About Playing Badminton

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BADMINTON - DECEPTION, DEXTERITY, DEFTNESS, DETERMINATION AND PRECISION . EXECUTED ELEGANTLY AND GRACEFULLY
OUR MISSION
PROMOTING THE PARTICIPATION OF BADMINTON ,
SO AS TO IMPROVE HEALTH THROUGH THIS SPORTS BY
ORGANIZING TRAINING SESSIONS & COMPETITIONS FOR ASPIRING BADMINTON PLAYERS

This page is all about badminton and tips on improving and playing good badminton.
HOW TO PLAY BETTER BADMINTON?
1. How to hold or grip the racket? Holding the rackets is usually incorrect if one holds it instinctively or "naturally". Unfortunately, the correct way of gripping a racket is "not natural". The thumb should be pressed against handle and pointing or square to the flat frame. Consult an advance players. If this gripping is incorrect, it is difficult to play very well.

2. What are common weaknesses in playing badminton that result in weak shot and putting a player into defensive state? These are :-

2.1 not using or lack of use or weak wrist power,

2.2 "slicing" or hitting with the frame not prependicular to flight direction,

2.3 striking late at a point when the shuttlecock is behind the body or head,

2.4 loose gripping of the racket,

2.5 too much cushion in the grip,

2.6 handle size that is too big,

2.7 racket length not appropriate to the built of the player.

2.8 returning shots too slow, to a position easily retrieved or being attacked by opponents

All the above result in returning shot to mid, 3/4 way of the court or slowing down the shuttlecock in which your opponent will capitalize by attacking. Below are pointers to counter your weaknesses.

3. How to improve weaknesses in playing badminton? In general avoid being attacked or if attacked, return shot by lifting high and far to the back of the court. The following points will help:-

3.1 Hit the shuttle as early as you can with the arm extended (maximum stroke travel) and do not wait for it to arrive or get too close to the body. GO FOR IT!

3.2 Master the back hand stroke. Judge where the shuttle is coming and position yourself such that you will hit it with arm extended, turn the body with your back facing your opponent and the wrist bend inwards. Swing arm and hit with quick burst of the wrist to contact the shuttle. Common mistake is poor judgement of shuttle direction. To deliver maximun power, gripped the racket tightly at the point of impact. For some difficult to handle back hand strike, there is a need to make a subtle re-positioning of the racket in the hand with thumb. This is not easily explained here. To get better with this stroke, an expert/coach can help to shorten your learning curve.

3.3 Avoid hitting at a wrong contact angle with respect to stroke direction especially when the shots are coming from the sides or when you are caught in the wrong position. Be conscientious, bearing in mind to hit shuttle with the frame SQUARELY or perpendicularly to the swing/direction of the stroke. Of course, the shuttle should always be hit at the "sweet spot".

3.4 Use the wrist agility and power to your advantage, Most weak players do not use the wrist stroke. To maximize power, bend the wrist and swing it out during impact. Practice hitting using the wrist motion alone by not swinging the arm.

3.5 To deliver power, the racket needs maximum momentum (speed) and tight grip upon impact. To gather momentum, the racket have to accelerate and this will need distance/travel. Hence, hit when the shuttle is in front not when it is at your side. There are four body motions to gain momentum or power for forehand overhead stroke; namely forearm swing, wrist bending, shoulder twisting) and upper torso curling (bending the upper body). It is not advisable to use the last motion as it will compromise your recovery to defend and consumes lots of energy. When the shuttle is almost behind the body, the head frame has little travel distance. Decide how you want to strike, raise the racket early and hit with arm extended - maximum power. Some players tends to raise the racket only just before hitting. PREPARE TO STRIKE early by positioning your racket early. When the shot over at your opponent is below the net, raise racket to head level early because your opponent must lift the shot to clear the net

3.6 Of course, upon impact, the grip MUST BE TIGHT! Loose grip causes too much recoil. Recoil (racket moves backward) will "cushion" impact and absorb energy during impact.

3.7 Thick cushion grip reduces slippage and pain BUT it also absorbs shock ? Cushion soften the impact. This is no good. Consider the analogy of a hard marble dropping on a sofa cushion and a hard floor. Which surface will cause the marble to bounce higher? Pretty obvious! Similar to loose gripping of handle.

