surefire badminton drills

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Contents Page No. 1. Introduction 4 2. Chapter 1: Some basics - Basic 1: The grip 6 - Basic 2: Taking shots from the highest point 10 - Basic 3: Footwork 11 3. Chapter 2: Training method 1 Shadow and shuttle drills - Step 1 drills 16 - Step 2 drills 28 4. Chapter 3: Training method 2 Shuttle control drills - Step 1 drills 41 - Step 2 drills 54 5. Chapter 4: Training method 3 Multiple shuttles drills - Step 1 drills 66 - Step 2 drills 74 6. Chapter 5: Training method 4 Physical exercises - Step 1 shadow drills 80 - Step 2 shadow drills 85 - Step 1 agility exercises 88 - Step 2 agility exercises 92 - Sprinting 95 - Body circuit exercises 96 7. Summary 98


Introduction

Sure Fire Badminton Drills

It gives us great pleasure to write this book and share with you badminton drills that are being practiced and mastered by world class badminton players worldwide. Through the many emails that have been sent to us on www.badminton-information.com, we have come to realize that there is a lack of information for many badminton players who want to learn more about badminton training techniques. That is why www.badminton-information.com worked closely with a professional player Andrew Chang, who has contributed to this book the training methods that has helped him improve his badminton game. Andrew has been training for approximately 10 years by a Malaysian badminton club that is head coached by Misbun Sidek and Rahman Sidek, the infamous Sidek brothers who have won many international badminton titles. Andrew is currently coaching at a few badminton academies in Malaysia. As you may be well aware of, Malaysia is one of the ‘GIANT’ nations in the world of badminton, whereby many badminton stars have hailed from. These badminton stars include the likes of Eddie Chong, Tan Yee Khan, the Sidek Brothers, Foo Kok Keong, Ong Ewe Hock and the more recent singles player Lee Chong Wei and up and coming doubles players Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong. We have identified 4 training methods that consist of 35 drills and 9 physical exercises to help you take your game to the next level. These training methods are currently used by many badminton professionals around the world. This is how the book is structured: 1. Starting with the basics – the grip, the footwork and basic positioning 2. We will take you through each one of the 4 training methods 3. Each training methods consist of drills and these drills are categorized into: - Step 1 drills - Step 2 drills


4. Step 1 drills are normally performed by beginners. The footwork and shots required are simple. It is mainly performed to strengthen player's basic skills and footwork.

5. Step 2 drills are slightly more difficult than step 1 drills. Once you are

comfortable with Step 1 drills for each of the 4 training method you are ready to move on to Step 2 drills.

6. After a few hours working on skills in the court, it is time to work on physical

fitness and ability as well. Physical exercises are normally done at the end of training sessions. Why are fitness exercises always at the last? It is because players can develop not only physical strength but mental strength as well when pushing themselves during exhaustion.

With practice, we guarantee that you can take your game to the next level. Enjoy reading the e-book.


Chapter 1 Some basics

Basic 1: The Grip It is essential to have the correct grip in order to play good and high quality Badminton. Without a correct grip, your room for improvement will be very limited. This is because an incorrect grip will limit the range of your strokes and will reduce power of your shots. Every player, especially beginners have to learn to hold the racket properly because it will determine the way you play the game, it will determine your skills and also the level you will reach in Badminton. An incorrect grip will result in using more arm movements to execute your shots instead of using your wrist. You won’t be able to vary the pace and the angle of your shots without wristwork. * Characteristic of different grips You have to adjust or change your grip in order to cope with different situations. Every shot has different grip handling. Certain players like to shorten their grip to gain more control in their shots. And also in order to get the angle for the shot, you have to use your fingers to twist the racket in your hand. Many people often ask this question: “how tight should I hold the racket?” Well, the grip should not be too tight or too loose. If you hold the racket too tight, you are locking your wrist. And if you hold it too loose, you will lose the racket control. The pressure of your hand should be just nice. There are basically two types of grip which is the forehand and backhand grip. Let’s look into the forehand grip first. Hold the racket by its throat with your non-racket hand and with your racket hand shake hands with the racket. The butt of your racket should be facing you instead. Place your index finger on top of the handle to ensure some space in the “V” groove.


* Forehand Grip The backhand grip is slightly different from the forehand grip. Hold the racket by its throat with your non-racket hand and with your racket hand shake hands with the racket. Turn the racket anti-clockwise so that the “V” between thumb and forefinger lies along the top side of the handle in line with the shaft and outer side of the frame. Place your thumb against the back bevel of the handle for greater leverage and power.

* Backhand grip


* Incorrect grip Here are some examples of how players hold the racket wrongly and it should be avoided.

* Changing your grip It is best to get used to changing grips and should be practiced outside the court. Start off with the basic forehand grip and use your fingers to change it to a backhand grip. Keep practicing it until it comes naturally to you.


Basic 2: Taking shots from the highest point One important note that you should know for all your drill practices is that all the shots produced must be taken from the highest point. It is at the highest point that advantages can be gained. You will have more option to place the shuttle, more chances to make a kill and also have more time to create deception. Pictures below show the examples on how shots are taken from the highest point.

Overhead Shots: You will have more options on where to place your shots such as: lob, drop, smash, chop etc. Block Shots: You can return the shuttle with better placing.

Net play: You will be able to create a slightly more difficult shot for opponent to return such as spinning net shots.


Lifting: The quality of the lift will be better.

Tap: If you are fast enough to play the shot from the highest point, chances to kill the shuttle is much higher.

* When you are waiting for your opponent’s return, it is good to skip a little on the balls of your feet.


Basic 3: Footwork In badminton, footwork is one of the most important fundamentals that every player should master. You cannot be doing all these drills and exercises without the correct footwork. These pictures below show the basic footwork that are often applied in the actual matches. Moving to the baseline (forehand)

A) Standby and get ready in the middle of the court. B) Push off with your right leg and turn your body clockwise. C) Skip with both legs to the shuttle to hit the forehand shot at the baseline. D) Push off with both legs and go for the next shot.


Moving to the baseline (Around the Head)

A) Get ready in the middle of the court. B) Push off with both legs and turn your body to face the shuttle. C) Hit the shuttle and bring your right leg and right shoulder to the front. D) Push off and go for the next shot.

Moving to the net Backhand

A) Get ready with your left leg behind. B) Take small step forward with left leg. C) Lunge with right leg for final step.


Moving to the net Forehand

A) Get in your ready position. B) Take small step forward with left leg. C) Lunge forward with your right leg. Receiving a Forehand smash

A) Lean your body to the right. B) Lunge with your right leg and stretch out your hand to take the smash at the forehand.


Receiving a Backhand smash

A) Lean your body to the left. B) Turn your body and bring your right leg across. Lunge your right leg and stretch your hand to take the smash at the backhand. Side to side forehand smash

A) Get in your ready position. B) Bend both of your knees and bounce off the ground jumping to the forehand side. C) Jump with both of your legs as far as possible to your forehand side.


Side to side Around the Head smash

A) Get in your ready position. B) Bend both of your knees and bounce off the ground jumping to the around the head side. C) Jump with both legs as far as possible to your around the head side. Backhand footwork

A) Get your ready position. B) Move into position where your right leg are stretched to the back. C) Follow through.


Chapter 2 Training Method 1

– Shadow and shuttle drills

We are now going to focus on the training methods that will improve your play. There are many training methods that are usually done by Badminton players. The purpose of all these trainings is basically to bring the player’s game to the next level and each training involves badminton drills. A badminton drill will normally involve 2 people. One will of course perform the drills whilst another person will feed the shuttle. In these trainings, shadow strokes are combined with actual strokes to increase skills and shot accuracy. I am going to explain 11 drills here. The first 5 drills are categorized as step 1 drills while the remaining 6 are step 2 drills. Guide:

Player A’s movements

Player A’s strokes

Area that Player A should aim

Step 1 Drills Step 1 drills are normally done by beginners. The footwork and shots required are simple. It is mainly done to strengthen player's basic skills and footwork. These exercises certainly help players to be consistent and accurate in their shots. In a real match, a player who is accurate and consistent under pressure could drive his opponent to commit unforced errors and make wrong decisions.


