Looking to try a new sport, or been playing a bit of Badminton and want to get better faster? Try out these 6 tips that can help you elevate your game!
1. Warm upWarming up is an important step – not just in badminton, but for virtually every sport and exercise. It gets you physically ready for vigorous activity, and mentally ready for the game. It’s especially important in badminton where matches tend to be very fast-paced.
2. Work on your footwork
As mentioned, badminton is a very fast-paced sport. Footwork is key to covering the court to successfully retrieve shuttles, get to every shot, and go for a smash – all while avoiding injury. Keeping a moderately low, wide stance will give you better balance and reach. But be careful not to overdo it since a very low centre of gravity can impede your movement if you need to shift your body outside your immediate reach.
3. Focus on technique
Good form and technique will help you immensely. Learn your forehand, backhand, neutral and thumb grips, and practice switching in between them so you can take all kinds of shots as you play. One tip is to avoid gripping your racket too tightly, as this will make it difficult to switch between grips. Do make sure it’s not too loose either, as you never want to drop your racket!
4. Play to your strengths
Of course the top players have honed all their badminton skills, but even the stars have signature moves or shots that really make them shine. Japan’s Yuta Watanabe is known for his explosively quick movements and deceptive drop shots, for instance, while Taiwan’s Tai Tzu Ying’s is known for her formidable backhand, be it a back court return or an unexpected backhand slice. Try amplifying your strengths and you may find that your gameplay will truly begin to shine!
5. Watch the pros
Watch better players play. This is a handy way to learn different strategies and what plays make good counterplays. You can catch some badminton action here at ActiveSG Circle as well!
6. Keep on playing
Perhaps the most important tip of all is to play as much as you can. As the saying goes, “practice makes perfect”! Training with or playing against stronger players will also push you to get better. The famous rivalry between Malaysia’s Lee Chong Wei and China’s Lin Dan is a great example of how two players pushed each other to become even better and stronger!
Catch more badminton action, as well as other sports video content here.