Well, I was at a competition today, and I was sitting next to these parents whose girl was playing in it. She wasn't incredibly good, compared to the standard that was there (county players etc.) so I was pretty impressed that she went out there and gave it her best shot. But she had played a little bit so I thought she would know doubles tactics better than her parents... Now, she was told by her dad to "keep hitting it down". I can see the theory behind this, but since she was playing county players, (and I don't think she had even played for city, here) I thought that was pretty bad advice and I was thinking that she should vary the shots in order to move them around court! Was I thinking right? (please note that I know she was a beginner, and I wasn't criticising the way she was playing!) Thanks for curing a wondering mind, R x
"keep hitting it down" which is equivalent to keeping the birdie low. A very good advice IMHO, which is more important than varying your shots, especially for "beginner" players.
Hitting down is the key for good doubles... (Even more in Men doubles, because they can smash harder) In fact you have to "keep hitting down" AND vary your shots... You can hit down with: -smash -half smash (don't always smash with full power) -stick smash (steeper then normal smashes) -fast drop (also with slice and other deceptions) -slow drop (nearer to the net) -vary direction of the shots (between opponents, to the body, the the line) -drive -net shots -aggressive service return -block smash return -drive smash return -low serve (only sometimes do a flick serve) -... Avoid high lifts or clears if you are NOT under pressure... I think that are some simple, basic double tactics...
In circumstances where a player is obviously outclassed by another, it is very difficult to offer advice to the player. Also at this junior level (what age group?) it is unlikely players will be able to understand tactics, or able to implement them if they did. At junior level it is 90% to do with playing ability. Tactics, Physical and Mental aspects of play do not come into to play as much until later in the development stage.
Generally hitting it down whenever possible is a good idea, obviously if the shuttle's below the height of the net it's impossible, but yes keeping the shuttle as low as you can is a good tactic, although you will need to lift if your opponent is guarding the net.
The age group was U14's, I think. Thanks for all the advice, cleared the fog a lot ^^ I think it was the fact that she was trying to hit it down even though it was below the net tape, which really made me think "could she actually get it over??" R x
At least he wasn't shouting "Hit Harder" or "Hit Faster" or "Move Faster" or "C'mon Dammit!" Pretty normal advice. Perhaps no need to read too much into the 'advice' given other than just as a voice of encouragement.