Although the footwork required in these drills is mostly simple it can be very tiring. Once you are familiar with simple footwork, it is easier to learn other more complex or complicated footwork. Even an advanced player needs to do Step 1 drills in order to maintain their basic skills.

Training Method 1: Step 1 Drills– Drill 1 Drill 1- Half court shadow smash & follow up

Player A: - 1. In this drill, player A will start from point 1. 2. He will begin with a shadow smash at point 1 and runs to the centre X. 3. After reaching the center, he should follow up with lunging in front to point 2 to tap the shuttle. 4. After taping the shuttle, player A should quickly reverse to point 1 to do another shadow smash. 5. 8 shuttles in repetition of 3 sets. 6. Once you get fitter, you can add the number of shots as you wish.

7. This drill should be done in fast pace in order to gain maximum benefits. Player B: 1. Player B should throw the shuttle to point 2 for player A to tap. 2. He must wait until player A reaches point X first before throwing the shuttle.


Training Method 1: Step 1 Drills – Drill 1

* The Benefits For Player A: 1. To improve speed In this drill, player A needs to skip or shuffle as quick as possible in order to reach the shuttles. By rushing to the net quickly for a net kill, it will automatically increase leg’s speed. In modern badminton games, speed is a major requirement that every players need to have in order to win a game. From this drill, Player A will run to the middle first before lunging into the net for a net kill. 2. Shot anticipation It also improves shot anticipation as player A keep rushes to the front for a net kill. Shot anticipation is referred to a condition where players move slightly earlier than their opponent in order to kill the shots. Once you have the speed going to the front, it will help to develop shot anticipation skills. 3. Increase endurance level Covering half the court and rushing quickly to the net for a kill may be very tiring. In order to sustain in this condition, player needs a certain endurance level. By pushing yourself and maintaining your speed when you are exhausted will automatically increase your endurance level as well. 4. Game Applied This drill is mainly used in singles. You need to recover back to your center position before and after retrieving each shot in the game. By practicing it, you will not create a bad habit by not returning to the center. After mastering the tap at the front court, you can try to master other skills such as lift, push or cross court net shots.


Training Method 1: Step 1 Drills – Drill 1 * For Player B:

Picture 1 Picture 2

The 2 pictures above shows Player B throwing the shuttle in a correct way. - In order to throw the shuttle up high, use your arm strength and throw it as if you are lobbing the shuttle (Picture 1) - To throw the shuttle slightly at the net level, just use a bit of strength and throw softly at the net area. (Picture 2) * The Benefits: 1. Increase hand power Throwing the shuttle consistently can be very tiring especially in the hand area. However, it can be very useful as it increases the hand’s strength so that players can produce more powerful shots in the game. 2. Improve consistency Throwing the shuttles for player A needs good consistency. If player B keeps making errors and throws to the wrong places, the drill wont be useful. In order to gain the benefits of the training, player B needs to throw the shuttle accurately. This can be applied in an actual game as well as accuracy and consistency plays important roles in winning the game.



Drill 2: Triangular drill & follow up

Player A: 1. Player A starts with a shadow smash at point 1. 2. After smashing, he must quickly move to point 2 to execute another shadow smash. 3. After smashing at point 2, player A shall quickly move to point 3 to tap the shuttle. 4. Reverse back to point 1 again to execute another shadow smash and continue the rally. 5. 8 shuttles in repetition of 3 sets. Player B: 1. Player B throws the shuttle to point 3 for player A to tap. 2. Before throwing the shuttle, he must wait for player A to reach point x, the center of the court.


Training Method 1: Step 1 Drills – Drill 2 * The Benefits: 1. To improve speed In order to follow up to the front for a net shot, players need certain speed abilities. In this drill, player A will definitely develop leg speed when rushing to the net. If the speed is not there in following up with net shots, it will result in you lifting up the shuttle and being in a defensive position again. In order to maintain the attack, you need to be fast in the court. 2. Jumping ability In this exercise, player A needs to move quickly from one side of the rear court to another side of the rear court. This movement consists of side to side footwork. Many players reach to another side of the rear court by jumping. Jumping is good because you can take the shots from the highest and the fastest point. In this drill, you will develop jumping abilities from consistently jumping to the sides of the court. 3. Game applied In doubles, side to side movements are very significant. This drill will help you to be fast in side to side movements as well as follow up which is needed in doubles game. After mastering the net skills, player A can try other skills at the front court such as cross court net, tap or lift.



Drill 3: Front Coverage

Player A: 1. Start from Point X, the center of the court. 2. First lunge to the front (point 1), and lift the shuttle that is fed by player B. 3. Reverse back to the middle, point X after lifting the shuttle in point 1. 4. Now lunge to the other side of front court (point 2) to lift up another shuttle. 5. 10 shuttles in repetition of 4 sets. Player B: 1. Throws the shuttle to point 1 and point 2. 2. Must wait for player A to be ready at the middle point X before throwing the shuttle. 3. To increase difficulty, throw the shuttle faster to point 1 and 2.


Training Method 1: Step 1 Drills – Drill 3 * The Benefits: 1. To improve on defence You will be able to slow down the pace of the game when under pressure. If you are facing an opponent who has deadly drop shots you need to be fast enough to retrieve all his shots. So it is important to slow the game down especially so when playing against fast opponent. In this drill, you will go to the front and lift up the shuttles delivered by player B which will improve your defensive style of play. 2. Increase leg’s strength In this drill, player A will have to keep on lunging forward so that they can retrieve the shuttles in the front court area. By consistently bending down, it will help increase the leg’s strength. 3. Improve the quality of lifting shots By consistently lifting up the shuttles, the quality of the lob will be better. In order to get yourself to recover to the middle in actual games, you need to lift the shuttle high and deep. The idea is to give you time to recover to the middle as the shuttle flies to your opponent’s court. When player A has mastered the lift in the front court, they can try other skills such as net shots, tap and push. These skills can help players to change into an attacking position rather than keep defending an opponent’s attack.



Drill 4: Back Coverage

Player A: 1. Start from point X, the middle of the court. 2. Skip to point 1 and lob the shuttle to the rear court. 3. After that, player A should quickly return to the centre and skip to point 2 to execute another lob to the rear court. 4. The lobbing in this drill must be high and deep. 5. 20 lobs in repetition of 4 sets Player B: 1. Stands in front of player A. 2. Throws the shuttle to point 1 and point 2 3. Must wait for player A to return to the center point X before throwing the shuttle. 4. To increase difficulty, throw a slightly faster shuttle in order to increase player A’s speed.


Training Method 1: Step 1 Drills – Drill 4 * The Benefits: 1. The ability to slow the game down The benefit of this drill is slightly the same as Drill 3 in which player A will have the skill to slow the game down. But it is slightly different in this exercise as player A will reverse to the rear court and produce a high lob to the rear court. Lobbing to the middle of the rear court can be the safest shot in certain situations of the game as it limits your opponent’s shots angles. 2. Increase endurance level Moving to the rear court and using energy to lob the shuttle requires a lot of physical ability. By continuously doing this drill, it increases your endurance level and can sustain physically demanding games. 3. Fluid movements Rear court footwork demands a lot of energy and strength. Once you have mastered the reverse footwork, it would be much easier to learn other footwork as well and it will develop fluid movements in your game. After mastering the lob in the rear court in this drill, players can try to master other skills such as smash, drop and fast drop shots. The idea is to change your position from defensive to attacking position.



