I used to play for my school back in the 80's, sometime in singles and other times doubles in many inter-school competitions. When I was in university, I played ocassionally and this went on during the many years after graduation. Now in my early forties, I started playing regularly (about 3 years ago). The question I frequently found myself wondering is : if I were to play now against my old teenage self, who would win? I can't help but believing that even though I am now much slower on the court, I can still beat my younger me. Reasons:

1) Equipment are now better than in the 80s; like racket, shoes, grip, etc. Of course my younger me has to use equipment available only in the 80s.
2) I found that in the 3 years since I started playing actively, I have learnt many strokes that enable me to cover a wider area of the court, including many trick shots.
3) I am more patient now than when I was younger.

Just wondering if any of you folks out there have the same kind of reflections as I have..........:) It is a good feeling convincing yourself that you are actually improving..........

How I love my badminton......;)

Yes, I have thought about the same scenario and I would have lost to my younger self 15-12 16-17 15-2 because I can no longer

(1) run all over the court, without passing-out :crying:
(2) smash with a boom :cool:
(3) read the body language to know where your shot is going :confused:
(4) the brain cells just don't fire/react as fast as they used to :(
(5) too many injuries...:o

Cheers!

I think you could still peak when you are 40's but not when you reached 50's or 60's.

i am 31, so i could not refect much but most of my baddy members are 50's and 60's. I know they are technically superior but their knees just let them down.

hiya guys, well im 22 at the moment and really in to my badminton. thing is i know for a fact then when i reach 30 onwards my kneees will be shot to pieces so am enjoying it while i can.

lol join the club..

u'll get to enjoy the feeling when u think u can get a shot (which you ALWAYS do in yr TEEN ages) but yr knee decided to give in and land yr ass nicely on the floor.. Thats also the reason why you would focus on doubles more cos there is always a partner to give you a lift when that happens.
Not necessary a bad thing after u hit the big 30s and notice yr fitness is on a slide. U just have to play a different game, experience and shot placment does count a lot in this sport and to a limited extend, it does counter the
downfall of physical fitness.
Bonus is that you will get better range and stability in all your back hand shots. Cos u tend to do them much more often as u can no longer be always in position to do overheads. Where younger players will admire yr backhand shots and THINK u've still packs a punch.

hiya guys, well im 22 at the moment and really in to my badminton. thing is i know for a fact then when i reach 30 onwards my kneees will be shot to pieces so am enjoying it while i can.

im only 15 and my knee already makes crunching sounds everytime i bend it. :crying:

i started playing badminton a year ago and i believe my beginner self can beat my present self due to my lack of physical ability and game experience. :(

i also practiced more a year back when my school wasnt as strict about medical forms.