Looking mainly at fundamentals again this week.
Split-step, or bounce, every time your opponent(s) hit the shuttle, in preparation to move towards the shuttle in order to play your next shot.
Fundamental action in striking the shuttle – the turning (or pronation) of the forearm. Particularly obvious in forehand overheads, this fundamental movement prevails throughout badminton strokes. The forearm turns as you are striking the shuttle, so that you use the large muscles in the forearm (as well as the wrist) when striking the shuttle. It is imperative that the correct grip is used. Also, try to relax right up to the point of impact, at which time you should grip the racket tighter, to further emphasise the muscle usage. Relax immediately afterwards. When you get the hang of that, then move on to turning the forearm the opposite way just before you strike the shuttle, so that you turn it slightly one way before turning it the other way to strike the shuttle.
Homework:
Skip at least 300 times daily. Try 5 minutes every day, aiming to do between 60 and 80 skips every minute.
The “water drips on the ends of your fingers” exercise, to build up the pronation/supanation muscles. Remember you want the sudden stop at the end, and the “swan’s neck” shape of your bent arm and wrist.
2 minutes daily on the arc-step, or kick-through. Remember the 1-2-3 count, weight moving forwards, elbow kept high, V-shape then L-shape then hit.