Drill 5: Smash & Tap

Player A: 1. Start with a shadow smash at the baseline (point 1) and rush across to the front (point 2) to tap the shuttle fed by player B. 2. Quickly reverse to point 3 and do another shadow smash. 3. Once again, run to the other side of the front court (point 4) to tap another shuttle that is fed by player B. 4. 10 shuttles in repetition of 4 sets. Player B: 1. Stand in front of the court and throw the shuttles to point 2 and 4. 2. Wait for player A to pass the center X before throwing the shuttle.


Training Method 1: Step 1 Drills – Drill 5 * The Benefits: 1. To improve on speed In this drill, player A needs speed in order to rush to the front court to kill the shots. Other than that, players have to move diagonally in this drill. Moving diagonally demands a lot of strengths than moving straight as the distance of the court are further. When players face tough training, it will be much easier for them to move quickly in the real games. 2. Improve aggression skills An aggressive player normally has fast movements and powerful shots. In this drill, player A will have the chance to sharpen their offensive skills as they have to do shadow smashes and run quickly to the net. After mastering the tap in the front courts, you can try other skills such as push and cross court net. The idea of it is to make your opponent guessing on which shots you will play. This is where deception comes to play. In conclusion, step 1 exercises are simple but tiring. You have to consistently push yourself in order to gain the benefits of the training. We are now going to focus on step 2 drills which are more complex and require more advanced skills.


Step 2 Drills Step 2 drills are slightly more difficult than step 1 drills. Once you have already reached the next level of your game and wish to try tougher drills, here are 6 of it. Step 2 drills require more cross court movements than step 1 drills. Therefore, players need to have more advanced skills and strong basics in order to undergo step 2 exercises. Drill 1: Smash, Lift & Whip

Player A: 1. Start from Point X, the center of the court. 2. Lunge to the front (point 1) to do a shadow lift. 3. Then skip to point 2 and whip your racket as if you are defending an opponent’s smash. 4. After defending, quickly move to the rear court (point 3) and smash the shuttle fed by player B.

5. Follow up to the front (point 1) after smashing and repeat the drill. 6. 6 smashes in repetition of 3 sets each side. Player B: 1. Stand in front of player A. 2. Player B should wait for player A to cross the centre line before throwing the shuttle to point 3.


Training Method 1: Step 2 Drills – Drill 1 * The Benefits: 1. To improve on leg’s strength Player A will have to bend down and jump to the baseline a lot in this drill. By doing so, it will increase your leg’s strength. In order to retrieve every shot in the game, player needs strong legs to support their movements. You can develop it in this drill. 2. Improve counter attack This exercise will help to develop your counter attacking abilities as you will have to straight away jump and skip to the rear court to smash after retrieving all under hand shots. 3. Improve defence Defending each shot from the opponent requires strong legs and solid footwork. In this exercise, you can train up your defense as you keep bending and executing shadow lifts. 4. Game Applied In a real game, you can surprise your opponent by creating a sudden smash in a rally. This drill requires both defensive and offensive style of play. Players can apply it to change the pace of the game in order to pressure the opponent. After mastering the smash at the rear court in this drill, player A can try other skills such as slow and fast drop shots. The idea of these shots in this drill is to confuse the opponent by pretending that you are going to smash the shuttle but instead drops to the front court.


Training Method 1: Step 2 Drills – Drill 2 Drill 2: Defensive Drills

Player A: 1. Start from Point X, the center of the court. 2. Lunge into point 1 to do a shadow whip on your racket as if you are defending an opponent’s attack. 3. Next, move to point 2 and do another defensive shadow whip. 4. Now, rush to the front court (point 3) and net the shuttle fed by player B. 5. Move to another side of front court (point 4) to do another net shot. 6. Skip back to point 1 and repeat the drill. 7. 10 shuttles x 3 sets each side. Player B: 1. Player B stands in front of the court and throw the shuttles into point 3 and 4.

2. He should wait for player A to reach the centre line first before throwing the shuttle.


Training Method 1: Step 2 Drills – Drill 2 * The Benefits: 1. Improve leg’s strength In this exercise, players will develop leg’s strength by taking all the shots quickly. As I mentioned earlier, when players are defending, they need strong legs to support their movements. In this drill, you will develop strong legs. 2. Increase Speed To win a game, you have to defend well and also have quick movements. This drill will help to increase speed as you will have to stretch to retrieve all under hand shots. By consistently pushing yourself to maintain your speed, it will automatically bring you up to the next level. 3. Sharpen net skills You will have to do net shots when you reach 2 front corners in this exercise. As you keep moving and continuously executing tight net shots, it will definitely sharpen your net skills such as making it more consistent, accurate and also more deadly. Other than net shots, you can develop other skills in this drill such as cross court net, tap, lift or push in order to confuse the opponent during actual matches.


Training Method 1: Step 2 Drills – Drill 3 Drill 3: Half court smash & Follow up

Player A: 1. Start in the middle (point X), shadow smash and quickly rush to point 1 to tap the shuttle fed by player B. 2. Then, reverse back to centre and do another shadow smash. 3. Now, rush to another side of the front court (point 2) to tap the shuttle again.

4. 10 shuttles x 6 sets Player B: 1. Stand in the front court and throw the shuttle to point 1 and 2 for player A to tap. 2. Wait for player A to do the shadow smash first before throwing the shuttles.


Training Method 1: Step 2 Drills – Drill 3 * The Benefits: 1. Follow up It can improve your follow up as you need to rush quickly to the net after a shadow smash at the mid court. In an actual game, players need to be fast enough to follow up and kill an opponent’s weak return after smashing. Without these abilities, you will have to take a longer time to kill off the game. 2. Increase endurance level This drill helps you to increase your endurance level as you have to maintain your speed to do a follow up, killing the weak return. In order to sustain in these situations, you have to be fit enough to sustain the speed and the pace of the game as well. Other than tapping the shuttle in the front court, players can execute other shots such as cross court net or push in order to put pressure on opponent in matches.


Training Method 1: Step 2 Drills – Drill 4 Drill 4: Baseline smash As you can see this drill looks similar to Drill 5 in step 1, it is actually a different type of exercise. In this drill, Player A will move straight to tap the shuttle rather than moving diagonally as in Drill 5 step 1.

Player A: 1. Firstly, shadow smash at the rear court (point 1). 2. Then rush to the front (point 2) to tap the shuttle fed by player B. 3. Now, reverse to another side of the rear court (point 3) to execute another shadow smash. 4. Once again, rush to the front (point 4) to tap the shuttle fed by player B. 5. Reverse back to Point 1 and do the Drill over again.

6. 10 shuttles x 4 sets Player B 1. Player B stands in the front court and throws the shuttle to point 2 and 4. 2. Wait for player A to finish his shadow smash at the rear court before throwing the shuttle to the front.



* The Benefits: 1. Increase speed By keep moving in the whole court to take every shot, it will definitely improve on your area of speed. By having speed, you won’t face many problems with fast opponents. It would be even easier if you are playing with slow opponents when you have the speed. This drill helps you to be fast as you will have to reverse all the way to the baseline and rush quickly to the front to follow up. 2. Strengthens the leg When player reverse and sprints in the court, he needs certain amount of leg’s strength in order to stretch and go for the shuttles. As player B will consistently throw the shuttles in front of the court, player A can develop leg’s strength by continuously rushing in for a kill. 3. Game situation In an actual match, players will benefit by finishing off the opponent quickly in the game because of the fast follow up. Player A can try other skills such as lift, net and also push after mastering the tap skills.


Training Method 1: Step 2 Drills – Drill 5 Drill 5: Backhand drop shot drill

Player A: 1. Start from the middle of the court (point x).

2. Move to the rear court (point 1) and drop the shuttle to the front by using backhand.

3. Then move straight forward to the front court (point 2) and shadow lift.

4. After that, move to the other side of the front court (point 3) to do another shadow lift.

5. Reverse back to point 1 to drop another shuttle by using backhand. Continue the same rally.

6. 10 shuttles x 4 sets Player B: 1. Stand in front of player A and throw the shuttle to point 1. 2. He should wait for player A to reach the centre line first before throwing the shuttle.