3.8 It is a paradox that higher string tension gives more power. Higher tension results in faster response of the shuttle and control and hence a false sense of more power. It is good for players who play fast, do lots of netting and the tricky "stuff". Click here for more explaination. Read others opinion ashawayusa.com/pages/BadTip20.html. What is the correct string tension? For most strings, 23 to 24 pounds is just right. More tension only if you are a powerful player who can compensate lost of power due to high tension. Not many have much power to spare. However, too low tension may loose power too. Rules of thumb, try 22 to 24 pounds tension.

3.9 When handle size is too big, there is not much freedom for the fingers to flex the rackets for awkard return or nimbelness to play deceptive stroke. Usually not a big problem for many but for me, thinner handle allows one to return back hand shot quite well.

3.10 With regards to length, it is complex engineering topic. Test the racket before you buy. Contact 97358539 to test rackets that I sell.

HOW TO WIN A BADMINTON GAME?
3. Experience, reaction time, power and agility. In general avoid being attacked or if attacked, make it difficult for your opponent. How? Read on:-

3.1 When attack, return shot by lifting high and far to the back of the court. Use "back" flip where the back of hand is facing your opponent,

3.2 Preferably, drive shuttle low but fast just above the net especially in double to prevent another attack. In double, the partner of the attacker usually position in the front.

3.3 Drive low to the shoulder holding the racket or to the sides.

3.4 To switch from defence to offence, net the shuttle to the sides to force your opponent to lift. This requires skill and precision.

3.5 Speedy reflexes means that you are able to react to deception or unexpected shot and dexterity is the ability to intercept awkward shots. Unfortunately, for those advanced in age, this is not an advantage;

3.6 Precision is having good control in placing the shot to the intended location and judgement. Deception is being unpredictable and tricky. Deftness is the intelligence in positioning yoorself at the right place, doing the right thing at the right time. These qualities improved with parctice and age.

3.7 Your level of skills will only improve by playing against faster and better players. Playing with someone of the same level or lower will just keep you there. Stagnant!

3.8 Vision is critical! You should be able to see the flight of shuttlecock as it leaves your opponent's racket.

Is thinner gauge string better?

1. 'Yes' for power and 'No' for durability! 'Yes' because thinner string is more elastic and will return more energy. In addition, as the total surface area is smaller, air resistance is lower. However, thinner string breaks easily and loses its tension much sooner than thicker one.

2. To have best of good control & power, use thin gauge string with slightly higher tension. However, thin gauge string will not last long and will eventually loose tension and break easily. Use thick gauge string with less tension and thin gauge with higher tension. The former being the better option.

3. Type of string is also important. Nylon has good elasticity, is cheaper but may lose tension faster. Multi-filaments or fibers string is more expensive, good for withstanding high tension for players who wants more control and feel at higher tension. Player must be physically powerful enough to compensate for the loss in power due to high tension.

How much string tension is good?

1. It is a paradox that higher string tension gives more power. Higher tension delivers lower power, gives good feel and control and hence a false sense of more power. Sound needs energy and the energy of a smash (from a high tension racket) is used to create sound instead of kinetic energy (speed) to move the shuttlecock. Read others opinion "ashawayusa.com/pages/BadTip20.html"

2. Generally, less tension gives more power but less control. The reverse is true. The reason for this is best described by the "trampoline effect." If you jump on a solid floor, you will not get much bounce, because the hard surface absorbs and dissipates your energy. The over tensioned string become rigid like hard surface.
In a trampoline, the spring (lower tension string behaves like a spring) will absorb the energy with each impact. This energy does not get dissipated but will be released to lift the body up (rebound). String has limited elasticity range. Tensioning it too tight will make it stiff, inflexible and lose its "spring" effect.

3. So low tension is good? No! Too low means that the string is not operating at optimum and that it will absorb energy just like a sponge. Also, loose tension gives slower response and control. The problem is that the bounce is not easily felt and as the shuttle sink deeper into the "softer" string (lower response time), hitting near the center results in different angle of rebounce compare to hitting off-center and hence player has no control over how it will bounce off. This gives the problem of poor placing accuracy and poor control. 22 to 24 pounds is generally good enough for less powerful player.

