This area is dedicated to those who want to improve their badminton.
This page is under constant development but for now here's a few helpful thoughts for you all.

Key things to remember

• Warm up - Always warm up and stretch before starting to play. Badminton is a very hard sport on the joints and muscles and long term injuries can be easily gained if the body is not prepared.
• Knock up with a purpose - When knocking up before playing a match you should use this time to practice your shots rather than tiring yourself out with some frantic singles. Get into a routine of clears, smash/blocks, slow drops, fast drops, drives, net kills and serves with your partner before playing.
• The serve - The serve is the most important shot in badminton. You can only score points on your serve so it's no good if it goes into the net or if high enough for an easy kill. This is often the most under practiced shot in badminton!! Work on your tight short serve and you will win more games than you ever imagined.
• Maintain attack - The most effective way to play badminton is to be on the attack. This means hitting the shuttle downwards so it's below the height of the net when the opponent hits their return. This gives them less time to get to the shuttle and less opportunity to win the point from their return. Maintain the attack and you will win far more points than you lose.
• Racket carriage - As you move around the court have your racket held up and away from your body. This means you are ready to hit the shuttle early as you do not have to lift it from around your feet. You will also be able to react to fast shots coming towards you as your racket will already be up in preparation.
• Prepare for your shots - It is only possible to consistently hit good shots if you are in a good position to do so. Move to your shot quickly and maintain good balance as you strike the shuttle.
• Hit the shuttle early - If you strike the shuttle early you will give your opponents less time to recover from their previous shot. By striking early you will also give yourself a better chance to attack the shuttle downwards and win the point earlier.
• Recovery - After every shot return to your base position in preparation for all the possible shots by the opposition. Think to yourself 'do I know where they might return the shuttle?' and 'Can I get there easily and with balance to play my next shot?'

Keep these thoughts in your mind as you play. If you want to discuss any points or ask about personal or group coaching then please email Paul King or via phone on 01793 420128.

Also available for personal coaching is Allison Allen.