Training Method 1: Step 2 Drills – Drill 5 * The Benefits: 1. Improve backhand shot accuracy In an actual match, you can’t be using around the head strokes all the time to return an opponent’s shot in the backhand area. Sometimes you need to use the backhand shot to keep the shuttles in as well. Most badminton players (especially beginners) are weak in their backhand. Doing this drill will improve the accuracy and consistency of your backhand drop. 2. Fluid movements By consistently moving front and back while doing backhand drills, it will help you gain a better footwork. The idea is to prevent you from developing a bad habit such as staying at one corner after hitting each shot. After mastering the backhand drop, player A can try other skills such as backhand cross court drop or backhand fast drop shot.


Training Method 1: Step 2 Drills – Drill 6 Drill 6: Backhand lob drill

Player A: 1. Start from the middle of the court (point x). 2. Reverse to the rear court (point 1) and lob the shuttle to the back by using backhand. 3. Move straight forward to the front court (point 2) and shadow lift. 4. After that, move to the other side of front court (point 3) to do another shadow lift. 5. Reverse back to point 1 to lob another shuttle by using backhand. Continue the same rally. 6. 10 shuttles x 4 sets Player B: 1. Stand in the front of player A and throw the shuttle to point 1. 2. He should wait for player A to reach the centre line first before throwing the shuttle.


Training Method 1: Step 2 Drills – Drill 6 * The Benefits: 1. To make your backhand shots more accurate and deadly Most players especially at the amateur level are weak in their backhand. They will drop to the front court whenever the opponent gives a really deep lob to the backhand area. In this drill, player A will continuously lob to the rear court which will make his backhand shot stronger. You will have a slight advantage in the game because your backhand shots may be one of your strengths against your opponent. 2. Fluid movements By consistently moving front and back while doing backhand drills, it will help you gain a better footwork. The idea is to prevent you from developing a bad habit such as staying at one corner after hitting each shot. After mastering the backhand lob, player A can try other skills such as backhand smash or cross court lob. To make it clearer, here are the pictures on how to execute backhand shots.


After explaining the 11 drills above, I would like to conclude that these exercises are very tiring. But by giving your 100% effort in these drills, it will test your endurance and certainly improve your stamina and mental strength to last longer in the court.



– Shuttle Control Drills Chapter 2 explains the 11 Badminton drills and the importance of it. Now we are going to discover the second part of the training methods which is shuttle control. Shuttle control is mainly about 1 player (The trainer) standing at 1 corner guiding the trainee. The trainees in this training should return all the shots to the player who is guiding him. This training method has a lot of benefit such as: 1. Increase endurance level 2. Strengthen leg’s strength 3. Increase shot’s accuracy and consistency 4. Improving concentration level 5. Increasing speed and the ability to maintain the speed 6. To condition yourself for long rallies 7. To sharpen the quality of shots In shuttle control drills, players have to take note of a few things: * For player A (The trainee): - Play safe shots. Do not play tricky shots such as double motion or tight spinning

net shots. - Keep all the shots in play as long as possible until it reaches the number of

shots that has been set to be played. - Do this exercise as fast as possible.


* For player B (The trainer): - Keep all the shots simple and safe as well. Both players should keep all shots simple and safe. There is no point doing it when one does a lot of unforced errors. Keep the shots in as long as possible until it reaches the number of shots that are supposed to be played. Take every shot, reduce unforced errors. Therefore, all the shots should be taken at the highest and fastest points. It will definitely increase shot consistency and accuracy. Other than that, you will be able to last longer in the court.

Highest point (a reminder) In doing the shuttle control, it is important to take every shot from the highest and fastest point. The chances for the shot to kill the opponent are bigger when it is taken from the highest point. Here are some pictures of how player should hit the shuttle.


Guide

Area that should be aimed by player A

Player B’s strokes


Player C’s strokes

*Step 1 Drills

Step 1 shuttle control drills are mainly done to strengthen player's basic skills. The shots required in this exercise are simple. It certainly helps players to be consistent and accurate in their shots.

In a real match, a player who is accurate and consistent under pressure could pressure his opponent to commit unforced errors and make wrong decisions.

Some of the exercises below involve half court coverage only. Half court movement requires simple footwork. However, it may be very tiring. Once you can take all the shots in half court, it is easier to learn other more complex or complicated footwork.

Other than that, it also increases power as well. It is harder to kill the opponent in the half court game than the full court game. Why is it so? When you are attacking, the area for you to place your smash is only towards the middle of your opponent’s court in which he stands. Once you mastered the attacking skills in half court, it will be much easier to kill your opponent in a real full court game.

Even an advance player needs to do step 1 exercise in order to maintain their basic skills.



Drill 1: Half court front shuttle control

Player A:

1. Firstly, player A starts with getting ready at point X.

2. Player B will then deliver the shuttle towards Player A.

3. Player A will take all shots at the highest point and play all shots to player B’s front court.

4. Reach all the shots as early as possible.

5. Smash as hard as possible after hearing ‘Smash’ from Player B.

6. Player B will block it to the front where by player A will continue to play all shots to the front. Player B: -

1. Deliver the shuttle to Player A

2. Stand near the front court and control the shuttle front and back.

3. After every 6 or 7 shots played, player B should shout “smash”.

4. Player A should smash as hard as possible to player’s B side of court.

5. Player B just has to block it to the front.

6. Player A will have to follow up to the front and continue the rally.

7. 20 shots in repetitions of 3 sets.



* The Benefits: 1. Improves consistency on front games

This drill will certainly help you to be consistent and accurate when hitting the shuttle to your opponent’s front court. Hitting to the front court helps to set up an attack. Many players set up their attacking game from the front court.

Once you have good and accurate net skills at the front court, your opponent will most likely commit errors such as not lifting up the shuttle deep enough and presents you an opportunity to smash. The shots that are executed to the front needs to be consistent and fast as well in order to put more pressure on the opponent.

2. Increase concentration level

It helps you to concentrate as each mistake counts. There is no point in doing this drill if you keep making unforced errors.



Drill 2: Half Court Baseline Shuttle control.

Player A:


2. Player B will then deliver the shuttle towards Player A

3. Player A shall take all shots at the highest point and lob all shots to the rear court where Player B is standing including Player B’s Smash.


5. Smash as hard as possible after hearing ‘Smash’ from Player B.

6. Player B will block it to the front where by player A will continue to play all shots to the rear court.

Player B:

1. Deliver the shuttle to Player A.

2. Stand at the back of the court and control the shot front and back.

3. Example of shots that can be given to player A are lob, smash and drop shots.

4. Once again, after every 6 or 7 shots player B should shout “smash”.

5. Like exercise 1, player A should smash as hard as possible to player B’s side of court.

6. Player B just has to block the smash to the front.

7. Player A will follow up and continue


the rally.



* The Benefits: 1. Helps to slow down the game’s pace

Sometimes when you cannot keep up with your opponent’s speed in a match, the only way to relieve the pressure is of course by slowing down the game. By returning all the shots to the back with high and deep lob, you will be able to get back into position as the shuttle travels to your opponent’s court.

2. Creates sudden attacking ability

From defensive, you can quickly change your game by executing a sudden attack to your opponent. In this exercise, you will have to lob every single shot to the rear court until player B shouts "smash", you then have to smash as hard as possible. You can use this method in an actual game which will result in creating an unexpected shot.

3. Improve defensive style of play

This exercise can improve your defensive style of play as player B will be attacking frequently. You have to keep your focus as defending opponent’s attack requires a high concentration level.


Training Method 2: Step 1 Drills – Drill 3 Drill 3: Cross court (front) Shuttle control.

Player A:



3. Player A shall take all shots at the highest point and play all shots to the front cross court.


5. Smash cross court as hard as possible after hearing ‘Smash’ from Player B.

6. Player B will block it to the front cross court.

7. Player A will continue to play all shots to the front cross court.

Player B: -


2. Stand near the front court and control the shuttle front and back cross court.

3. Every 6 or 7 shots, player B should shout "smash"

4. Player A will then smash as hard as possible. This time, he has to smash cross court.

5. Player B shall block it back to the


front cross court.

