Welcome to another lesson in badminton strategies. I've read some of the stuff on the internet, tried them out and added my little touch to it for your perusal. I've even added in names to make them easier to remember!
This is part three of the Badminton Strategies segment. It'll be 6 parts in all, sans the overview.
If you read the overview you'll understand that I term Defensive Strategies as a way to really drag the game on and make the opponent give you the points through unforced errors or sheer impatience.
Not to say that this mode of playing isn't fun! When you've got control of both your opponent's mind and physique, it gets really interesting.
Today we'll touch on one of those brainless, but strangely wise, strategies - the Punch Clear.
Taking into account the triangle principle that I've covered briefly in the previous strategies articles, the Punch Clear employs the almost exclusive use of back-court clears to move your opponent.
For this to happen, you'll firstly need to be able to send the shuttle accurately to the left or right of the court without giving the point away either with a short clear or by rocketing the shuttle out of the court.
There are two kinds of clears that we'll touch on for the Punch Clear - the Flat Clear and the High Clear.
High Clear - use this to buy you some time to recover to the middle when you've been caught in a fix by a good back-court smash. Once you've got the hang of the game, however, the high clear is used to deceive the opponent in thinking that the shuttle's outward-bound. It sounds risky, but trust me it'll come easy once you've got the right feel.
Flat Clear - this higher-risk move takes your shot into the offensive, used to force faster movement from the opponent in order to reach the shuttle in time. This kind of clear is just out of reach of check smash interception and travels at a considerably faster speed than the lather.
Take note however, that because of the straighter trajectory, the shuttle tends to lose control and sail out more often.
Now that you've got a little knowledge of the two kinds of clears that we'll use in the Punch Clear, how do you use them?
Easy! Use High Clears to tempt the smash or establish a rhythm, use Flat Clears to move the opponent and create a little pressure. Left, right, left, right, right, right, left, left, right, left... you get the drift. Oh, and clear centre when in trouble.
Once your opponent gets bored of your ineffective offensive he'll start raining them smashes or playing the drop shots. Block with Defensive Roulette or punch more clears to the back court after the drop.
Trust me, he'll get bored and end up handing you the game. This strategy takes patience and very good judgement to keep the shuttle in play. Two things should go through the opponent's mind when they're at the mercy of the Punch Clear:
1. How come his shots are always inside the backlines?
2. Maybe I can smash this one down to win the point.
I'd recommend this strategy at the beginning the game to set a slower pace and to test the accuracy of your opponent. It'll be a nice way to hide your smashes and net shots too, what with you going in with nothing but clears.
Coming up next, Defensive Strategies - The Chisel.
Number One
This one's for D.
1. Pick one
2. Finish the one
Variation
1.1. If one is tired, play with one
1.2. Switch places when tired
1.3 Net player to kill or force lift
1.4 Back court player to minimize cross courts
On Defense
a. Don't stay stuck in the middle
b. Lift or drive
c. Never block
Conditions
a. First shot drop
b. No lifts
c. Front to kill or drop
d. Lock non-target in place
1. Pick one
2. Finish the one
Variation
1.1. If one is tired, play with one
1.2. Switch places when tired
1.3 Net player to kill or force lift
1.4 Back court player to minimize cross courts
On Defense
a. Don't stay stuck in the middle
b. Lift or drive
c. Never block
Conditions
a. First shot drop
b. No lifts
c. Front to kill or drop
d. Lock non-target in place
The Collection - December 2011
Hopefully the last shot for the year. I've had my eye on a Sintec Trinity 70 (it's a very well-made clone of the Yonex Voltric 70), so let's hope the will power holds out.
They're placed in chronological order, bottom up:
APACS WREX Punch; Yonex ArcSaber Z-Slash TH; Carlton Fireblade FX8; Carlton Air Rage Tour; Carlton Vapour Trail S-Lite; Carlton Vapour Trail Vanquish; Yonex Voltric 80; Yonex Voltric 60; Prince Black Pearl XP; Yonex Armortec 900 Power LC; Carlton Powerblade 9902; Yonex ArcSaber 10 PG; Bekia Twister X8; and Fischer Speed 33
Badminton Racket Review: Fischer Speed 33
This is a weird one. I've not had a racket feel like this so I thought I'd do a write-up about it. The Fischer Speed 33 is a fine-looking specimen - black and white with silver accented with a matt finishing. Beneath the solid exterior hides a peculiar characteristic, which is a love-or-hate thing with me.
