How do I beat someone that always uses drops?

**LD rules!** · 05-03-2009, 03:56 PM

you have definetly got to work on your footwork
Possibly if he gets presictible maybe you should try to guess what he is going to do stand closer to the net so that you have more time to think about your next shot you might be able to get a few points like that

**chewablemorphin** · 05-03-2009, 05:27 PM

Originally Posted by LD rules!

you have definetly got to work on your footwork
Possibly if he gets presictible maybe you should try to guess what he is going to do stand closer to the net so that you have more time to think about your next shot you might be able to get a few points like that

He said he has no problem getting to the shots, how can you be so certain that footwork is the problem? There are many factors that affect how a game plays out, the moment you start guessing where people are going to get hit is the same time you'll probably go in the wrong place. The trick is to know your opponents options with their next shot, and prepare yourself for them.

**TIMO1** · 05-03-2009, 05:30 PM

try make him run, vary your shots and don't give him heaps of time to move to the back when you lift/clear to him. make your shots tight.

main aim is to increase the speed of the game to the point where he can't keep up. just focus on getting the shuttle over the net first.

you should start doing endurance runs.

**Cookies** · 05-03-2009, 07:55 PM

Okay, I played him again. I fared pretty well, until I found out he could smash. He kept smashing at my sides, and I couldn't get them. I don't think I have a chance at beating this guy, because he's VERY deceptive. Is there a way I can learn to smash? I'm trying it, but all I'm getting is a clear.

**TIMO1** · 05-04-2009, 04:07 AM

you have to master the smash yourself. watch some training videos online or something to give you a good idea on the basics. Don't worry about the guy who is owning you at the moment. Since you're quite new to badminton just look at it as a learning experience.

**yashirob** · 05-04-2009, 07:50 AM

Originally Posted by Cookies

Recently, this person that comes to badminton has started dominating me. He just drops, and I run back, I get it just in time, but then I move back. To my surprise, he does another drop! How do I beat him? My footwork is okay. Is there a way to beat him? Whenever I clear, he just hits it high, then I can't get it. Any tips?

Thank you for taking your time to read this.

stand more to the front. and stop lifting. lol.

**LazyBuddy** · 05-04-2009, 10:50 AM

Originally Posted by Cookies

Okay, I played him again. I fared pretty well, until I found out he could smash. He kept smashing at my sides, and I couldn't get them. I don't think I have a chance at beating this guy, because he's VERY deceptive. Is there a way I can learn to smash? I'm trying it, but all I'm getting is a clear.

No offense, but seems your opponent is just way better than your current level. The reason that you could keep up with him at the beginning, is either your improvement surprised him, or he did not even warmed up, or he was simply showing some mercy. Once he felt like he would like to end the rally, he simply pulled out 1 of the many strokes (which many you did not even see or think before), to finish you off, be it's a drop or smash, or any other things.

As the progress goes, which I am afraid for a long time period, you will go through the same cycle of keep pacing for a while, then found he has more "hidden magic" to finish you off easily. Until you have developed a very consistent skill set, you will still be the "easy meat" for him.

**nosebleedXD** · 05-04-2009, 07:31 PM

drop it back on him =]

**bradmyster** · 05-04-2009, 07:51 PM

if your footwork is fine then you need to work on anticipation a bit better.
If you watch matches like Lee Chong Wei vs Lindan you can see what singles is all about. There are so many ways you can go about singles.

My recomendation would be if you really have to lift then make sure its a very high full court lift and off to either side if possible. The height will give you plenty of time to get into a strong position and ready for anything. Pushing it off to one side will simply put him under more pressure as he is further out of position.
If he does drop and you can easily get to it the play a simple tumble net shot. Pull him into the front and then just continue to push him around.

Its all about taking control of the rally. If he is throwing you off with deceptive last minute drops then he is constantly in control of the point. And ideally he would have a huge comfort zone.

Id recomend learning "anticipation". If you can pick where he is going to hit time after time and your footwork is quite good then defeating him should be a breeze.

**SuperBird** · 05-06-2009, 03:48 AM

So don't be afraid to stay up front and ready to smash on his drop. He would still likely to drop on you...hope that help

**jk1980** · 05-06-2009, 04:24 AM

One thing i think not mentioned here is always try to take the birdie higher.
If you take it lower (just when it's about to land) at the first drop, then your most probably have to lift it again.

So if you really have no problem getting to the shuttle in time, the next thing is to try getting the racquet to the shuttle when it's still on top of the net. Then you can actually just kill it or at worse do a straight drive.

From how u r describing it, the guy actually doesn't smash but chooses to drop. So it should be easy to anticipate the drops and get there in time to intercept.

**Badmintan** · 05-06-2009, 04:53 AM

Since you predict he's doing drops most of the time, just stand nearer to the net. Then again, your opponent can still clear and smash.

His drops can be punished in a variety of ways, IMHO just offering the possibilities.

1) if you anticipate near the net very early, attempt a lunging netkill like the pros

2) hold and flick if you reach it early
3) hold, lower racquet to crosscourt netshot, again if you reach it early
4) just do a spinning net shot if reach just in time
5) lift to backcourt (straight or crosscourt better) if reached slightly late
6) crosscourt net (desperation) if shuttle drop too low

**extremenanopowe** · 05-06-2009, 08:18 AM

work on your speed and keep the shots low and fast. This should help unsettle him a little. If he plays many more years than you, it'll take a while for you to beat him. However if you work hard on it, its only a matter of time.

Then you can tell him 'Whazup boy'?

**pro1992** · 05-06-2009, 10:07 AM

work on footwork and overall game (shots etc)
and also try an take the attack in every rally and take contol of the net

**Cookies** · 05-06-2009, 10:56 PM

Thanks for the tips guys! I'll practice some footwork tomorrow. I'm playing him at Friday, I'll tell you guys what happens.

**Azianhero** · 05-06-2009, 11:23 PM

Originally Posted by Cookies

Thanks for the tips guys! I'll practice some footwork tomorrow. I'm playing him at Friday, I'll tell you guys what happens.

not to be mean or anything but do even have a coach to begin with? You can't just go out there and just practice footwork all by yourself and correct yourself. You should find someone at a higher level that knows his/her footwork. Shadow drill is effective yes but you can't do it unless you get the basics down first. Trust me if you don't know how to move back and land properly and move up to the net, chances are your gunna get certain injuries like shock, shin splints, muscle pull, and the most killer achilles tendon. Now don't get me wrong im not trying to scare you im trying to tell you that you should get a coach first or watch badminton videos on youtube first before you head to the court. Which part of canada do you live in?

**Cookies** · 05-07-2009, 11:38 AM

Originally Posted by Azianhero

not to be mean or anything but do even have a coach to begin with? You can't just go out there and just practice footwork all by yourself and correct yourself. You should find someone at a higher level that knows his/her footwork. Shadow drill is effective yes but you can't do it unless you get the basics down first. Trust me if you don't know how to move back and land properly and move up to the net, chances are your gunna get certain injuries like shock, shin splints, muscle pull, and the most killer achilles tendon. Now don't get me wrong im not trying to scare you im trying to tell you that you should get a coach first or watch badminton videos on youtube first before you head to the court. Which part of canada do you live in?

I am watching vidoes before I start. I live in BC.