6. Player A follows up and continue to play all shots back to the front cross court.

7. 20 shots in repetitions of 3 sets each side (left and right)

Training Method 2: Step 1 Drills – Drill 3 * The Benefits: 1. Create Unexpected shots ability

Doing this exercise will train you to create unexpected shots. The unexpected shots are referring to all the cross court skills. To develop consistent cross court skills requires a lot of time and it is more risky in certain situations. Once you are accurate and consistent in your cross court shots, it is easier to confuse your opponent because you will have a lot of choices to place your shots.

2. Improves accuracy and consistency

As I mentioned, cross court shots might be very risky. You need to be more consistent and accurate in your shots in order to pile up the pressure on your opponent. Once the accuracy and consistency are there, you can produce deadly cross court shots in the game.

3. Helps to improve drop shots skills

To be effective, the quality and accuracy of the shot must be good enough to make your opponents cover as much of their court as possible.



Drill 4: Cross court (baseline) shuttle control

Player A:


2. Player B will then deliver the shuttle towards Player A

3. Player A shall take all shots at the highest point and lob all shots to the rear cross court where Player B is standing including Player B’s cross court smash.


5. Smash cross court as hard as possible after hearing ‘Smash’ from Player B.

6. Player B will block it to the front cross court.

7. Player A will continue to play all shots to the rear cross court. Player B:


2. Stand at the back of the court and control player A with any cross court shots.

3. Every 6 or 7 shots, player B shout "smash".

4. Player A shall execute a cross court smash to player B's side.


5. Player B blocks it to the front cross court.

6. Player A follows up and continue to play all shots back to the rear cross court.

7. 20 shots in repetition of 3 sets each side (left and right).


* The Benefits: 1. To develop an attacking shot

Cross court lob can be also an attacking shot in certain situation in the game. However, it works best when opponents are caught out of their rear court corners. Cross court lob can be done quickly and slowly. The quick lob is referring to attacking lob. Players need to know how to use different shots in different situations in the game.

2. To improve the qualities of lob

Executing a cross court lob is more difficult compared to straight lob. You will have to use more energy when lobbing diagonally. Therefore, by sharpening the consistency of lob in this drill, it will help to bring you up to the next level. By getting the shuttle behind your opponents or making them move more rapidly than they would like, they will have less time and will become more fatigued.



Drill 5: Drop, smash and follow up shuttle control

Player A:

1. Player A starts from the middle of the court (point x).

2. Player B shall serve to point 1.

3. Player A shall move to the rear court (point 1) and drop cross court to player B.

4. Player B shall then lift the shuttle to point 2.

5. Player A will have to travel from point 1 to point 2 to do a straight smash.

6. After smashing, rush to the front (point 3) to follow up with a simple net shot.

7. Reverse back to point 1 to execute another cross court drop and continue the same rally.

Player B:

1. Stand near the front court and deliver the shuttle to point 1.

2. Lift the cross court drop from Player A to Point 2.

3. After player A smash, player B should block it to point 3 and player A shall follow up with a net shot.

4. Lift the shuttle back to Point 1

5. 8 smashes in repetitions of 3 set each side (left and right).



The Benefits:

1. Improves the ability to set up for attacking game

In order to be offensive in the game, you need to know how to set up for your attacking. Executing a good cross court shot will present you with this opportunity.

2. Sharpen attacking skills:

By smashing regularly in this training, it would help to sharpen your attacking skills. The accuracy, consistency and the power of the smash plays an important role in pressuring your opponent. In this drill, players would smash to the same spot over and over again. Therefore, they will have the confidence to produce sharp, steep and stinging smashes in the actual match.

3. Increase endurance level:

As you have to move quickly and smash as hard as possible, you will actually need a high level of fitness. By pushing yourself in this drill even though you are exhausted, it will automatically increase your stamina and mental strengths as well.


* Step 2 Drills Now that we are done with step 1 Drills, we shall move on to step 2 Drills. I would like to conclude that step 1 Drills are mostly to strengthen player’s basic skills. We are now going to discover slightly tougher Drills in step 2.

Step 2 Drills involves mostly full court movements. The physical ability and skills required are more complex and complicated. Step 2 drills concentrates more on fluid movements and shots quality. It will also sharpen players’ reflex towards any shots.

Drill 1: Full court (front) shuttle control

Player A:

1. Player A starts with standing at the centre of the court (point x).


3. Take every shot from the highest point, drop and block all shots to the front where Player B is.

4. Once player B shout "smash", player A should smash cross court to player C.

5. After player C blocks the smash, follow up and continue the rally and play all shots to player B until another smash. Player B: -


2. Stand at the front court and control the shot to all 4 corners.

3. Every 6 or 7 shots, player B should lift the shuttle for Player A to smash cross court to Player C and shout


"smash".

4. After player C defend the smash, player A will follow up and continue the rally.

5. 20 shots in repetitions of 3 set each side. Player C: -

1. Player C will have to stand at the other side of the court and block player A's smash.

2. It is best that player C returns player A’s smash to the front court. Do not try to do difficult shots such as countering the smash as this would affect the effectiveness of the training.


* The Benefits: 1. Improve attacking play

In this exercise, you will run all over the court to return each shot given by player B. You will then smash cross court to player C which will improve your cross court attacking skills. Possessing cross court attacking abilities will keep your opponent guessing your shots in which can be an advantage.

2. Fluid Movements

You will have to move in full court in this exercise and it will help to develop fluid movements in the game. A graceful athlete is like poetry in motion. The combination of their quick movements and sharp smashes executed in an effortless way is simply fascinating. Moving full court continuously can automatically improve your footwork.

3. Sharpen shot accuracy

By hitting to 1 corner while moving all over the court, it will automatically increase the accuracy of your shots. In the actual match, you will have an edge by having more options to place your shots no matter where you are standing.



Drill 2: Full court (baseline) shuttle control

Player A:

1. Stand at the center of the court (point x).


3. Take all shots from the highest point and lob to the rear court where player B is standing.

4. Smash cross court to player C whenever player B shouts "smash".

5. Follow up and continue the rally after player C blocks the smash to the front.

6. Hit all shots to Player B until another smash.

Player B:


2. Stand at the back of the court and control the shots to all 4 corners.

3. Every 6 or 7 shots, player B should lift the shuttle for Player A to smash cross court to Player C and shout "smash".

4. After player C defend the smash, player A will follow up and continue the rally.

5. 20 shots in repetitions of 3 sets each side.


Player C:

1. Player C stands at the other side of the court and defend player A's smash. After that, player A has to continue the same rally again.


* The Benefits: 1. Improve defensive style of play

This exercise helps to improve your defensive style of play as you keep lobbing the shuttle to player B. When you have a good and consistent lob, it will pressure your opponent as he will have less options to place his shots.

2. Create sudden attacking ability

It can also help you develop the ability to create a sudden attack while you are in a defensive position. Although this technique is already mentioned in step 1, step 2 exercise can make the sudden attacking ability sharper as you consistently move around the court.

3. Strengthen mental strengths

Running full court and using energy to lob the shuttle is very tiring. You will have to focus and consistently run for every shot and this will improve your endurance, concentration level and mental strength as well. Mental strength is referring to the ability to stay focus and maintain the pace of the game while in a very exhausting situation.



Drill 3: Full court (front and baseline) shuttle control.

Player A:

1. Player A starts with standing at the centre of the court (point x).


3. Player A takes all the shots and returns it to the front court like Step 2 drill 1.

4. This time, once player B shouts "clear", lob the shuttle to the other side of the rear court where player C is standing.

5. Player C will either smash to the body, down the line or cross court to Player A.

6. Player A will have to defend it to Player B and continue the rally.

7. 20 shots in repetitions of 3 sets each side.