I just can't decide to love or to hate it.
This review is form from my own opinions of the racket, and of the game of badminton. Take this with a pinch of salt, unless of course you're my exact duplicate in which case trust every word with your life.
I'm a low-intermediate level player who enjoys the occasional smashing game, but more entertaining is to see how you can move the opponent around to get that smash. I'd much rather see the shuttle drop to the floor after a well-placed rally than zoom through the air at amazing speeds.
Ok, now on to the review.
Fischer Speed 33
Dry Weight: 87g (3U)
Grip Size: G5
Balance: Head-Heavy
Max String Tension: 28lbs
Flex: Stiff
Strings: Tolsen Fire 66 @ 24lbs
I've only used this racket for singles play.
Technology
Fischer Stability System (FSS)
Defense
I got this racket because I felt it had a good weight. I'm going through a phase in my game which involves more smashing and attacking play so the heaviness of the Speed 33 caught my attention.
The weight of the Fischer Speed 33 seems to be distributed all along the racket, culminating at the head, instead of mostly at the head (like in the case of my good friend the Voltric 80). This characteristic gave it an odd feel after the strings were tied, and I can't for the life of me figure out what to make of this.
Being so freakishly heavy, defense basically took a stumble. Although returns from defensive shots were pleasing and controllable due to the weight, getting the racket head there is the main problem.
With the bulky frame, the Fischer Speed 33 feels a tad slower than my other head-heavy rackets when it comes to delivering the block. I found myself with more frame hits and slower reflexes.
Attack
Again, the strange weight distribution of the racket comes into question here. I'd expect something to heavy to deliver a pleasant smashing experience, but the shuttles tend to lose speed really quickly after leaving the string bed.
Drives and check smashes were satisfactory, but the full-on arm-breakers were sorely lacking in power. I could to much, much better with a Yonex Voltric 80 or my Carlton Powerblade 9902.
Seems to me the Fischer Speed 33 is made more for fast wrist motions than the long swinger. If you're able to generate enough power off the wrist, then I'd dare say that this racket won't disappoint. The stiff bulky frame lends to the stability needed to crack the shaft like a whip without too much flexing to take away the power.
Control
So far so average, but this is where the game turns.
I've experienced a lower level of control with my head-heavy rackets. I love the accuracy of my even-balanced ones (Yonex ArcSaber 10 and Carlton Vapour Trail Vanquish to name a few) and found it difficult at times to control the path of flight with my head-heavys.
But the Speed 33 changes the game a little by offering me a level of control previously seen only with the even-balanced ones. It feels right when I hit the shuttle, my arm guiding the bird where I want it to. Clears from back to back felt really easy, and drop shots were coming off the right spots on the string bed.
I know I like a racket's control when I start doing trick shots and they come off ok. The Fischer Speed 33 tested out fine in my singles games, leaving me baffled as to whether it's worth keeping.
Looks
Primarily black with white accents, the Fischer Speed 33 looks elegant with silver streaks down the shaft. The matt finish kind of seals the deal with me - not many rackets decide to do that now. I've got on black strings to complete the look. It's not the sexiest of rackets, but it's pleasing enough on the eyes.
I just can't decide to love or to hate it.
This review is form from my own opinions of the racket, and of the game of badminton. Take this with a pinch of salt, unless of course you're my exact duplicate in which case trust every word with your life.
I'm a low-intermediate level player who enjoys the occasional smashing game, but more entertaining is to see how you can move the opponent around to get that smash. I'd much rather see the shuttle drop to the floor after a well-placed rally than zoom through the air at amazing speeds.
Ok, now on to the review.
