Hi Came across this website and find it useful and informative hence joined up. I need help desperately and hope you guys will help. My 14 year old son has been taking lessons for about 5 years. His coach/trainer has said he's improved his techniques and strokes but need confidence and tactics. In order to do that he needs to compete more often (my fault for not entering him in comps when he was younger). I feel that's true but feel he also needs more practice, he currently trains twice a week with 2 different coaches. My son is quite interested in badminton although he doesn't have the competitive nature like some. He's a "young" 14 year old if you know what I mean. And he hasn't progressed in his group. and all his friends are all in state teams. What's next? Should he go for intensive training "camps" like his friends? Mac
let him do what he wants, talk to him about it, see what he wants to do. i was in a similar situation at your sons age but i wanted to do well, so i've had coaching from a great coach and improved a lot under him. but really, it's up to your son, if he wants to, then he will, but remember, enjoying the game is first and foremost.
if he says he can take it give him more training.. like maybe 3 - 4 times a week.. imagine he can improve 2 times faster if he goes 4 times a week.. ( if he puts in effort in his training of course )
I teach a couple of 14 year olds, the only way you will be able to influence if he gets better or not is by supporting his wishes. If he wants to compete then more coaching and frequent competition even if its only local league. If however he’s not inclined to competition get him into a social badminton group and he will develop at his own pace.
my sugestion is to let your son to decide, dont force him play because he has to, but let him play because he wants to.. Talk to him and ask him what he wants..
Take him to a badminton club and play against other people. If you know how to play too, you can play doubles/mixed with him against other people and then progress slowly to singles or whatever he prefers playing. He should get used to playing with other people before joining a tournament.
That's great advice Adone thank you. It's heartbreaking to see him not improving and overtaken by everyone. It does nothing for his confidence. He told me he hates competitions and can't take the pressure. And maybe just joining a club to play social games is the go if he's still interested in the game. A pity though cos I love the game. It's the only game I enjoy playing although I play badly and I'm not being humble.