Badminton can be played recreationally on either an indoor or outdoor court.
Shuttlecocks come in 3 different speeds (slow, medium, and fast) for different levels of players. [3] X Research source For beginners, plastic shuttles are ideal because of their durability and reasonable price. [4] X Research source It is recommended to start with a shuttlecock with a medium speed. [5] X Research source Altitude and temperature will determine which shuttlecock is best to use. The lowest shuttle speeds should be used in areas with high altitudes such as Colorado Springs, CO and the Yunnan Province in China. Medium speeds are best to use while at sea level. Leaving shuttlecocks with the fastest speeds for areas below sea level or with cold temperatures.
If the score is tied at 20-20, the first side to gain a 2-point lead, is declared the winner of that game. If there is no winner by the 29th point, and the score is tied, the first side to reach 30 points, wins that game. If the server loses the point, the shuttlecock will be given to the receiver for the next serve. When playing doubles, if the team that is serving scores the point, the same player will serve again but to a different opponent on the opposing team. If the opponent in a doubles’ match wins the point, and the score is an odd number, the serve goes to the player in the left service court. If the new score is an even number, then the serve goes to the player in the right service court.
The amount of tension in the strings of the racket will affect what types of shots they can make. Strings with a higher tension are geared towards strengthening the control and direction of shots, while lower tension strings will put more power behind the shots. [7] X Research source Have your players try as many rackets as they can before they purchase one. Each racket will have a different feel to it, so finding the one that feels the best to each player will determine their success. [8] X Research source
Instruct your players to use their forehand to return shots that are directed toward their dominant side. Your players should use their backhand when the other player has returned a shot to their non-dominant side. If they do not have time to reposition themselves to return the birdie using their forehand, have them use their backhand stroke for the return.
After they have perfected the basic swings, you will be able to have them move on to mastering other shots. These include the clear shot, for offensive hits, the drop shot, a slow, shallow hit, and the smash shot, a powerful overhead shot. They will also learn the drive shot which is a shot that travels parallel to the ground. [11] X Research source
There are 4 main serves including the low serve, high serve, flick serve, and drive serve. The low serve is a shallow serve that uses a gentle tap to get the birdie over the net. The high serve is a powerful upwards serve that focuses on height and distance. The flick serve also uses an upward motion but will get less altitude. It is used to deceive their opponents because of the players’ use of their backhand. The drive serve will not be one you practice with your players as much. Professionals commonly use this serve to aim the shuttle directly at their opponent to catch them off guard.
Having your players return to their starting position is key to help them move around the court while staying prepared for any shot that comes from an opponent.
The fall of an overhead shot is harder for your opponent to predict, which makes them very useful when scoring points.
For better chances of scoring, have them always keep their opponent running.
For more information on the certification process, visit the USA Badminton Coaching Certification Program website: https://www. teamusa. org/USA-Badminton/Coaching/USA-Badminton-Coach-Certification. Many countries have their own certification processes. For example, Canadian residents would go through the NCCP or National Coaching Certification Program. [16] X Research source Some certification programs may require you to purchase a membership to have access to programs and other resources.
These sites will vary depending on your location. For residents of the United States, there are badminton associations for each state. Badminton associations in other countries cover entire regions. Many of these websites will require you to have a membership to be listed as an available coach or to search coaching opportunities. Always ensure that the websites are legitimate before uploading any personal information.
If you decide social media will not meet your target demographic, try giving out flyers or brochures at local schools, recreational centers, or public parks.
Most public facilities will charge you to use their space. Make sure you look into prices and availability of the facility before you book. [19] X Research source Some good facilities to look into are public parks and schools, private schools, community centers, and sports complexes. [20] X Research source
For example, collect player fees at the beginning of your sessions or set a firm due date. Decide if you will accept cash, utilize online accounts such as Paypal, or require payments by check. [22] X Research source Be sure to take into account certain situations that may be out of your players’ control, such as injuries or unexpected circumstances. While you are being paid for your time, make sure that your refund policies are fair to those with extenuating circumstances. [23] X Research source
Showing excitement and drive for badminton will help you gain more respect from your players. [25] X Research source You can show your passion for badminton to your team through your dedication to them. Give each of your players the same amount of attention and provide constructive feedback. The more interest you show in improving your team and players, the more receptive and successful they will be as athletes.
