. I saw some really good regional players doing that, and I think they can go deeper than my normal clear. ;)

2. Drop back is not good, I think. As the player who excutes the "twisted" shot either off balance or back to the net, a drop could not be very accurate, or at least, gives the opponents good chance to attack again, when the player has less vision / choice in defense.

Originally posted by SmashingBird
nearly impossible to clear it deep(if you do it between the legs, u got to swing the racquet so fast, it is very dangerous if u hit the wrong spot, and painful).

I would say...

- if you plan not to have kids, or
- don't want to sound like M Jackson for the rest of your life

yes, don't try to hit a deep clear between the legs!! :eek:

(just like that liquor commercial about guys around the world watching the same soccer game and a player gets kicked in the .... oooo)

its true we don't really use it.. but these shots do have some meaning or use in a game.. if the shuttle is behind u i can hit it side ways or under my legs.. or if im too away from my forehand ill hit behind my back.. usually i don't really use the first 2 but for behind my back i have used it quite a number of times... it also shows the players skill and capability while doing those shots.. usually when you're just stroking or playing with your friend it can add a little more entertainment. And not necessary u have to hit hard which some of my friends do to hit to the back as fast as possible because i use a more subtle version where i hit it just above the next cross court and " crab' back as fast as possible.. but almost impossible to win that point.

Behind-the-legs may be dangerous (for men). But behind-the-back can be useful. Suppose you return a smash late at your forehand side and you are more or less facing your forehand side. You can use a behind-the-back shot to return another attack behind your back.

for the most part, i don't think one should normally have to use these "futile" shots due to the fact that one should be prepared early enough to use a regular shot. however yes, if it's the only shot that's available and you execute it pretty well, it wouldn't be a futile shot;)

These shot's may be futile in most of the cases. But when you're on court and have the absolute will to win, you'll try everything. I went to the Dutch championships two weeks ago and saw Eric Pang missing a drive aimed at his body and snatching it behind his back. The return landed just behind the net. And even if it wouldn't have, it was great to see. Just imagine the reaction time these guys work with.
I try to visit as much tournaments as possible and it is usually a humbling experience in regard to my one futile attempts to play this game.
Joop

Not all are futile shots, really. Sometimes it actually win you points but not all the time.

Surely there must've been some moments when the side on the offensive was hammering the shuttle like there was no tomorrow, and the opponents on full defensive mode. Some time later when the defense was one shot away from crumbling, one does that desperate attempt to retrieve the front half-court smash, surprised to find that you actually manage to return it, turning the tides of war to your side. You turn defense into offense, and with that last smash, you won the point (or serve).

These are those moments when badminton is truly enjoyed...

But truth to be told, this happens more often in doubles than in singles so far I've seen, as to do these 'trick' shots one need to be quick with the brain and that's hard to while moving around. But still, shots aren't futile until you fail them.

Wayne Gretzy once said, "You 100% miss all shots you don't take".

i find these trick shotz quite beautiful.. ^___^

i think they're anything but futile... o.0

It's more like... hidden strength when pushed to a corner

futile they may be, but your opponent might always miss the shuttle:)

think positive, and never give up the point until the shuttle is onthe ground (hopefully on the other side of the net).

Maybe "futile" may be the wrong choice of word, after all if one can returned a shot it can't be futile, but what comes next is a different story....:D :D
So, do you think it is possible for the person who execute a between-the-leg shot still have time to recover the next shot; if the next shot is returnable?

1. Actually, the good players can clear deep effectively. I saw some really good regional players doing that, and I think they can go deeper than my normal clear.

And to effectively do a high & deep clear from this kind of shot you need to be either tall or long legs or jump like Sigit.:p

I think these are for defensive only, because you can only hit the bird up with them. If the attacking side guess it right (since it can only go upward) and cut it off early...:(

I was just mindlessly "playing" around one time, while my opponent was smashing the life out of me. I got of returning the smashes, so I jump and did a 360 spin while trying to hit the birdy between my legs. Out of pure luck i made it barely over the net! :rolleyes:

These are DESPERATE shots and not necessarily futile.

In the main they are defensive shots and most times played low and near the net. The receiver is forced to execute such shots for want of better choice mainly because he is caught off-position, off-guard and slow to react. Because they are hardly used in competitions, when executed they can create an element of surprise, almost shock, to the opponent. That split-second of hesitation can distract him and cause him to make unforced errors. So the unorthodox shot gains a point!

Spectators love it. Add these shots to your armoury if you want some fun and entertainment! You will enjoy the loud applause if you managed to execute a good one and win a rally!