Reading the game

Experience against different opponents is important against when playing against new players.

Experience helps you quickly work out the strengths and weaknesses of the opponents and how fast they can read your game.

For example, you lift the shuttle to the opponent and he smashes a winner. Next shot , in a similar situation, you lift but make it higher, he smashes again but it does not seem so accurate. Third lift, you lift again but you make him move more first to get to position and he dropshot or clears.

Another example, let’s say I play against you. I already noted that you have slow movement and overweight. If I play a shot that’s a bit faster and stretches you cross court, I will anticipate a dropshot or clear. After two similar rallies, I will have worked out your favourite reply. Then I will anticipate your shot much better. If you happened to be 15 kg lighter with more explosive movement, you might be able to play smash drop or clear from that situation – my anticipation will not be good as I need to prepare for three types of shots.

Flick serve analysis: the opponent has noted your relative lack of speed. That’s why they want to move you quickly. Ideally, if you can start to train your body to react (mind, body, muscle strength and muscle speed) faster, you will find you will get fewer flick serves . This, of course, will take time. The quick solution is to step back a bit when receiving serve.