Well, I'm stuck with a novice badminton player who returns short serves, clears at a height where opponents can easily smash, and hits birdies that are going out... there's no one else that I can find to be my partner because all the pairs are made... we're likely to end up in the back of the roster... I would say that I'm an intermedeate player, and I need someone of that same level to play... It's just so frustrating having a parter that doesn't sync with you. What should I do?
find another partner. that easy. but if you can't find a new partner, then start teaching him/her how to play better.
You know I seem to habe the most fun playing mixed doubles with a new player against two men or a very strong man and woman. For some reason I always make myself work harder than even in singles sometimes. Sometimes I manage to win, and I normally get 15-16 points at the least. This is a weekly competition mind you, not a tourney. I have had similar experiences in a tourney and all you can do is work with your partner to produce the best result. DO NOT give up. People will respect you for that.
are you on a team? funny that a beginner should be on the roster to begin with. same advice, work hard at improving your partner to a level where he at least isn't a total handicap. who knows, you might find you're a great coach!
I concur with kellybrooke. Try to see if you can help him/her with some consistency drills. A little encouragement might go a long way.
I'd say you have a good talk with ur partner first, since you two are partners. to me attitude is everything. if he or she, though a beginner, likes the sports and is willing to put in his/her effort to improve, then I think i'd be more than happy to train with him/her if i were you. he/she improves faster than you do apparently, but that doesn't mean you will improve nothing while train with your partner. it's good to perfect your skills. there are in fact a lot of things you two need to work out together even your partner is as skillful as you. if, he or she isn't keen to invest his/her time in badminton, then forget it, just change your partner asap.
As soon as I read the topic header, I thought...I hope he isnt reading this LOL Maybe you could try and coach him how to return a serve, make a attacking clear or half court push? Try and help him/her to play better by giving them positive contrsuctive feedback before during and after a game.