I did a search..the most related thread was Un-improving (http://www.badmintonforum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=6745&highlight=plateau)
But it's not really what I want to discuss.

Why do ppl believe that a plateau exist for playing sports? Sure one's ability will plausibily steady off a bit..but during that time, it is possible for skill to be developing, without signs of immediate improvement.

There was a claim by the professor in my calculus 3 class that if I had difficulty in calculus 2, I should not attempt calculus 3. But turns out calculus 3 was easy..even though I had tremendous difficulty in calculus 1 and 2.

Conversely, I had an easy time in first year computer science courses, but second year was diffcult.

It seems to me that what matters is whether thought is put into what you do. Would this not apply to badminton as well as academic studies?

I've realized I didn't think enough while playing badminton before..now I am much more concious. But physically, I'm not very fit yet. But getting fit is a matter of exercise.

Would this not apply to badminton as well as academic studies?

Well, you can certainly benefit by playing 'smart' badminton. Thinking is part of the game, how to exploit the opponent's weaknesses etc, analyzing tactics..

I've also wondered to what extend IQ is related to good badminton play...

Especially mixed doubles is somewhat like a game of chess... but I think it's of moderate influence, since other aspects (technique, determination, fysical strength, stamina, speed etc.) are equally important.

I did a search..the most related thread was Un-improving (http://www.badmintonforum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=6745&highlight=plateau)
But it's not really what I want to discuss.

Why do ppl believe that a plateau exist for playing sports? Sure one's ability will plausibily steady off a bit..but during that time, it is possible for skill to be developing, without signs of immediate improvement.

There was a claim by the professor in my calculus 3 class that if I had difficulty in calculus 2, I should not attempt calculus 3. But turns out calculus 3 was easy..even though I had tremendous difficulty in calculus 1 and 2.

Conversely, I had an easy time in first year computer science courses, but second year was diffcult.

It seems to me that what matters is whether thought is put into what you do. Would this not apply to badminton as well as academic studies?

I've realized I didn't think enough while playing badminton before..now I am much more concious. But physically, I'm not very fit yet. But getting fit is a matter of exercise.
Personally I believe that badminton is a game that you can never fully master. Always will be one or two shots that are difficult for you to hit etc. Always a learning experience, atleast for me anyway. I'm always curious about what I can or cannot do to the shuttle, inorder fool my opps etc.

The only way i think a certain lvl of leveling off can occur only if your opps are much lower than you are, thats when bad habits develope etc.

Whether you improve, plateau, or decline is a mix of four of your following skills: Brains, technique, physical, strategy. The mix can vary for different opponents and games. Sometimes one skill can compensate for the other 3. As you get older, the only skill, Brains, is simply not enough.

The nice thing is that despite getting older and a decline in physical ability, you can still become a better player by improving your technique for example.

Especially in doubles you can keep improving and peak at later years...

I'm wondering... at what age did you "peak" in badminton performance? IN case the peak is still ahead of you: at what age do you think you will peak???

Well, you can certainly benefit by playing 'smart' badminton. Thinking is part of the game, how to exploit the opponent's weaknesses etc, analyzing tactics..

I've also wondered to what extend IQ is related to good badminton play...

Especially mixed doubles is somewhat like a game of chess... but I think it's of moderate influence, since other aspects (technique, determination, fysical strength, stamina, speed etc.) are equally important.

Good point there. As I see it, playing smart is one of the things that can be learned easily, whether you just started badminton, or have played for a long time.

Personally I believe that badminton is a game that you can never fully master. Always will be one or two shots that are difficult for you to hit etc. Always a learning experience, atleast for me anyway. I'm always curious about what I can or cannot do to the shuttle, inorder fool my opps etc.
I suppose that's true..you can't master every shot..unless you take up badminton as your career. There isn't enough time in the club to really master more difficult type of shots.

Whether you improve, plateau, or decline is a mix of four of your following skills: Brains, technique, physical, strategy. The mix can vary for different opponents and games. Sometimes one skill can compensate for the other 3. As you get older, the only skill, Brains, is simply not enough.
Of course brains isn't enough..this isn't a video game :P
Right now, I'm not compensating lack of technique with brains; in fact, I used to have poor technique, poor "brain", etc..
One of the things about badminton I like is that the "brain" work can be easily learned. But other things, like adapting to different partners, is harder.

The nice thing is that despite getting older and a decline in physical ability, you can still become a better player by improving your technique for example.

True, swinging a racket is easy..it's only the movement around the court that might hold me back when I become old..

Interesting how I see players older than me are fitter. That is what inspires me..at the moment.