https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m49CcKK9vFo It is insane how they are defending against smashes. HOw do they do that so efficiently?
Start at age 6, have godly talent, work 5h every day for 20 years. Easy as that. Seriously: You must be trolling. These two guys are the best men's singles players to have ever played this game. It's like showing Michael Phelps and ask: How can he swim so fast?
And they are still human.. I just want to replicate that at least near their level. Are there techniques?
There's plenty of technique, but it will take a huge amount of training to get anywhere "near their level". Nevertheless you can improve. For singles defence, you need to train of side-to-side agility a lot. The best general-purpose exercise is probably pressure multi-feed, with the coach/feeder in the forecourt and feeding flat/down to the midcourt sides. This can be extended to cover drop shots and even clears too, once the player is good enough. This requires a high level of feeding skill, which can only be acquired through practice. An alternative option is for the feeder to stand on the same side as the player and throw shuttles instead. The feeder can use safety glasses to protect their eyesight. Yet another option is two-versus-one defence -- i.e. a doubles pair attacking against a single player. All shots played to the singles court. As for the technique: you need a low posture, leaning forwards -- and you stay low throughout the exercise. You need a quick split step (push off), and you lead with the racket -- let your feet "catch up" after you've hit the shot!
Hmm, they are superhuman. Get near their level? Basically you have to do what an Olympic athlete has to do. Put in a lot and a lot of hours. Did I say you have to put a lot of hours in? There are plenty of people who train fulltime and don't even get near to the level of these two guys. Not trying to put you off or anything but just a sense of perspective Definitely you can learn from them.
Simple, you just need 3 friends to train against you like this... [video]https://youtu.be/IcJ1s-a9xBU[/video]
Training. Lots of it. You'll also notice their coverage is wide, hence the efficient defence. Those that get through are from returns that is not even at 1st baseline distance. NIA is notorious for draft. This is not to imply that other arenas are draft free. At the end of the day, it's all about fitness and recovery.
