How do I should I play against others?

[Steve the noob]

Hello, I'm 15 years old and I play on my schools' badminton team. Technically, I have better technique than my teammates. They don't use good footwork, nor do they have a high and far clear. They just run around trying to smack the bird down with as much power as they can.

Even when utilizing my skill set, I find it particularly difficult to play against them (singles). I'm the kind of player who hit's high clears and drops and nets the bird. I don't smash at every opportunity, maybe this is just because I don't have much confidence in them. I can return their smashes and such, however these games play out pretty close. I'm just wondering if I should be doing something, like using smashes more. Any tips would be helpful, and if you need details feel free to ask.

[visor]

In singles, it all depends on your ability to hit the 4 corners accurately from anywhere.

Clears must reach rear tramlines and drops must be before service line. Then it's just a matter of hitting away from your opponent and running him around until you get a weak reply, which you must put away with a kill.

[craigandy]

Hello, I'm 15 years old and I play on my schools' badminton team. Technically, I have better technique than my teammates. They don't use good footwork, nor do they have a high and far clear. They just run around trying to smack the bird down with as much power as they can.

Even when utilizing my skill set, I find it particularly difficult to play against them (singles). I'm the kind of player who hit's high clears and drops and nets the bird. I don't smash at every opportunity, maybe this is just because I don't have much confidence in them. I can return their smashes and such, however these games play out pretty close. I'm just wondering if I should be doing something, like using smashes more. Any tips would be helpful, and if you need details feel free to ask.

If their footwork is so bad keep sending them back on themselves, play deep forehand, hold shuttle then play the deep forehand again or to their backhand, lots of holding the shuttle to expose their footwork. This will either stop them getting the shuttle or stop them getting behind it.

[vixter]

In what way do you find it difficult to play against them? Because you say that they smash all the time, but that you can return these smashes. Do you always win or do they sometimes beat you too? If the score in the match is close, you are the same level. Practise your smash a lot, it's a very important shot so it's important to like it and have confidence in it.

[Steve the noob]

In what way do you find it difficult to play against them? Because you say that they smash all the time, but that you can return these smashes. Do you always win or do they sometimes beat you too? If the score in the match is close, you are the same level. Practise your smash a lot, it's a very important shot so it's important to like it and have confidence in it.

The matches are close, most of the times I end up winning the sets. The rallies take forever, but it's probably because I don't smash. I guess I'll start with that.

[DRead]

I used to have the same problems when I was younger, I'd work hard on my technique and footwork but still struggle against the 'runners' - players who weren't very technical but ran the shuttle down and never gave up easy points

The thing with those types of players is that they will be more consistent and confident with their abilities because they have already settled on a tecnique. It may not be the best but they don't have to think about 'how' they do things, so they just play.

At the moment this will bridge the technical gap between you and your team mates but it won't last forever (unless they also training technique/footwork). Soon enough you'll become more confident in your technique and you'll also be able to just switch off and play. Try it a bit now, I often make more mistakes when trying to be 'too correct' as my partner often points out :3

[izali]

or dont let them smash. When you play low enough, then they cannt smash. I works at least for me .

[fauci]

whatever shots you're going to make, use the same arm movement until shortly before the point of impact. Play smart and keep your runner opponent guessing. Improve shuttle speed, a dropshot doesn't have to be slow, for instance.

Runners could usually be easily defeated if your shots are really properly executed and the tactics are sound.

[thunderracket]

just hit opponent's 4 corners of his court