Standard Position for receiving serve when playing doubles???

Discussion in 'Techniques / Training' started by simplelad, Jan 24, 2005.

  1. simplelad

    simplelad Regular Member

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    Hi

    Is standing near the front line the best position for receiving serve when playing in a doubles game??

    I have tried standing near the front line to receive the serve, but once in a while, tend to mess up when the opponent does a sudden flip serve to the back, resulting to a weak smash or worse, a half court shot.

    Is there a way to counter this problem?

    I have stopped standing near the line, and have since positioned myself about 1 step back. But the limitation of this position is that I may not be able to a quick push or a upper hand drop shot as I am quite away from the net.

    Any suggestion from experts out there?

    Cheers.
     
  2. kwun

    kwun Administrator

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    as with many badminton questions, it depends.

    if you look at the pros, you will find that they stand almost touching the service line and then on top of that, they lean forward to give the server more pressure. however, they also have immense leg strength and can bounce back quickly in the case of a flick.

    for us amateurs, you need to ask yourself

    1) if you have the leg strength to bounce back
    2) if you are always prepare to bounce back.

    the key to standing on a doubles service return is, "lean forward, think backwards". you should always be aware what you are doing in the case of a flick: your front leg should be bent and front heel off the ground to aid backward jump mobility.

    if you are not at the skill level to do the above, then step back a foot or two.
     
  3. simplelad

    simplelad Regular Member

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    Kwun,

    Thanks for the sound advice. Will try that.
     
  4. Neil Nicholls

    Neil Nicholls Regular Member

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    I would take those odds.
    If you only get flick served occasionaly, stay at the front line.
    If you are caught out by a flick serve, don't try to do too much with it.
    Simply clear it deep rather than do a weak smash or poor drop.

    You'll be surprised how quickly you can go backwards if you practise.
    Depending on your size and strength you may only need do 1 chasse back and then jump backwards. A lot of it is about concentrating and not trying to anticipate what the server is going to do.
     

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