Hi so I've been playing badminton for a while now and my clears aren't that good. Is it because I dont have lots of muscle? And for smashes do you need lots of muscle, because I think the problem with me is that I dont snap my wrist's.
I imagine your a beginner - have a look at this http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20867 The most likeley reason for your inability to clear would be incorrect grip/timing/stroke. You don't have to work on muslce as the link states. Have a look
No you do not need lots of muscle or big muscles to play badminton or improve your technique... Actually that's what it really comes down to... Improving your technique. I know a lot of players much slimmer than I who generate decent power, but the key is that they have proper stroke technique. Depending on your age, and location. There are usually instructional camps held to help people learn to play better, and get more enjoyment out of the game. You should check your local papers/post secondary institutional programme guides, or local badminton clubs to see if any clinics are being offered.
Well im 14 I've been playing for around 5 years I think the problem is that when im about to smash or do a far clean i hold my racket at the very bottom do you think thats the problem?
Ooooh, kriss, that's a major grammar fail (you're a beginner) But no, some of the people who appear to be pretty week can have huge smashes. Some younger children also hit pretty hard. Work on good grips and good swing action as opposed to trying to take as hard a swing as possible. Holding the racket at the very bottom is fine, I do it. All it will do (if anything) is give you more reach and more leverage, both of which are good things. As said, get a coach or a friend who is a better player to look at your technique and offer some advice or upload a video of your clears and smashes to Youtube (other video sharing sites are available ) and someone will take a look at them for you if you post a link.
You dont need lots but you need some. This winter I used to do weight training more seriously -- I went to the gym 3 times per week, training my arms (and wrists), my back and legs, eating more protein food and some whey powders and I managed to gain some more muscle mass and... smoe fat too but it was inevitabily... And now I feel stronger -- I can do clears with less effort and with almost only my wrist (at least at the beginning of the session)... And I feel good But if you are more of a beginner, you should concentrate more on your technique and after you have improved it, you will be able to benefit from weight trainings.
too much muscle will get you slower as you get more heavy and you will not move very quickly. Check this video and others explaining how you should do a forehand clear: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhe_rRJR9_Y
Think it might be a case of chicken or egg... Getting the technique right is very important but u will be frustrated trying to do so if you don't have a good level of fitness. Muscle bulk might actually slow you down and make u less flexible, but get ur strength and stamina up, definitely.
Technique is almost everything. Let's be honest here, you don't need to be "strong" to clear. Good players can clear with a fraction of the strength they can generate. The only shot that requires "strength" is smashing cause it's the only shot in which the harder you hit, the better. And even then, your smashes will not improve if your technique is wrong. And using the proper technique will make those muscles stronger simply through repetitive motion. I have never "trained" my forearm; it just got bigger because I used them while playing badminton.
well ok i was referring to full body strength more than just arms in my prev post. strengthening your legs, back, and stomach goes a loooong way in ensuring ur technique is executed correctly. So does flexibility.
I disagree, physical training is as important as technique. Although I agree that technique is very important for starter, but it can only takes to certain level (club level for example), then you'll need to really work on your fitness and physical ability to be competitive. I don't believe that a proper jump smash can be done without strong legs muscle.
Technique and timing is everything, I'm currently coaching a 9 years old girl that can clear back to back while moving. But strenght and timing is also important, when I hold I'm able to clear back to back with only my wrist&forearm. Binton, what you may need is a good coach, listen to him and be patient. Post a video of yourself playing and I'll give you a few tips
In short, its the technique. Get someone on the court to train you up a little. You'll learn a little faster.