Fischer Speed 33
Dry Weight: 87g (3U)
Grip Size: G5
Balance: Head-Heavy
Max String Tension: 28lbs
Flex: Stiff
Strings: Tolsen Fire 66 @ 24lbs
I've only used this racket for singles play.
Technology
Fischer Stability System (FSS)
Defense
I got this racket because I felt it had a good weight. I'm going through a phase in my game which involves more smashing and attacking play so the heaviness of the Speed 33 caught my attention.
The weight of the Fischer Speed 33 seems to be distributed all along the racket, culminating at the head, instead of mostly at the head (like in the case of my good friend the Voltric 80). This characteristic gave it an odd feel after the strings were tied, and I can't for the life of me figure out what to make of this.
Being so freakishly heavy, defense basically took a stumble. Although returns from defensive shots were pleasing and controllable due to the weight, getting the racket head there is the main problem.
With the bulky frame, the Fischer Speed 33 feels a tad slower than my other head-heavy rackets when it comes to delivering the block. I found myself with more frame hits and slower reflexes.
Attack
Again, the strange weight distribution of the racket comes into question here. I'd expect something to heavy to deliver a pleasant smashing experience, but the shuttles tend to lose speed really quickly after leaving the string bed.
Drives and check smashes were satisfactory, but the full-on arm-breakers were sorely lacking in power. I could to much, much better with a Yonex Voltric 80 or my Carlton Powerblade 9902.
Seems to me the Fischer Speed 33 is made more for fast wrist motions than the long swinger. If you're able to generate enough power off the wrist, then I'd dare say that this racket won't disappoint. The stiff bulky frame lends to the stability needed to crack the shaft like a whip without too much flexing to take away the power.
Control
So far so average, but this is where the game turns.
I've experienced a lower level of control with my head-heavy rackets. I love the accuracy of my even-balanced ones (Yonex ArcSaber 10 and Carlton Vapour Trail Vanquish to name a few) and found it difficult at times to control the path of flight with my head-heavys.
But the Speed 33 changes the game a little by offering me a level of control previously seen only with the even-balanced ones. It feels right when I hit the shuttle, my arm guiding the bird where I want it to. Clears from back to back felt really easy, and drop shots were coming off the right spots on the string bed.
I know I like a racket's control when I start doing trick shots and they come off ok. The Fischer Speed 33 tested out fine in my singles games, leaving me baffled as to whether it's worth keeping.
Looks
Primarily black with white accents, the Fischer Speed 33 looks elegant with silver streaks down the shaft. The matt finish kind of seals the deal with me - not many rackets decide to do that now. I've got on black strings to complete the look. It's not the sexiest of rackets, but it's pleasing enough on the eyes.
Fischer Speed 33
Defense: 6
Attack: 7
Control: 9
Looks: 7
Badminton Racket Preview: Fischer Speed 33
Got me a new racket. I've got to stop buying on impulse, but who's kidding?
This one's all black. I think I'll call it the Widow Maker.
As for the performance, I'll quote my good friend on this one, "looks good, sounds great."
More to come.
Basic Badminton Strategies: Defensive Roulette
The game of badminton has changed quite a bit. From the 15-point system to the current 21-point one, a lot of emphasis has now been put on offense and the hay-maker smash.
Because of this trend, more and more players and their rackets have skewed towards the stiff, head-heavy orientation. Winning the game becomes a game of who can smash harder and faster instead of the more gentlemanly approach of maneuverability and tactics.
And because of this style of play, a lot of players are finding it hard to defend against their opponents. A good defense is vital if you're to play a good game. Not just because you'll present a solid obstacle for your opponent's main point-winning strategy (to smash your face in), but also to convert the defensive shots into opportunities that you can use to get in your very own face-breaker.
Defensive Roulette takes into premise the need to focus your attention to channeling the smashes to directions other than DIRECTLY AT THE SMASHER. Not only does this disrupt the rhythm of their attack, it may at times steal their second smash right from under their noses.
Keep in mind the Triangle Principle, and calm yourself down before you take the shuttle to an advantageous corner away from the attacker.
And always remember to do that split step!
