Introduction: The author has been playing badminton for not a very long time but can confidently claim to have reached at least Level L5 of amateur badminton as seen online. Additionally, influenced by equipment forums, the author has spent a lot on rackets, shoes, clothing, bags, shuttlecocks, strings, and glue, gaining substantial knowledge about hardware. Over the past year, the author has spent several hours daily on various badminton-related websites, progressing from eager learning to active participation and now feeling somewhat jaded. As 2012 approaches, the author foresees gradually distancing themselves from these forums. Among forum users are those merely seeking advice on rackets, enthusiastic debaters, and even hired guns for commercial interests. However, there are also perfectionists who genuinely love badminton and are willing to invest effort and money to achieve self-fulfillment on the court. In preparation for stepping back and with the end of the year approaching, amidst various writings and meetings, the author finds time to summarize some reflections for like-minded enthusiasts.
I. Foundation • Cost • Conditions
To play badminton well—not just as a leisure activity or an expensive hobby—requires certain costs, including time, financial, and physical costs. If any one of these is lacking, you may continue indulging in badminton forums according to your preferences...
Time cost: Don't expect to improve significantly if you only play once or twice a week and spend the rest of your time busy with work or life.
Financial cost: Equipment, venue, consumables, transportation, coaches (yes! At a certain stage, a coach is necessary, which will be detailed later; if you disagree, feel free to criticize me and move on) all require financial support. It doesn’t mean it must be extravagant, but if you want to play well, having a reserve of around ten thousand yuan is advisable.
Physical cost: While recreational badminton has a low threshold, competitive play requires normal physical fitness. Those who are frail, malnourished, obese, or uncoordinated should seek other fields of competition. Also, older players should not set excessively high standards due to the energy required both in sports and daily life.
II. Coaches • Videos • Training
To avoid injuries while enjoying badminton as a lifelong hobby and to make your movements look proper and aesthetic, one cannot simply hit the ball randomly or rely on "training through competition."
1. About Coaches
Many friends say they don't have the time or money to find a coach, and this is true given the immense pressures of modern life. However, some forum users who claim lack of time and money still enthusiastically discuss, debate, and showcase their equipment purchases. Perhaps the time and money spent on forums and gear could be redirected towards learning and practicing badminton instead.
For adult amateur learners, a coach's level isn't solely determined by whether they are national or provincial level athletes but rather by their sense of responsibility, teaching methods, and communication skills. Before selecting a coach, investigate their reputation among former students and observe a few training sessions to ensure they patiently correct actions, analyze issues effectively, and communicate clearly. A coach meeting these criteria is worth the investment, even if more expensive.
Regarding group versus individual lessons: For adults, large classes are only suitable for beginners or organized activities. Small groups with up to four students per coach are ideal. One-on-one lessons might be wasteful for those not physically or mentally optimal, whereas one-to-two or two-to-four configurations are most efficient. Ideally, a skilled coach paired with a high-level assistant provides balanced instruction, practice, and correction.
2. About Videos
Badminton videos mainly include instructional and match videos.
A. Instructional Videos
Commonly available published materials include Xiao Jie’s “Learning Badminton,” Zhao Jianhua & Xiao Jie’s “Badminton Expert Diagnosis,” Chen Weihua’s “Practical Techniques,” Li Lingwei’s “Badminton,” Wu Dixi’s “World Champion Teaches You” series, and online-circulated videos such as “Lee Jae-bok Series,” “Rasmussen Series,” and “1990 National Sports Commission Badminton Teaching Guidelines Accompanying Video.”
Based on my experience following these instructional videos, I offer the following suggestions:
Beginners without prior knowledge should start with Xiao Jie’s “Learning Badminton,” though patience is needed as each episode is lengthy. Detailed repetition helps understanding, and the female instructor makes it accessible for amateurs.
For those lacking patience but seeking enjoyment, Zhao & Xiao’s “Expert Diagnosis” offers solutions tailored to individuals' levels, though it lacks systematicness. Its engaging style makes it the most frequently watched by me.
