What to look for to identify a young talent Yes, now the challenge is to keep him interested in the game without pushing too hard on training. Lately, he is able to hit harder but it is still not important compared to learning footwork and racquet skills. As he still haven't got the power game, he has introduced a variety of deceptive shots to catch opponents flat-footed. For his size, he can cover the court pretty well. For discussion amongst BC folks, what are the parameters you will look for that will define and identify a young talent?
can pick up a racquet and not miss the birdie the VERY first time he tries badminton. when he watches badminton, he can tell before it lands whether it will be out or not. is very focused and approches things with single minded intensity (important mental aspect) eager to learn and very competetive ("hates to lose" better than "loves to win") everything else can be taught
In addition to 1) Coordination.2) Line judgement, 3)Desire, 4) Temperament described above, I wish to add the following parameters : a) reaction speed b) quick thinking c) learning ability d) athletism e) tactical awareness f) endurance g) mental toughness h) physique (not an important factor for kids because no one can actually tell until they are 15-17). These talent defining parameters normally occur naturally. You need, at most, 1-2 months to find out whether a kid is talented or not. If you list out and give marks to each parameter,it is possible to assess the potential of the young player. Success in the young age group tournament is not an accurate yardstick to measure talent. For example, a talented 8 years old kid with 3 months training cannot match another armed with 3 years training. Give them another 10 years, the advantage of having a 3 year headstart will disappear. A similar situation also may apply for the kids who are physically disadvantaged(small size) when young. A height difference of 4 inches is more apparent in kids compared to adults.
I think it will be more appropriate for others(BC folks) to comment or review. May be they can see something that we didn't pick up.
Our place got a prodigy as well.He's around 8 years old,n he beats ppl that older than him.He plays single mainly though,a bit lack in doubles.Got a good smash,control as well.Never really intended to record him playing..but i bet he's gonna be big in this sport if he stays that way.
There are many kids out there who are talented. Hope to see more of them in action. Again we must evaluate their future potential rather than their current success in the game.
Netshots look pretty good. Though I noticed that both fell down on some lunges. I see that koaylt mentioned physique as one of the parameters for talent. So how tall is Clarence now?
He is 127 cm (about 4 ft 2in) in height during the video. By the time he is exactly 8, he probably will be 129 cm ( which is 1 cm taller than the average 8 year old American kid). Pleased to share the Match Highlights in the URL below. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSK4FQSEKxE:)
30-24? That's an interesting scoring system... It did seem like Clarence was getting tired, and made more errors than his opponent. Of course, it did also seem like his opponent was able to clear better, but that's probably due to the 2 year age difference. Are there smaller rackets (shorter, lighter) for children? I know that ping pong training has smaller tables for talented youngsters to train with. I would think a shorter net would be helpful in training badminton players. But barring that, a lighter racket would lower his stamina drain. And a shorter racket would mean he can move it faster (less inertia), and move it with more range (so that it won't hit the floor).
Off topic-Would this racket work??.. ..as purchased, tested and reviewed by our kwun (maybe Brandon & justin) as well.. http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=44397
That's pretty much what I had in mind. I mean, there would be an adjustment period switching from this racket to the full sized one. But if the trainee is small in stature due to age, then he won't be able to swing the full size racket with correct form. I wonder if real juniors have tried this racket or equivalents, and not just kuwn.
We'll have to see it the kid ends up loving badminton or hating it as he started at such a youung age
What makes you think the kid or anybody for that matter will end up hating the game. Badminton is such an enjoyable game for all... from recreational to advance levels. Nobody is going to hate this game.
I have seen kid quiting the sport after certain years only because their parents forced them to train but they never liked it. Even XXF said she liked table tennis but only she is forced/chosen to play badminton and that has become her career. But damn, I wish I can play that good when I was 8.
many people who start young quit the game in there teenage years because they feel they have been forced to train a nd not enjoyed it and in the end have rebelled. Some join the game years later - some don't
Now we have good company from Superkid. This link deserves to be here! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4VRrogRTys