General strategies are the precursor to the offensive or defensive ones, so use these well and you'll be setting yourself up for a combo sooner than you think.
Coming up next: Defensive Strategies - Punch Clear.
Because of this trend, more and more players and their rackets have skewed towards the stiff, head-heavy orientation. Winning the game becomes a game of who can smash harder and faster instead of the more gentlemanly approach of maneuverability and tactics.
And because of this style of play, a lot of players are finding it hard to defend against their opponents. A good defense is vital if you're to play a good game. Not just because you'll present a solid obstacle for your opponent's main point-winning strategy (to smash your face in), but also to convert the defensive shots into opportunities that you can use to get in your very own face-breaker.
Defensive Roulette takes into premise the need to focus your attention to channeling the smashes to directions other than DIRECTLY AT THE SMASHER. Not only does this disrupt the rhythm of their attack, it may at times steal their second smash right from under their noses.
Keep in mind the Triangle Principle, and calm yourself down before you take the shuttle to an advantageous corner away from the attacker.
And always remember to do that split step!
General strategies are the precursor to the offensive or defensive ones, so use these well and you'll be setting yourself up for a combo sooner than you think.
Coming up next: Defensive Strategies - Punch Clear.
Black and Gold
Girl in the funeral dress,
Sunshine laced behind her.
Smiling so sweetly,
That everyone would just stare.
A mismatch so appropriate -
Unfitting of the occasion.
Cast by a misfortune,
Overshadowed by her radiance.
Oh bitter irony, a partner in crime
With karmic resonance
When I uncover, in ill grace,
What will all come in due time.
A meek smile, a hung head;
The girl in the funeral dress,
With many ways to make you happy,
Can only exist in dreams.
Sunshine laced behind her.
Smiling so sweetly,
That everyone would just stare.
A mismatch so appropriate -
Unfitting of the occasion.
Cast by a misfortune,
Overshadowed by her radiance.
Oh bitter irony, a partner in crime
With karmic resonance
When I uncover, in ill grace,
What will all come in due time.
A meek smile, a hung head;
The girl in the funeral dress,
With many ways to make you happy,
Can only exist in dreams.
Basic Badminton Strategies - The Classic
Let's get right on it shall we? I've previously mentioned that these are the bread and butter of the game, with their purpose built around the core principles of badminton.
Always have these at the back of your mind. They'll help you guide your shots and make it harder for your opponent to move you around the court.
I'll start with The Classic. This one's pretty simple, and a lot of us will have some semblance of it in our gameplay. The problem is that sometimes its so obvious that we stop committing ourselves to putting in the best shot possible.
For example, if you've already being moved around like a headless chicken, you'd probably not want to try that overhear crosscourt clear from the backhand corner.
The Classic is simple in theory - put the ball where the opponent isn't. It's not attacking, it's more of placing the shots carefully so you can get enough about the opponent to ascertain their strengths and weaknesses.
In practice, The Classic gets a little tougher. We'll need to use this thing called the Triangle Principle.
The longest distance between two points on the court is always right across. From backhand corner to forehand front corner or vice versa.
However, add in the fact that it's also easier to dash in a straight line, and you're suddenly given another alternative - the immediate opposing side of your target corner.
It takes more energy to stop as dash again, so forcing your opponent to make adjustments to their movements is a good way of moving then around.
Add this fact into The Classic, and you're suddenly more in control.
General strategies are the precursor to the offensive or defensive ones, so use these well and you'll be setting yourself up for a combo sooner than you think.
Coming up next: Basic Strategies - Defensive Roulette.
Always have these at the back of your mind. They'll help you guide your shots and make it harder for your opponent to move you around the court.
I'll start with The Classic. This one's pretty simple, and a lot of us will have some semblance of it in our gameplay. The problem is that sometimes its so obvious that we stop committing ourselves to putting in the best shot possible.
For example, if you've already being moved around like a headless chicken, you'd probably not want to try that overhear crosscourt clear from the backhand corner.
The Classic is simple in theory - put the ball where the opponent isn't. It's not attacking, it's more of placing the shots carefully so you can get enough about the opponent to ascertain their strengths and weaknesses.