Those tolerating monotony and aiming for professionalism should watch Chen Weihua’s “Practical Techniques.” This video uniquely presents professional training methods like drop shots, smashes, doubles tactics, etc., though delivered in a dry manner requiring perseverance.
Intermediate learners benefit from Lee Jae-bok’s series (thanks to badder for translating and uploading). Early episodes provide basic outlines while later ones focus on techniques and training philosophies, emphasizing mental attitude crucial for efficiency.
For standardizing key techniques, Rasmussen’s series is excellent, featuring short yet effective breakdowns of movements. These can be conveniently viewed on mobile devices during idle moments.
Key takeaway: Learning from videos alone is insufficient compared to having a coach. Videos fail to convey the true sensation of correct movements and often omit practical usage scenarios and combinations of techniques.
B. Match Videos
Match videos serve two purposes: entertainment and learning. Watching matches enhances appreciation, provides conversation topics, and deepens understanding. Focus on player strategies, technical execution, and shot variations.
3. About Training
Regardless of whether using a coach or studying videos, mastering techniques and applying them in real games require consistent training. Training includes mimicking new movements, specialized repetitive drills, and supplementary exercises.
Initial post-learning training effectiveness depends on the coach's skill and the learner's comprehension and coordination. Subsequent specialized multi-ball and single-ball drills depend on the coach or partner's competence and the learner's diligence. During intermediate stages, drills should incorporate designed sequences enhancing speed, reaction, and capability.
When major techniques stabilize, mutual practice with similarly skilled partners becomes possible. Examples include alternating drops and clears or more complex routines like net play. Having a coach or advanced player nearby for observation and guidance greatly improves efficiency. Finding dedicated training partners is invaluable.
Supplementary self-practice involves numerous methods found online, focusing on touch, reaction, power generation, and overall fitness. Consistency and dedication are key.
Training content varies across skill levels, requiring gradual progression. For instance, mastering overhead clears before refining drop shots ensures fundamental stability before advancing to angled slices.
In conclusion, correctly learning movements is just the beginning; stable mastery is fundamental; reasonable application in competition signifies proficiency; and normal execution in matches defines success. There are no shortcuts to comprehensive improvement—only methodical, progressive training leads to excellence.
III. Equipment • Gear • Accessories
The importance of racket, shoes, clothing, bags, shuttles, strings, and glue cannot be overstated. Discussions about gear are lively but separate from the joy of playing. Equipment impacts skill development minimally, becoming relevant only at higher levels. Like photography enthusiasts debating between improving technique versus upgrading equipment, similar dynamics exist in badminton. Spending on gear brings quick satisfaction compared to skill enhancement. Here are some personal insights:
1. Shoes
a/ Purchase the most expensive within your budget without obsessing over cost-effectiveness.
b/ Shoe designs prioritize agility, cushioning, or comprehensive protection based on body type and needs.
c/ Stick with brands and models that suit you to minimize injury risks. Shoes enhance performance, not appearance.
2. Rackets
a/ Manufacturers continuously release new models primarily for profit, not necessarily better tools. Reviews aim to guide purchases, not enlightenment. Buying rackets for fun is acceptable but do so wisely.
b/ Racket designs vary by weight distribution, head heaviness/lightness, and shaft stiffness. Choose based on physical condition and technical characteristics.
c/ Whether buying high-end or mid-range, Yonex or Victor, makes little difference in skill development. Stick with what suits you best.
3. Clothing
Primarily satisfies the desire to show off. Brand-specific clothing adds no significant value beyond personal preference.
4. Bags
Similar to clothing. The author admits excessive spending here.
5. Shuttles
a/ For serious players, avoid low-quality shuttles which hinder skill development due to inconsistent flight patterns. High-end shuttles are enjoyable but costly.
b/ Most common brands offer no exceptional value-for-money options. Choose based on local preferences to ensure familiarity during matches.
c/ Use different shuttles depending on skill level and opponents. Beginners can use cheaper options until ready for premium shuttles.
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