Some signs that your athlete may be in distress are anxiety, frustration, and unrealistic expectations. If you see these signs in an athlete, it is important that you encourage them to deal with these feelings in healthy ways. This can include having your player practice relaxation techniques, talk to someone they trust, or seek professional help. Showing empathy to your players will help you understand their frustrations, anxieties, and triumphs and allow you to respond in an appropriate way. [27] X Research source
If you are receiving complaints from different players on the same issue, it would be an appropriate time to change your lesson. For example, you might not be spending enough time on a specific drill that your players feel is useful to them, or that they may be having trouble getting the hang of. Do not change your lesson if you are receiving complaints simply because your players do not want to participate. For example, running is an important exercise to integrate into coaching badminton. However, not everyone likes to run, and they may complain about running the required amount. Never belittle, embarrass, or insult your students when they ask for clarification or offer suggestions, as this may lead to lower feelings of self-worth. [29] X Research source
Make sure to individualize conversations to understand your athletes, provide motivation, and coach in a way that will help each of your players feel comfortable. Some players may need more reassurance than others. For players that may be shy or introverted, you might need to provide feedback in a one-on-one setting, or somewhere they feel comfortable. It will take a while to learn each player’s specific needs, but it will pay off as you earn more respect and credibility with your players. [31] X Research source This will also help you learn how to effectively engage with each of your students, in turn, creating more respect for you as the coach and helping them succeed. [32] X Research source
Teach your students to respect and support one another. Never allow teammates to belittle or insult other team members or opponents. Try implementing rules such as shaking each other’s hands at the end of a lesson or practice match. [34] X Research source
Add in conditioning workouts that will help your students learn how to move around the court quickly. These workouts can include basic endurance running and sprinting exercises. [36] X Research source Start with shorter intervals of aerobic exercises such as 4 sets of 10-second sprints with 30 seconds of walking in between sprints. Allow your students to rest for 2 minutes after each set. As your students’ endurance increases, have them complete 5 sets of 4 minutes of hard running and 3 minutes of jogging. [37] X Research source
Hand-eye coordination is one of the most important aspects of the game. Your students will be expected to stay aware of their surroundings, especially when playing doubles. To increase hand-eye coordination, break your students into pairs. Have your partners toss a small ball back and forth. To increase difficulty, adjust throwing speeds, alternate angles, and create throwing patterns. You can also have the partner catching the ball face away from the thrower and have the catcher turn around when the other partner tells them to as they toss the ball. [39] X Research source
For this exercise, have your students align their feet with their hips and hold the kettlebell with both hands in front of them. As they bend their knees, have them rotate their torso and hands to one side of their body and then the other, while straightening their legs. Have them lift their hands high to one side upon straightening their legs. For best results, repeat this exercise at least 15 times on both sides with both arms together.
To exercise your students’ wrists, try adding weight to their racket by placing its cover on it with a book or other heavier objects inside. Have your students flex one wrist at a time with their palm down, 20 times, and then have them make a figure eight with that same wrist 20 times. Have them repeat the same regiment on both sides.
For this exercise, you will want to make sure your students are facing the net at all times. Have their partner call out different directions, such as north and west. The other partner will then sprint for 5 steps in the direction called, hit the floor with one hand and then return to their original position by sprinting 5 steps back, and hitting the floor again with one hand. For this exercise to be successful, it is important that your students keep working towards moving faster rather than further. As your students agility increases, you can substitute the floor touch, for a harder step such as a tuck jump. Make sure you are providing at least 10 minutes for this drill during each training session.
Try having your students position themselves so that the ball of one foot is supported on a bench or step. Ensure that the heel is hanging over the edge while the other foot rests against the back of the ankle. Using the foot that is elevated, have them lower their heel as much as they can, and then use the ball of their foot to lift the heel as high as they can. [40] X Research source Have them repeat this motion 20 times on each leg. When starting strength training, you may need to allow them to switch legs more frequently. As they get stronger, try to increase the level of difficulty by having them do the reps without holding onto anything for support. [41] X Research source
Have your students practice deep squats, where their heels are slightly aligned outside of their hips, turning their legs outwards from their hips. Make sure that as they slowly bend their knees, their heels and toes stay touching the floor. For this exercise start with 3 sets of 15 and increase the reps as their strength improves. [43] X Research source For better results, have your students tighten their gluteal muscles to help strengthen the back of their legs and lower back. [44] X Research source Increase the difficulty of this exercise as your students’ strength improves by adding weights or resistance bands. [45] X Research source
