nervous breakdown, rusty footwork, help me

If you know that you are weak when compare to others, then, don't set too much high of expectation. There's nothing wrong to be an "under dog" to begin with, and you have nothing to lose. Try to calm yourself down, train and compete and gather valueable experience. No need to over reacting to the final scores too much. If you lose, simply because they come in better than you, and they suppose to win.

Regarding footwork, it's a matter of practice, if you know the correct technique and concept. If no, time to get coaching. If yes, spend more time to practice.

 

When I'm up against a tough opponent(s), I usually give myself objectives during the match such as scoring at least 10 points or if they smash real good, block at least half his/her smashes.

You may lose but it's always good to know you managed to make your opponent(s) sweat a bit.

 

Which school are you from?

 

lol, I'm not even in Perth anymore Used to be in Wesley College though, 3rd singles

 

3rd singles, 1st team Not so competitive anymore now that I've seen the standards in Singapore.

 

Hey llpjlau, i wouldnt know that much, cuz i'm just in gr 11, but don't stress urself too much, cuz i tend to mess up a lot of my games cuz i'm too tensed up about the game. Well in my case i don't really have that problem with coming out rusty, cuz i got badminton practise 13 times a week during school, and during the summer it's only 7 days a week. All i can really say is that u shouldn't worry, maybe just do a little practise shadow badminton in your backyard. In the end the only thing that can make ur footwork better is a coach and experience.
Well i hope i gave u some insight, hope u do well XD

 

I second that big time, even though you may lose you made your opponent sweat and you know to yourself that you put up a good fight. I do the same thing.