DarkHiatus
Regular Member
I've posted on here quite a lot and finally today I attended my first 1:1 coaching session. I've come out of it a little confused - the teaching is much different to what I've seen online, but I am willing to entertain the drills and the teachings out. However, I would like to get some thoughts about the more peculiar aspects of teaching.
So the theme of the training was to slow down my tempo/play. My coach has mentioned that I am tense, hop/jump about a lot, and overall could slow down and thereby save energy. His teachings with some of my opinions are below:
1) Rearcourt forehand footwork
Coach said my footwork is a bit rushed - I do the two-footed 'china jump' into the corner too often on an attacking clear. Solution is to do a step out by doing a split-step, move right foot back, cross left foot in front of right, towards corner, and finally step out with right whilst turning body+shoulders+racquet to play the shot.
My opinion: fair enough comment about not jumping if i do not need to, but I always thought (due to videos and pro play videos) that the left foot crosses BEHIND the right on a step out. I demo'd it that way and the coach said to do it his way. He mentioned it is easier for power generation (but personally I can do a full court clear with a step out anyway...). This is the most contentious issue for me - any ideas on whether it would be useful for me to learn his footwork pattern? It would certainly slow me down, but surely i'd have to re-learn moving the left foot behind again?
2) Backhand Low Straight Drop (e.g. from a straight push)
Coach said my contact point is too far forward (towards the net), and that I should wait for it to move slightly further back to allow more wrist movement.
My opinion: I always thought earlier is better, but very willing to try anything new on backhand because my backhand is a reasonably weak area (especially on defending a push)
3) Forehand Drop (from step-out footwork)
Coach said to keep my racquet held higher whilst moving: certainly do not let racquet head go below waist height which I was doing
My opinion: reasonable, didn't even realise i did it.
4) Net shot movement/racquet position
Coach said to keep my racquet hand at net height whilst moving forward, with racquet head rotated side on (front strings facing left for right-hander), and to drop the head into position as I land from my lunge. Reason is to allow most deception/options - a high racquet could be me coming in for a lift/straight net/left net/right net/net kill. Previously, I came in with racquet handle at chest height, with strings facing the floor for backhand, and facing ceiling for forehand.
My opinion: I can clearly see the potential benefits, especially in deception.
5) Drop shot Recovery
Coach said after playing a drop from rear court after opponent plays a clear from back, I should position myself slight rear of centre court as the most likely reply is a lift, not a net shot.
My opinion: I have trouble with opponents playing attacking clears against me, so it's potentially a good point - I normally expect to follow a drop in and expect a net shot though, so on that front I'm not sure.
It was very interesting (and quite difficult adjusting to fed shuttles!), but perhaps some of these points are some things other BCers can check in their own game. It would be interesting to hear others' opinions on these learning points so please post if you have any input on any of the above!
So the theme of the training was to slow down my tempo/play. My coach has mentioned that I am tense, hop/jump about a lot, and overall could slow down and thereby save energy. His teachings with some of my opinions are below:
1) Rearcourt forehand footwork
Coach said my footwork is a bit rushed - I do the two-footed 'china jump' into the corner too often on an attacking clear. Solution is to do a step out by doing a split-step, move right foot back, cross left foot in front of right, towards corner, and finally step out with right whilst turning body+shoulders+racquet to play the shot.
My opinion: fair enough comment about not jumping if i do not need to, but I always thought (due to videos and pro play videos) that the left foot crosses BEHIND the right on a step out. I demo'd it that way and the coach said to do it his way. He mentioned it is easier for power generation (but personally I can do a full court clear with a step out anyway...). This is the most contentious issue for me - any ideas on whether it would be useful for me to learn his footwork pattern? It would certainly slow me down, but surely i'd have to re-learn moving the left foot behind again?
2) Backhand Low Straight Drop (e.g. from a straight push)
Coach said my contact point is too far forward (towards the net), and that I should wait for it to move slightly further back to allow more wrist movement.
My opinion: I always thought earlier is better, but very willing to try anything new on backhand because my backhand is a reasonably weak area (especially on defending a push)
3) Forehand Drop (from step-out footwork)
Coach said to keep my racquet held higher whilst moving: certainly do not let racquet head go below waist height which I was doing
My opinion: reasonable, didn't even realise i did it.
4) Net shot movement/racquet position
Coach said to keep my racquet hand at net height whilst moving forward, with racquet head rotated side on (front strings facing left for right-hander), and to drop the head into position as I land from my lunge. Reason is to allow most deception/options - a high racquet could be me coming in for a lift/straight net/left net/right net/net kill. Previously, I came in with racquet handle at chest height, with strings facing the floor for backhand, and facing ceiling for forehand.
My opinion: I can clearly see the potential benefits, especially in deception.
5) Drop shot Recovery
Coach said after playing a drop from rear court after opponent plays a clear from back, I should position myself slight rear of centre court as the most likely reply is a lift, not a net shot.
My opinion: I have trouble with opponents playing attacking clears against me, so it's potentially a good point - I normally expect to follow a drop in and expect a net shot though, so on that front I'm not sure.
It was very interesting (and quite difficult adjusting to fed shuttles!), but perhaps some of these points are some things other BCers can check in their own game. It would be interesting to hear others' opinions on these learning points so please post if you have any input on any of the above!
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