In practice, The Classic gets a little tougher. We'll need to use this thing called the Triangle Principle.
The longest distance between two points on the court is always right across. From backhand corner to forehand front corner or vice versa.
However, add in the fact that it's also easier to dash in a straight line, and you're suddenly given another alternative - the immediate opposing side of your target corner.
It takes more energy to stop as dash again, so forcing your opponent to make adjustments to their movements is a good way of moving then around.
Add this fact into The Classic, and you're suddenly more in control.
General strategies are the precursor to the offensive or defensive ones, so use these well and you'll be setting yourself up for a combo sooner than you think.
Coming up next: Basic Strategies - Defensive Roulette.
Badminton Strategies: an overview
It's time to play the game! Whahahahaa
Anyone who watches any sports will know that it takes both brain and brawn to play a winning game.
With the brain, you conceive the moves and power plays to disorientate and trick your opponent. With the brawn, you carry out those moves easier.
That said, each athlete is a different person, and so varying moves will cause different levels of effect - Ken's good at kicks, Ryu's good at punches.
While it might not always work out, it's always good to go into a game with a set of game plans, something you can turn on and off according to how your opponent's playing.
Remember, you're not the only one with brains. You just need to be the one who uses it more.
Strategies, as I have said, are the overall game plan that aim to have a physical and mental effect on the opponent.
In the game of badminton, you're often left with very little time to make decisions, so having these at the back of your head helps when you need to come up with something to counter whatever your opponents throw at you.
I've divided my set of strategies into Basic, Defensive, and Offensive ones.
Basic strategies tend to be in effect throughout the game, and they are based on the most basic principles of the sport. Use them always.
Defensive strategies are used to play a slower game and force your opponents into an error. Use when you find yourself out-paced or in need of recovering some energy.
Offensive strategies use more energy than the rest, and you'll also need a lot more concentration to carry them out. But they're also the fastest way to get points.
One thing in common with all of them though - they're used to establish dominance in a specific area of gameplay. Once that's set, your opponent will be more careful in those areas, making them more prone to mistakes and also limiting their choice of shots.
Next up, general strategies. Keep posted.
Anyone who watches any sports will know that it takes both brain and brawn to play a winning game.
With the brain, you conceive the moves and power plays to disorientate and trick your opponent. With the brawn, you carry out those moves easier.
That said, each athlete is a different person, and so varying moves will cause different levels of effect - Ken's good at kicks, Ryu's good at punches.
While it might not always work out, it's always good to go into a game with a set of game plans, something you can turn on and off according to how your opponent's playing.
Remember, you're not the only one with brains. You just need to be the one who uses it more.
Strategies, as I have said, are the overall game plan that aim to have a physical and mental effect on the opponent.
In the game of badminton, you're often left with very little time to make decisions, so having these at the back of your head helps when you need to come up with something to counter whatever your opponents throw at you.
I've divided my set of strategies into Basic, Defensive, and Offensive ones.
Basic strategies tend to be in effect throughout the game, and they are based on the most basic principles of the sport. Use them always.
Defensive strategies are used to play a slower game and force your opponents into an error. Use when you find yourself out-paced or in need of recovering some energy.
Offensive strategies use more energy than the rest, and you'll also need a lot more concentration to carry them out. But they're also the fastest way to get points.
One thing in common with all of them though - they're used to establish dominance in a specific area of gameplay. Once that's set, your opponent will be more careful in those areas, making them more prone to mistakes and also limiting their choice of shots.
Next up, general strategies. Keep posted.
Badminton Strategies and Tactics: an overview
I've always been amazed when I watch Peter Gade play the game of badminton.
The commentators say he's a master tactician, but you'll never know until you've watched a series of his games in succession.
From one game to another, Gade employs a myriad of strategies for different opponents - moving and forcing them into corners before delivering the coup de grace.
Taking him as an inspiration, I've slowed my game down and taken note of the various kinds of games I tend to, or could stand to, play.
I've roughly categorized these into two broad terms: Strategies and Tactics.
