I'm sure it's been mentioned... but how many of you have played on different types of court surfaces, other than the plain old gymnasium wooden floors?

The one I remember training on was by victor I think, something called the pro court??? I forgot.
Anyways, all I can say is, playing on the 'mat' for me was a lot better than playing on the slippery wood... or maybe it was just my shoes? I dunno.

In any case, I found that moving around on the court was so much easier, and that I could get to the shots a lot sooner, and under more control than I do on the gym floors.

What do you other experienced players have to say about the 'mat' ??
Have you had any experiences yourself?
I'm wondering what the actual Yonex surface is like... as I've always seen of it in pictures, and on old videos I've seen, but I wonder what it's like to play on.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

i can play also any surface as long as it is grippy which is rarely the case. High school gyms are worst becasue those lazy janitors dont sweep the floor until all activities are done for the day. The yonex mat are very grippy, one might need a brief adjustment if he's use to those slippery public gym floor

Oh yeah... I remember the first time that I played on a mat. :)
Before I got trained, obviously I had very poor footwork, and so thus I would be running for the shuttle... lol that all changed when on the mat.
I ended up going in one direction, and kept going hehehe...
Playing on the gym floors are really tough, I keep losing my grip.
Any suggestions for new shoes?
I heard the Nike indoor court shoes were pretty good.

Is there a difference????

Picture having more grip on the ground that you're moving around on while playing badminton.

Basically it offers more stable playing surface for you, and it's not as harsh on your knees.
You'd be able to get to your shots a lot faster, under more control (as I know you're being coached...) than you would other wise on a regular wooden floor.
It's a really neat feeling, if you get a chance to try out playing on a mat, I suggest you take the opportunity to, as I heard they're quite expensive. :(

There's always a huge adjustment from playing at the
University to one of the private clubs. I liken playing at
the university to clay-court badminton where you have
to slide into every shot. If you did that at a private club
you'd do a face plant. Plus the muscles and joints are
more sore because you're not used to stopping so
quickly.

Okay.

Very True.
Oh... don't even remind me of UofC...
I remember playing there in highschool.
It's sooooooo dirty.
Oh well...
This is one reason to buy a mat, or join a private club. :)

Playing clay court is like playing on slippery floor. It's really abuse the ankle joints. I had to stop playing for a month and see physio before my ankle healed properly. I vow not to play hard in slippery court again.