Home | HowToPlayWell | Shuttlecocks |Badminton Rackets |Game/Training Session Woodland CSC Championship | BenefitsOfExercise
|Results Of 2008 Championship| Results Of 2009 Championship|

AERIAL BADMINTON TOURNAMENT 2009/ CHAMPIONSHIP 2009
OPEN DIVISION: MEN'S SINGLE, MEN'S DOUBLE AND MIXED
JUNIOR DIVISION: CLOSED

Date: 21, 22 Feb, 28 Feb 2009 - Qualifying & 1 Mar 2009 - Mixed ; Finals (Sat & Sunday)
Venue: Woodlands or Chao Chu Kang Sports Hall
Time: 1100 to 1900 hrs, For details click here

DETAILS OF AERIAL CHAMPIONSHIP
EVENT:
A) Individual Single/ Individual Double Event and
B) Team Event: CORPORATE/INSTITUTION/SCHOOL TEAM:
ONE TEAM COMPRISES 1 MEN'S SINGLE/1 MEN'S DOUBLE/1 MIXED DOUBLE
To form a team, fill up 3 forms for each team with the same team name.

HOW TO REGISTER
To participate, please fill application form using the link below and fill up all information.
Download Application Form here
Sent completed form to aerialenterprise@bizsingapore.com and then contact organizer 97358539. You will need to sign the form on tournament day. You can pay by transfering fund to our designated bank account. Contact 97358539 for account details. After transferring of fund, SMS organizer and an electrnic receipt will be sent to your email to confrim your slots.
Alternatively, submit form and payment at Block 302 opposite Marsiling MRT or at the Woodlands Sports Hall by appointment. Call 97358539.

PARTICIPANTS WHO HAVE REGISTERED
CLICK HERE

FEES
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT
For individual single event, register before 06 Dec 2008, Fee = $19.00. Name of players to be confirmed 2 weeks before start of game.
For individual double event, register before 06 Dec 2008, Fee = $25.00. Name of players to be confirmed 2 weeks before start of game.
For team event, register before 06 Dec 2008, Fee = $70.00. Name of players to be confirmed 2 weeks before start of game.
NORMAL RATE
For individual single, register between 06 Dec 2008 to 7 Feb 09, Fee = $29.00. Name of players to be confirmed by 8 Feb 09.
For individual double, register between 06 Dec 2008 to 7 Feb 09, Fee = $35.00. Name of players to be confirmed by 8 Feb 09.
For team division, register between 06 Dec 2008 to 7 Feb 09, Fee = $99.00. Name of players need to be confirmed 8 Feb 09.
LATE REGISTRATION
After 7 Feb 09, additional fees of $10 to normal rate for individual event and $20 for team event.
Tournament will be cancelled if there are less than 16 participants in any category. All fees will be refunded if cancelled.

PRIZES
Prizes/Trophies will be awarded to 1st and 2nd position. At least 16 teams must be in this category.

Download Application Form here

ELIGIBILITY
Open to all including foreigners except national players who have represented their respective countries in the last 3 years.

DISQUALIFICATION/CODE OF CONDUCT
NOTE: Each participant is expected to conduct 2 umpiring duties or 4 line judging duties. Failure to do so result in dis-qualification.
Inappropriate challenges against line judges decision, physically threatening or verbally abusive behavior intended to influencing the judges decision or intimidating opponents are against the spirit of sportsmanship and offenders will be dismissed immediately. Police will be called in if necessary.
It is the process of participation and friendship that makes the event enjoyable. Winning against the best teams in an honorable manner is more fulfilling and respectful.

GENERAL
All rules and regulations are subjected to changes at the discretion of the organizer without notices.