The first is the overall game plan, and it comes with a desired result in the physical and mental state of the opponent.
Tactics are like special moves in a fighting game that helps you get that big point in - moves and tricks that helps you attain your strategy's goal.
I'll leave it at that for a moment. Take some time to think about your own strategies and tactics. How many do you have? How many do you use in a game? Who do you use it against?
All very useful questions.
The commentators say he's a master tactician, but you'll never know until you've watched a series of his games in succession.
From one game to another, Gade employs a myriad of strategies for different opponents - moving and forcing them into corners before delivering the coup de grace.
Taking him as an inspiration, I've slowed my game down and taken note of the various kinds of games I tend to, or could stand to, play.
I've roughly categorized these into two broad terms: Strategies and Tactics.
The first is the overall game plan, and it comes with a desired result in the physical and mental state of the opponent.
Tactics are like special moves in a fighting game that helps you get that big point in - moves and tricks that helps you attain your strategy's goal.
I'll leave it at that for a moment. Take some time to think about your own strategies and tactics. How many do you have? How many do you use in a game? Who do you use it against?
All very useful questions.
Sailing
I don't need a picture to remind me of her face, but it helps when I want to pretend she's smiling at me.
For even in my mind, a mere look from her lovely eyes make my lips curl and cheeks flush - like the first burst of sunlight on air conditioned skin.
Welcoming. Captivating. Addictive.
For even in my mind, a mere look from her lovely eyes make my lips curl and cheeks flush - like the first burst of sunlight on air conditioned skin.
Welcoming. Captivating. Addictive.
Badminton Racket First Impressions: Yonex ArcSaber 10 Peter Gade
I've finally gotten the last piece of the trio - the Yonex ArcSaber 10 Peter Gade!
Had about 4 games with it a few days ago, and I must say the feeling is good. The racket delivers on most accounts and even surprised me by having that little bit of magic when the situation called for it.
The ArcSaber is Yonex's even-balanced range of rackets, with the ability to "store power for the shot", which probably means the weight transfer happens to be more gradual given the lower balance point. Anyway, putting marketing jargon aside, the AS10PG seems to do that better than its counterpart, the ArcSaber Z-Slash.
Control was sharp, with shots coming off the string bed pretty easily and wonderfully accurate. While the smashes felt les spowerful than the Z-Slash, the ArcSaber 10 delivered the speed needed to cause some trouble in the opposing camp.
What really caught me off was the speed of the drives. Being caught at the back-right a couple of times, I performed a straight drive-clear to the back to the opponent's court and found the response from the ArcSaber to be very powerful and fast.
Will attempt to have more games with the racket, but in the mean time, it looks really great on my wall.
Had about 4 games with it a few days ago, and I must say the feeling is good. The racket delivers on most accounts and even surprised me by having that little bit of magic when the situation called for it.
The ArcSaber is Yonex's even-balanced range of rackets, with the ability to "store power for the shot", which probably means the weight transfer happens to be more gradual given the lower balance point. Anyway, putting marketing jargon aside, the AS10PG seems to do that better than its counterpart, the ArcSaber Z-Slash.
Control was sharp, with shots coming off the string bed pretty easily and wonderfully accurate. While the smashes felt les spowerful than the Z-Slash, the ArcSaber 10 delivered the speed needed to cause some trouble in the opposing camp.
What really caught me off was the speed of the drives. Being caught at the back-right a couple of times, I performed a straight drive-clear to the back to the opponent's court and found the response from the ArcSaber to be very powerful and fast.
Will attempt to have more games with the racket, but in the mean time, it looks really great on my wall.
Red Umbrella
Slow he moves - a singularity in the symphony of the rain that hiss at his presence. He trudges on, unaware of the rain's contempt and efforts to discourage his journey. In his umbrella he places his trust, crimson in the monochrome of the afternoon downpour. Heavy, the rain drops fall, bouncing off the red trampoline and onto the flooded pavement.
"No worries," he tells himself, "I'll be there soon."
"No worries," he tells himself, "I'll be there soon."
