I read on some of the other threads that you need to use you perifrial vision to see where your opponent is and place your smash. I cant seem to do that, once I try to see my opponent I take my mind off the shuttle and Miss Can somebody help?
I donot know about others but it is impossible for me to smash and at the same time look at where the opponent is. At that very moment, your head is up and your focus is on the shuttle. Usually I will glance at where the opponent is just before I lift my head up. But more importantly I need to know where I am standing myself before deciding where to place the shuttle.
it helps a lot if you strike the shuttle in front of you rather than over your head. every ideal shot should be played slightly infront of you, not directly over your head. it is hard, and sometimes, it doesn't come for a long time, but that's life. another part of it is sense, feel where your opponent is, and maybe your right, maybe your wrong. your eye is attracted to motion, so that may help.
don't try to look at your opponent whén you hit...the time between an lob and your smash is sometimes at least 2 seconds, look while your moving backwards... also, peripheral vision méans you don't let your eyes of the shuttle. try this: focus on a point on your ceiling (something small) and try and 'look' at the rets of your room (as far as you can) wíthout moving your eyes away from that spot. that's peripheral vision, afaik
I just make a mental note of where my opponents are just before I hit the shuttle. I hit the shuttle usually into either a vacant space or straight into the weaker player.
well, sometimes you can guess pretty accurately where your opponent is. Or simply imagine him running back into base position
All it takes is some practise. You'll get used to feeling out where your opponent is after some experience in paying attention to where your opponent is before you hit. Being able to understand your opponents movement style and playing style is important in being able to see/feel where your opponent is before you place the bird