RULES
1. ALL TEAMS/PLAYERS MUST BE PRESENT 15 MINUTES BEFORE START OF GAME. GAME WILL START PUNCTUALLY AT SCHEDULED TIME DUE TO LIMITED COURT TIME. TEAMS NOT PRESENT 15 MINUTES BEFORE START WILL CONCEDE A WALKOVER. THIS RULE WILL BE STRICTLY APPLIED.
2. Category of play: Open Men's Single, Men's and Mixed Double Only. Division of play: Individual or Team. Age Group" Open, Under 13 Junior as on 1 Jan 09
3. Application is open to everyone except players who have represented their countries in the last 3 years and is accepted on first come first serve basis. Only 32 teams are admitted. All application must be duly completed and submitted in hardcopy.
4. The tournament will be cancelled if too few teams participated. Fees will be refunded.
5 You may change name of players, except for early birds, but subject to the following administrative cost:
5.1 More than 14 days before start of tournament: No charge
5.2 Less than or equal to 14 days before start of tournament = $5 per change
5.3 Less than 3 days before of start of tournament = $7 per change.
6. Walkover applies if a team fails to turn up 10 minutes before start of game.
7. Participants are responsible for their own safety and should take necessary pre-caution to prevent injuries. No medical workers are on site. Organizer is not responsible for death, losses, damage or injuries caused whilst participating in the tournament.
8. Only 1 reserve member is allowed per Men's Double team and 2 reserve members for Mixed Double. Inclusion of reserve is optional. For team event, 3 reserve players are permitted. Team may play any reserve players before start of each new game. When a game has started, no change is allowed. Prizes are to be shared by all team members.
9. Standard court rules are applicable.
10. At least one umpire is used. If so, line calls shall be based solely on his/her judgment. In view of this, in case of disagreement, a replay of the serve is usually called for.
11. Refer to game schedule on match day. Match # represents the order of play.
12. Schedule of play will only be displayed on day of tournament.
13. The organizer reserves the rights to change the rules without notice. In case of dispute, decision taken by the organizer is final. In the unlikely event of changes in venue & time of play, players will be informed at least 2 hours before start of game.
14. All disputes should be brought to the organizer within 10 minutes after a game.
15. Rules/Regulations shall be based on organizer's interpretation.
16. Players will officiate their own games during preliminaries. Those not wishing not to do officiating duties pay additional $6 for volunteers to take over their duties. Those not familiar with umpire duties will be briefed.
FORMAT OF PLAY
17. Double-Knock using a new rally-points system where each point is won on each serve. One game of one match of 25 points decides the winner in the preliminary round. In the final, winner is decided based on best of 3 matches at 21 points. Each participant will play at least 2 matches.
18. Team will be randomly assigned each grouping. For typical game progress chart , click here
19. GOLDEN RULE: FAIR PLAY AND RESPECT FOR OPPONENTS & OFFICIALS. NOT JUST THE SOLE INTENT OF WINNING BUT THE JOYS OF FELLOWSHIP AND FRIENDSHIP.
End of DETAILS OF AERIAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Home | HowToPlayWell | Shuttlecocks |Badminton Rackets |Game/Training Session Woodland CSC Championship | BenefitsOfExercise
|Results Of 2008 Championship| Results Of 2009 Championship|

WOODLANDS CSC BADMINTON TOURNAMENT 2008 - SPONSORED & JOINTLY ORGANIZED BY AERIAL ENTERPRISE,
CATEGORY: SINGLE / DOUBLE / MIXED
Date: Qualifying - Sunday 23 Nov(Men's Dbl), Saturday 29 Nov(Men's Single), Sunday 30 Nov 2008(Mixed).
Finals Saturday 6 Dec 08
Venue: Woodlands Community Club Multi-Purpose Hall

Woodlands CSC will be in Inter-Constituency Tournament
Interested to participate, email aerialenterprise@bizsingapore.com

Read all about badminton - tension of string, shuttlecock durability and rules of 21 point system Click Here

Home | HowToPlayWell | Shuttlecocks |Badminton Rackets |Game/Training Session Woodland CSC Championship | BenefitsOfExercise
|Results Of 2008 Championship| Results Of 2009 Championship|

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2.1	not using or lack of use or weak wrist power,
2.2	"slicing" or hitting with the frame not prependicular to flight direction,
2.3	striking late at a point when the shuttlecock is behind the body or head,
2.4	loose gripping of the racket,
2.5	too much cushion in the grip,
2.6	handle size that is too big,
2.7	racket length not appropriate to the built of the player.
2.8	returning shots too slow, to a position easily retrieved or being attacked by opponents