Player B:


2. Stand at the front court and control the shot to all 4 corners.

3. Every 6 or 7 shots, shout "clear".

4. Player A will continue to the rally after blocking Player C’s smash.


Player C:

1. Stand at the other side of the rear court.

2. Once player A lift the shuttle up, smash straight, to left or right side of player A.


* The Benefits: 1. Improve defense

In this exercise, it helps to improve your defensive style of play. When you are under pressure in the game, you can lift up the shuttle high without the fear of defending opponent's attack. Once you lift to player C, he will for sure smash to either left, right and even at the body. Player A will have to return it to player B no matter where he defends. This will help to improve the placing as well.

2. Increase concentration level

To defend an opponent’s attack, you need to have high concentration level. Even the slightest slip on your focus may results in bad situations such as making unforced errors. In this drill, player B will shout “lift” anytime. You will have to be on full alert.



Drill 4: Full court + (baseline & baseline) shuttle control

Player A:



3. Take all shots from the highest point and return it to the rear court where player B is standing just like Step 2 drill 2.

4. Whenever player B shouts "clear", lob to the other side of the baseline where player C is standing.

5. Player C will either smash to the body, down the line or cross court to Player A.

6. Player A will have to defend it to the rear court where Player B is standing and continue the rally.

7. 20 shots in repetitions of 3 set each side.

Player B:


2. Stand at the back of the court and control the shot to all 4 corners.

3. Every 6 or 7 shots, shout "clear".

4. Player A will continue to the rally after blocking Player C’s smash.


Player C:

1. Stand at the other side of the rear court.

2. Once player A lift up the shuttle, smash down the middle, to left or right side of player A's court.


* The Benefits

1. Improve defense:

This exercise mainly improves your defensive style of play. You will not be allowed to smash in this drill.

2. Create abilities to counter attack:

No matter where you defend, you must whip the shuttle to the rear court where player B is standing. If you do not possess enough power to whip the shuttle to Player B, then whip it as hard as possible. You have to remember that a half court clear will only create chances for opponents to execute another smash. But when you can return back player C's attack to the baseline, you can create the chance to counter attack in the game.

3. Increases leg’s strength

When player defends side to side, he needs a certain amount of leg strength in order to stretch and go for the shuttles. As player C will consistently smash to the sidelines, you can develop your leg’s strength by defending player C’s attack.



Drill 5: Full court (front and back) shuttle control

Player A:



3. Take all shots from the highest point, return it to the center baseline where player B is standing.

4. Whenever Player B attacks, defend the shot and play it back to player B or just block it to the front where player C is standing.

5. 20 shots in repetitions of 3 set each side.

Player B:


2. Player B stands at the centre of the baseline and control player A to 6 corners.

3. Most of the shots executed must be smashes and fast drops. Player C:

1. Player C stands in the middle of the front court.

2. Whenever Player A defends Player B's smash to the front, player C should only control the shot back to A’s front court.



The Benefits: 1. Improves recovery This exercise improves your recovery. Whenever you are almost out of position in the game, you can clear to the baseline without the fear of defending. Clearing the shuttle into the middle can be the safest shot to play in real games because your opponent will have fewer angles to place their shots. Player B will smash anywhere to your court. You will have to return it either to the front or to the back where player B and C are standing.



Drill 6: Full court (Flat Drive) shuttle control

Player A:


2. Take all the shots at the highest point.

3. In this exercise, Player B will hit drive shots to 2 sides of player A's court.

4. Player A will have to return back all the shots with flat drives to the middle of the court where player B is standing.


Player B:

1. Stand in the middle of the court.

2. Control player A with hitting flat drive shots to the left and right sides of player A.



* The Benefits: 1. Improve drive shots

This exercise improves on the quality of the drive shots. Drive shots are important in the level doubles game. It can be used to create an open space for players to kill or produce winners itself. In this drill, you have to drive to the centre which improves the consistency and sharpness of drive shots.

2. Strengthen the hand

It strengthens your hand as hand movement plays important role in this exercise. I recommend that in the 3rd set of this drill, player A use squash racket to return the shot's to player B. It will improve shot's control as well as power. Once squash racket is not a problem, using badminton racket will be much easier.

3. Increase speed and anticipation

In this exercise, you will have to consistently move from side to side and drive to the centre of the court. By moving quickly from side to side in training, it will increase the speed of anticipation in the actual match.

In conclusion, I would like to say that shuttle control has to be done with full speed. The shots returned and the movements required have to be fast in order to gain improvements. Shuttle control increases concentration level as well.

Sometimes when you are exhausted, you have to push your self and maintain the speed of the game until the game ends. Concentration in the game comes to play in this situation. By concentrating, you will be able to keep the shots consistent and accurate even if you feel exhausted.



– Multiple Shuttles Drills Previously we have shown you how to do shuttle control drills. Now we are going to move on to multiple-shuttle drills. Multiple-shuttle drills are mainly done with 1 person delivering a lot of shuttles to every corner of the court to train the players. For the trainee to get the most benefit out of this training, the shuttles delivered to him must be accurate and consistent. The person who is delivering it must have some skills in doing so. From this training method, players can: 1. Improve shot accuracy and consistency 2. Increase endurance level 3. Strengthen leg’s strength 4. Improve concentration level 5. Increase speed and the ability to maintain the speed In the multiple shuttle drills, player A (Trainee) and player B (Trainer) each play important roles: * Player A (Trainee):

1. In doing this drill, the quality of the shots is important. Player A should hit all the shots accurately in this training regime.

2. Do this exercise as fast as possible. Take all the shots at the fastest and highest point.

* Player B (Trainer):

1. Player B should deliver all the shuttles accurately. The shuttles delivered must neither be too fast nor too slow.


Multi-Shuttle feeding pictures

The pictures below will show you how Player B should continuously feed the shuttles to player A.

A) Get into position with your left hand holding a row of shuttles while right hand holding the racket. B) Take one of the shuttles with your racket hand from the bottom of the row and hit it according to the targets. Guide

Area that should be aimed by player A

Player B’s strokes


Player A’s movements


*Step 1 Drills In step 1 Drills, the multi shuttle drills are simple. The skills and techniques required are very basic as well. It is done to strengthen a player's basic skills. An advance player will also need to focus on step 1 multi shuttle drills in order to maintain their basic skills and keep their fundamentals strong.

Drill 1: Baseline multi-shuttle drill

Instructions:

1. Player A starts from the center of the court (point x).

2. Player B will randomly deliver the shuttles to all 4 corners.

3. Player A will have to retrieve all shots to the baseline.

4. The red line in the diagram represents the shots played by player A which are the lobs.

5. 15 shuttles in repetition of 3 set.



* The Benefits: 1. Improve defensive style of play

In a real game situation, you will be facing difficulties such as defending opponent’s smash or other attacking shots. To overcome the pressure, you need to make the game slower. This can be done by lobbing the shots to the baseline. The lob has to be high and deep in order for you to recover back to the center position.

2. Increase speed

By consistently moving in the court to take every shot, it will definitely improve your speed on the court. Speed is a very important component in the modern game.

3. Increase endurance level

In this exercise, player B will be delivering the shuttle nonstop without waiting for you to fully recover to your position. In order to cope with the speed of the game, you need to have a certain fitness level in order to sustain in the court. While going for every shot in the game, your endurance level will automatically go up.



Drill 2: Front multi-shuttle drill

Instructions:


2. Player B will randomly deliver the shuttles to 2 corners in the front court.

3. Player A will have to go forward to the 2 corners in the front and play simple net shots.

4. Player A will have to get back to the center of the court after retrieving each shot.

5. 15 shuttles in repetition of 3 set.



* The Benefits:

1. Improve Net skills

Top players in the modern game capitalize on their near perfect net play in order to set up an attacking shot for themselves. Therefore, the quality of the net shots is important in modern games for putting pressure on opponent. In this exercise, you have to move quickly to the front 2 corners and place a net shot. This will definitely improve your shot’s accuracy and will sharpen your net game.

