How Do Play Badminton Well?

Badminton is a very difficult sport. Sometimes you have to be able to work hard for years and even give all in to reach the top. However, out of all the hard working players, only a few able to climb the mountain and stay at the top. What makes the difference between an average player and an elite player?

In our humble opinion, good badminton player is featured by playing style, racket performances, strength and conditioning, and great psychological preparation.

A good player tries to be the best in all aspects of the game. If you are a master attacker and a bad defender, it needn’t mean an opponent will let you attack all the time.

Yes, you should find your strength. If you are a good attacker, focus on that. Meanwhile, however, not forget to keep your defending skill up to a standards.

Remember, badminton is a combination of these four things, and strategies apply.

Table of Contents

Component #1 : Playing Style

It highly depends on your performances. If you are a runner, you will stay away from the net and counter the opponent with your great returns. An attacker will try to put the pace of the game.

It’s recommended to watch a lot of youtube videos and determine which playing style is good for you. Is your specialty based on cross net shots, smashes, defensive shots, strong forehand or backhand, attacking, various shots…

When you discovered what style suits you best, stick to it.

You should become known as a fast runner, for example, but don’t work on your special skill only. Train other features with the same desire.

If the opponent sees your attack is weak, he will intentionally go for lobs to irritate you and wait for your error. Some players simply have nerves of iron.

Lin Dan is best known for his fast attacking and smashing power. Lee Chong Wei is best known for his counterattacking skills. What about yours?

Component #2 : Racket Performances

We have already described how to choose the best badminton rackets.

Every single racket has its own advantages and shortcomings. Some are better for the attacker, while the other one is good for the defender or an all-rounder. It’s  recommended you stick to the one most suitable for your performances.

If you are left-handed, there are rackets which can be custom shaped for a left-handed player. On the other hand, there are also custom settings for a smasher, defender, an all-around player, or someone who plays various shots.

Component #3 : Strength And Conditioning

Many people simply think you only stay in one place and hit the shuttlecock over the net. However, a rally is more than difficult, and if it lasts longer than 30 seconds, you will be gassed!

Your body needs excellent conditioning to maintain the same intensity during the whole match. You also need to be strong – smashing is a technical movement but more strength leads to a higher speed of shuttlecock!

You need to work on agility. Badminton players change direction during 2 of 3 rallies. Here are some agility exercises that might come in handy!

Footwork is the key to successful conditioning. Badminton player’s feet are always on fire – he mustn’t stand at one spot. He needs to react in the split of a second, use his racket to intercept the attack or smash hard!

And the most important thing – reaction! Someone needs to give you a signal and you have to place the racket in the shortest time possible. This is the best thing for defenders or runners – no matter how hard the opponent attacks, his smashes won’t be the points and he will be irritated and make a mistake.

Component #4 : Psychological Preparation

You can’t simply go to the match and play randomly – you need a game plan!

Make tactics for your opponent, this will give you an advantage during the critical moments of the game. We will give you some recommendations when you play against the specific opponents:

  • Attacker – use drop shots or cross net shots, and forget about the lobs – you should attack him or spoil his gameplay at all costs;
  • Defender – maybe you should go for more lobs or mix your shots – he wants you to attack him, don’t let him control the match;
  • Fast runner – attack his body or the corner of the court – he expects to run and he is not lazy but he doesn’t expect the shuttlecock into his chest;
  • Net player – keep him away from the net – stick to the lobs and drop shots;
  • Various shots – play your own game, he is the one who spoils it, you must control the match;
  • Counter attacker – he wants you to hit him hard so he can return harder – apply some various shots and it will be harder for him;
  • All-around player – believe me, he has a weak spot, watch his matches and you will find it, nobody is perfect.

Conclusion – How to Play Badminton Well

It’s not easy, and we all know it.

Take the above 4 components as the “metrics” to your badminton championship journey, and we hope to see you at the top!