3.1	Hit the shuttle as early as you can with the arm extended (maximum stroke travel) and do not wait for it to arrive or get too close to the body. GO FOR IT!
3.2	Master the back hand stroke. Judge where the shuttle is coming and position yourself such that you will hit it with arm extended, turn the body with your back facing your opponent and the wrist bend inwards. Swing arm and hit with quick burst of the wrist to contact the shuttle. Common mistake is poor judgement of shuttle direction. To deliver maximun power, gripped the racket tightly at the point of impact. For some difficult to handle back hand strike, there is a need to make a subtle re-positioning of the racket in the hand with thumb. This is not easily explained here. To get better with this stroke, an expert/coach can help to shorten your learning curve.
3.3	Avoid hitting at a wrong contact angle with respect to stroke direction especially when the shots are coming from the sides or when you are caught in the wrong position. Be conscientious, bearing in mind to hit shuttle with the frame SQUARELY or perpendicularly to the swing/direction of the stroke. Of course, the shuttle should always be hit at the "sweet spot".
3.4	Use the wrist agility and power to your advantage, Most weak players do not use the wrist stroke. To maximize power, bend the wrist and swing it out during impact. Practice hitting using the wrist motion alone by not swinging the arm.
3.5	To deliver power, the racket needs maximum momentum (speed) and tight grip upon impact. To gather momentum, the racket have to accelerate and this will need distance/travel. Hence, hit when the shuttle is in front not when it is at your side. There are four body motions to gain momentum or power for forehand overhead stroke; namely forearm swing, wrist bending, shoulder twisting) and upper torso curling (bending the upper body). It is not advisable to use the last motion as it will compromise your recovery to defend and consumes lots of energy. When the shuttle is almost behind the body, the head frame has little travel distance. Decide how you want to strike, raise the racket early and hit with arm extended - maximum power. Some players tends to raise the racket only just before hitting. PREPARE TO STRIKE early by positioning your racket early. When the shot over at your opponent is below the net, raise racket to head level early because your opponent must lift the shot to clear the net
3.6	Of course, upon impact, the grip MUST BE TIGHT! Loose grip causes too much recoil. Recoil (racket moves backward) will "cushion" impact and absorb energy during impact.
3.7	Thick cushion grip reduces slippage and pain BUT it also absorbs shock ? Cushion soften the impact. This is no good. Consider the analogy of a hard marble dropping on a sofa cushion and a hard floor. Which surface will cause the marble to bounce higher? Pretty obvious! Similar to loose gripping of handle.
3.8	It is a paradox that higher string tension gives more power. Higher tension results in faster response of the shuttle and control and hence a false sense of more power. It is good for players who play fast, do lots of netting and the tricky "stuff". Click here for more explaination. Read others opinion ashawayusa.com/pages/BadTip20.html. What is the correct string tension? For most strings, 23 to 24 pounds is just right. More tension only if you are a powerful player who can compensate lost of power due to high tension. Not many have much power to spare. However, too low tension may loose power too. Rules of thumb, try 22 to 24 pounds tension.
3.9	When handle size is too big, there is not much freedom for the fingers to flex the rackets for awkard return or nimbelness to play deceptive stroke. Usually not a big problem for many but for me, thinner handle allows one to return back hand shot quite well.
3.10	With regards to length, it is complex engineering topic. Test the racket before you buy. Contact 97358539 to test rackets that I sell.

3.1	When attack, return shot by lifting high and far to the back of the court. Use "back" flip where the back of hand is facing your opponent,
3.2	Preferably, drive shuttle low but fast just above the net especially in double to prevent another attack. In double, the partner of the attacker usually position in the front.
3.3	Drive low to the shoulder holding the racket or to the sides.
3.4	To switch from defence to offence, net the shuttle to the sides to force your opponent to lift. This requires skill and precision.
3.5	Speedy reflexes means that you are able to react to deception or unexpected shot and dexterity is the ability to intercept awkward shots. Unfortunately, for those advanced in age, this is not an advantage;
3.6	Precision is having good control in placing the shot to the intended location and judgement. Deception is being unpredictable and tricky. Deftness is the intelligence in positioning yoorself at the right place, doing the right thing at the right time. These qualities improved with parctice and age.
3.7	Your level of skills will only improve by playing against faster and better players. Playing with someone of the same level or lower will just keep you there. Stagnant!
3.8	Vision is critical! You should be able to see the flight of shuttlecock as it leaves your opponent's racket.

1.	It is a paradox that higher string tension gives more power. Higher tension delivers lower power, gives good feel and control and hence a false sense of more power. Sound needs energy and the energy of a smash (from a high tension racket) is used to create sound instead of kinetic energy (speed) to move the shuttlecock. Read others opinion "ashawayusa.com/pages/BadTip20.html"
2.	Generally, less tension gives more power but less control. The reverse is true. The reason for this is best described by the "trampoline effect." If you jump on a solid floor, you will not get much bounce, because the hard surface absorbs and dissipates your energy. The over tensioned string become rigid like hard surface. In a trampoline, the spring (lower tension string behaves like a spring) will absorb the energy with each impact. This energy does not get dissipated but will be released to lift the body up (rebound). String has limited elasticity range. Tensioning it too tight will make it stiff, inflexible and lose its "spring" effect.
3.	So low tension is good? No! Too low means that the string is not operating at optimum and that it will absorb energy just like a sponge. Also, loose tension gives slower response and control. The problem is that the bounce is not easily felt and as the shuttle sink deeper into the "softer" string (lower response time), hitting near the center results in different angle of rebounce compare to hitting off-center and hence player has no control over how it will bounce off. This gives the problem of poor placing accuracy and poor control. 22 to 24 pounds is generally good enough for less powerful player.