2. Increase speed in the front court

While player B keeps on delivering the shuttles to 2 corners at the front court, you have to keep moving in order to reach the shuttles. By getting into a good position to play a tight net shot, you need to reach the shuttle early. To do this you need to have the speed. This exercise will help you to be fast at the net so that you would consistently be in good positions to play a tight net shot.



Drill 3: Smash & Tap multi-shuttle drill

Instructions:


2. Player B will first deliver the shuttle to Point 1, followed by Point 2, then Point 3 and lastly Point 4. Repeat the rally again after Point 4.

3. Player A will Smash at the rear court (Point 1) and skip forward to the front court (point 2) to tap the shuttle.

4. After taping the shuttle, Player A will have to quickly reverse to another side of the rear court (point 3) and smash.

5. After the smash, Player A will have to rush to the front court (Point 4) to tap another shuttle. Repeat the rally again after Point 4.

6. 15 shuttles in 3 set.



* The Benefits: 1. Improve follow up and attacking skills

In this drill, player A will have to smash and skip/shuffle as fast as possible to reach another shuttle. During a real match, your opponent will in most occasions defend your smash to the front of the net. You will need to move quickly enough to the front in order to gain an advantage. This drill helps to train your follow up so that you will have no problem in killing your opponent's weak return in the match.

2. Increase speed

By rushing quickly to the back and front of the court to play the shots, you need to be fast. In this drill, you can improve your speed by committing to all the shots. It will reflect in your real game.

3. Increase endurance level

It is very tiring for you to keep moving quickly in the court and killing all the shuttles. By keeping your concentration and focus while you are exhausted, it will not be a problem maintaining your attacking pace in the real matches.

This multi shuttle drill may look the same as the drills in previous training methods which involve smashing and follow up. The difference between these exercises are that multi shuttle drills involves shuttle hitting while previous drills doesn’t involve any shuttle when smashing.


*Step 2 Drills In step 2 Drills, the skills and footwork needed are usually more complex. It is also designed to let players endure a tougher and harder training.

Drill 1: Smash and net multi-shuttle drills

Instructions:


2. Player B will first deliver the shuttle to Point 1, followed by Point 2 then lastly Point 3. Repeat the rally again after Point 3.

3. Player A will smash at the rear court (Point 1) and rush across the court to the front (Point 2) to follow up with a net shot.

4. After netting, Player A will quickly move to the other side of the front court (Point 3) to do another net shot.

5. After netting at Point 3, Player A will reverse to Point 1 to continue the same rally.

6. 15 shuttles in repetition of 3 sets.



* The Benefits:

1. Improve game play

In this drill, you will smash at the baseline and follow up with 2 corners at the net. The idea is to create alertness during the game. Sometimes when you play a net shot, your opponent will return with a cross court net shot which will trouble you if you are not alert. You have to commit to every shot in order to win the game.

2. Sharpen net skills

While rushing forward to go for a net shot after smashing, you need to have sharp net skills in order to trouble the opponent. By netting in the front 2 corners repeatedly, you can sharpen your net skills. The importance of the net shots is to keep the shuttle low so that you will have the chance to continue your attacks.

3. Improve shot anticipation

When you move quickly to the net after a smash, you can develop the ability to anticipate weak shots. It is important to have a good anticipation in order to gain the advantage by moving a little bit earlier to kill off the shuttles.



Drill 2: Defensive style multi-shuttle drill

Instructions:


2. In this drill, it is advisable for player B to stand on the chair so that it will be easier to deliver attacking shots to player A.

3. Player B will feed player A fast and attacking shots to the sideline and the body of player A.

4. Player A will retrieve all shots to the back of the court as player B will deliver attacking shots such as smash, drop and fast drop shots.




* The Benefits: 1. Improves defensive skills

You will have to defend all the shots in this exercise. The attacking shots executed by player B are sharper this time because he will be standing at the chair delivering the shuttles. In this drill, you have to be alert and constantly defending every single shot. Player B will attack all shots to the sidelines, body and also front. By consistently pushing yourself to go for every shot, it will definitely strengthen your defensive skills.



Drill 3: Attacking Style multi-shuttle drill

Instructions:


2. Player B will continuously feed half court and high shots for player A to smash.

3. Player A will smash and kill all the high and half court shots.

4. This exercise has to be done with full speed and power in order to gain the benefits.




* The Benefits: 1. Improve and sharpen attacking skills

This exercise is mainly to train your doubles game which requires a good attacking skill. Killing all the shuttles in quick movements will increase your hand's speed and anticipation. Every shot taken in this drill must be taken from the highest point so that you will not develop a bad habit of smashing at a lower point. You have to keep smashing the shuttle quickly as well as keeping them accurate.

2. Increase hand speed:

Player B will consistently deliver a lot of shuttles quickly into the air. In order to bring all the shuttles down, you need to be fast especially in your hand. When you have strong and fast hands, you will have the ability to maintain your attacking pace in any situations during the match.

3. Increase endurance level:

When you smash the shuttle continuously, it is very tiring and exhausting. By doing this exercise a couple of times, you will be fitter physically.

In order to gain the full benefit in this training method, you have to give your 100% effort in these drills. Multiple shuttle drills also improves mental strength as you should maintain your speed no matter how exhausted and tired you are.



– Physical Exercises After a few hours working on skills in the court, it is time to work on physical fitness and ability as well. Physical exercises are normally done at the end of training sessions. Why are fitness exercises always at the last? It is because players can develop not only physical strength but mental strength as well when pushing themselves during exhaustion. At the end of training, physical exercises consist of shadow drills, agility, and a little bit of body circuit exercises as well.

*Step 1 - Shadow drills In step 1 shadow drills, the footwork required are mostly simple. It is normally done to strengthen player’s basic footwork. For beginners that are still in the process of learning the game’s fundamentals, I encourage you to do these shadow drills with badminton rackets. However if you feel you are ready for advancement, it is advisable to use squash racket to improve on strength. It is not encouraged for beginners to use squash racket because they might risk injuring their wrist. For your information, we also discussed about the shadow drills in the warming up sessions. The difference between these shadow drills and the warming up shadow drills is these shadow drills are meant to build up player’s mental strength as it is done at the end of the training session.



Drill 1: Front and Back Shadow drills

Player A: 1. Player A will start in the center of the half court point x. 2. In this shadow drill, player A will only move to front and back only. 3. The blue arrow represents the movement of player A. 4. Reverse to the baseline and do a shadow smash. 5. After reversing, rush forward to the net and do some shadow net shots. 6. 15 times (1 direction = 1 time) in repetition of 3 sets.

The Benefits: 1. To improve front and back movements Front and back movements are the most basic footwork in badminton. Players seem to move back and front more often than moving side to side. It is important to master this footwork to be able to retrieve all shots.


Training Method 4: Step 1 Drills – Drill 2 Drill 2: Front Shadow Drills

Player A:

1. Player A will start in the center of the court point x.

2. Player A will only move to 2 corners in front at the net.

3. Player B will point and guide player A on which corner to move to.

4. Only front footwork is required in this drill.

5. Player A can imagine as if he/she is hitting a net shot or lift.

6. 15 corners in repetition of 3 sets.

Player B:

1. Player B stands in the middle of the front court and instruct player A on which corner to go to.

The Benefits: 1. To increase the speed on front movements In this drill, player A will move to 2 front corners only which will improve their basic footwork. In order to produce sharp and deadly net shots, it is important to be quick to the net.


Training Method 4: Step 1 Drills – Drill 3 Drill 3: Rear court shadow drills

Player A: 1. Player A will start in the center of the court point x. 2. Player A will only move to 2 corners in the rear court. 3. He have to follow the instructions of player B on which corner to go for. 4. Player A have to use around the head shadow strokes to go for backhand corner in this drill. 5. 15 corners in repetition of 3 sets. Player B: 1. Player B stands in the middle of the front court and instruct player A on which corner to go to.

The Benefits: 1. Improves Rear court movements In order to retrieve all rear court shots, players need to be fast. In this drill, player A goes back to the centre which will improve their recovery footwork as well.



Drill 4: Side to Side shadow drills

Player A:


2. Player A will only move to the right and left sides of the court.

3. Imagine that as if you are defending your opponents attack by whipping the shuttles.

4. He must follow player B’s instruction on which sides to go.

5. 15 times (One side = 1 time) in repetition of 3 sets.

Player B:

1. Player B stands in the middle of the front court and instruct player A on which sides to go to.

The Benefits: 1. Improves defensive footwork: In singles, players frequently smash to the sidelines either to the left or right. In order to defend their attack, you need be in a good position and reach the shuttle early. Now by practicing on moving side to side, it will help make retrieving your opponent’s attacking shots easier.


*Step 2 - Shadow Drills Training Method 4: Step 2 Drills – Drill 1 Drill 1: Full court shadow drills

Player A:


2. In this drill, player A will move to 6 corners in the court.

3. He must move according to player B’s instructions.

4. 15 corners in repetition of 3 sets.

Player B:

1. Player B will stand in the middle of the front court to instruct player A on where to go.

Benefits: 1. Fluid movements: In singles, footwork is one of the most important aspects that every player should master in order to win a game. This shadow drill will train you to possess fluid movements in the court. It is much easier to retrieve all shots when you have a good footwork.


Training Method 4: Step 2 Drills – Drill 2 Drill 2: Defensive style shadow drills

Player A:

1. Player A will start from the center of the court point x. 2. In this drill, player A only focus on 4 corners which are the sides and the front. 3. Move accordingly to player B’s instruction. 4. 15 corners in repetition of 3 sets Player B: 1. Player B will stand in the middle of front court to instruct player A on where to go.

Benefits: 1. Improve defensive style of footwork: In this drill, player A will consistently bend down to retrieve all under arm shots. This will actually help you to pick up a faster defensive footwork. You will find it easier to retrieve opponent’s attacking shots in the real game.


Training Method 4: Step 2 Drills – Drill 3 Drill 3: Side to side smashing shadow drills

Player A: 1. Player A will start from the center of the court point x. 2. In this drill, player A jumps to the left and right side of the mid court to execute shadow smash. 3. He must follow player B’s instruction on which sides to go. 4. 15 times (One side = 1 time) in repetition of 3 sets. Player B: 1. Player B stands in the middle of the front court and instruct player A on which sides to go to.

Benefits: 1. Improves attacking style of play The yellow arrow in the diagram above shows that player A jumps to 2 sides of the mid court and execute shadow smash. It will be very useful in real games because players will develop jumping skills to attack.


* Agility Exercises (Step 1) Agility exercises will train your reflexes to be faster. Note that all these trainings have to be done at full speed and on the balls of your feet. Do these exercises based on a 2 courts length like this:

Exercise 1:

Diagram 1 Diagram 2


Diagram 3 Diagram 4

Diagram 5 Diagram 6

Diagram 7 Diagram 8 Instructions: 1. A complete cycle is shown from diagram 1 to diagram 8. 2. First, move your legs forward twice at the same time with your left leg leading

as shown in Diagram 1 and 2. 3. Then change to your right leg leading and move your legs forward twice at the

same time as shown in Diagram 3 and 4.


4. Switch back to another leg leading and do this continuously for the length of 2 badminton courts.

5. When you reach the end, move your legs backwards twice at the same time

with your left leg leading behind as shown in Diagram 5 and 6. 6. Then change to your right leg leading behind and move your legs backwards

twice at the same time as shown in Diagram 7 and 8. 7. Switch back to another leg leading behind and do this continuously until you

reach your starting point. 8. This exercise should be done in a way like how the horse gallops and on the

balls of your feet. 9. Use 2 courts in order to do this exercise. 10. Going forward and backward equals to 1 set. Do this in repetition of 3 sets. Exercise 2:

Diagram 1 Diagram 2 Instructions: 1. Start with both legs (diagram 1) close to each other (shoulder length). 2. Now, open out both legs (diagram 2). 3. After your leg is opened (diagram 2), close back both legs (diagram 1). 4. Use 2 badminton courts in order to do this exercise.


5. Hop in front with both legs in repetition of 3 sets (1 set = 2 court’s length back and forth). Exercise 3:

Diagram 1 Diagram 2 Instructions: 1. Start with raising up the left leg to waist height (diagram 1). 2. Next, raise up your right leg up to waist level while you bring down your left leg (diagram 2). 3. Use 2 courts in order to do this exercise. Go forward and reverse in repetition of 3 sets. (1 set = forward and reverse)


* Agility exercise (Step 2) Step 2 agility exercises are normally more physical and more complex. Just like step 1 exercises it has to be done with full speed and also on the balls of your feet. Exercise 1:

1) 2)

3) 4)

5) 6)


Instructions: 1. Hop 2 small steps with both legs to the right (picture 1). 2. Next, jump up as high as possible (picture 2) and then continue hopping to

the right (Picture 3). 3. After you reach the end of the track, hop 2 small steps with both legs to the

left side this time (picture 4). 4. Next, jump as high as possible (Picture 5) and continue hopping to the left

(picture 6). 5. Every 2 hops 1 jump. 6. Use 2 courts in order to do this exercise. Do this in repetition of 3 sets (1 set =

2 courts back and forth). Exercise 2:

Diagram 1 Diagram 2 Instructions: 1. Bring up your left knee as high as possible and turn your hips as you do it. (Diagram 1) 2. Then change to your right knee as your left legs steps down. (Diagram 2) 3. Keep you upper body firm and look straight in front of you when you do this exercise.


4. Use 2 courts in order to do this exercise. Go forward and reverse in repetition of 3 sets (1 set = forward and reverse). Exercise 3:

Diagram 1 Diagram 2 Instructions: 1. Firstly, bend your knee and lunge to one side in front as if you are retrieving an opponent’s drop shot (Picture 1). 2. Next, bend to another side in front (Picture 2). 3. Use 2 courts in order to do this exercise. Do this in repetition of 3 sets (1 set = 2 court’s length back and forth).


* Sprinting

Instructions: 1. The arrow above shows the player’s movements. 2. Take 2 courts length, sprint forward, and reverse back as the above arrows have shown. 3. Do this in repetitions of 3 sets (1 Set = forward and reverse). Benefits: 1. Sprinting helps player to improve on speed. Once you are fast in the court, it is easier to play with slightly slower opponent. In this drill, players will sprint and reverse in the length of 2 courts. The idea is to improve speed and agility.


* Body circuit exercise Lastly, players have to do body circuit exercises straight away after they finish their sprints. Body circuit exercises improve player’s strength. Strength plays an important role in lasting longer on the court and producing more powerful shots. Exercise 1: push up

Instructions: 1. Push your body down and up with your hand. 2. Do this exercise 15 times.


Exercise 2: Sit Up

Diagram 1 Diagram 2

Diagram 3 Diagram 4 Instructions: 1. Start at the position shown in Diagram 1. 2. Bring up your body up to the right side and touch your right knee with your left

arm (Picture 2). 3. Next, bring down your body to the usual position (Picture 3). 4. Then bring up your body again and turn it to the left side and touch your left

knee with your right arm (Picture 4). 5. Do this exercise 30 times (1 time = 1 side).


Summary

You have finally reached the end of this e-book. Congratulations and well done! I hope you will give it all when practicing those drills. As in any other skills, practice makes perfect! Take it easy, one step at a time. Once you are familiar with the Step 1 Drills and are confident of your abilities, move on to Step 2 Drills. Rome was not built in one day; you too need time to improve you game. But I can assure you that if you follow the instructions and practice the drills in this e-book wholeheartedly, your game will improve tremendously. I wish you all the best in your badminton career.


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