Playing badminton doubles requires a lot of concentration and, especially, mastering various skills. One of the techniques that you must master in badminton doubles is the attacking technique.
The movement technique in badminton doubles plays a crucial role. Inaccurate movement directly affects other playing techniques. Moreover, slow and inaccurate movement during matches will be exploited by opponents, leading to defeat. Therefore, every badminton player should practice the doubles movement technique from the beginning.
1. Single-step Movement Technique in Badminton
Mastering the single-step technique involves precisely shifting one foot forward. This method finds frequent application when countering opponent shots nearby. If near the net, this maneuver proves effective, as executing a right-hand swing requires just a single step. Lower yourself into a ready position by placing your right foot behind the left and simultaneously rotating your torso towards the desired direction.
Propel forward with your right foot and lunge ahead, raising the racket arm high, extending towards the ball. Then, bring your left foot closer, allowing you to reach the ball without excessive stretching. To return to the initial position or prepare for the next shot, retract your right foot backward.
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For those practicing near the net, this method proves beneficial, enabling a swift left-handed swing with just a single step. Lower yourself and assume a ready position by placing your right foot behind the left and promptly rotating your torso towards the intended direction.
Advancing with the right foot and extending forward, raising the racket hand high, reaching for the shuttlecock. Then, bring the left foot closer to the right, aiding in reaching the shuttle without excessive body twist. To return to the initial position or prepare for the next shot, retract the right foot. 4/ Footwork technique in doubles badminton.
2. Multi-step footwork technique in doubles.
Footwork technique in doubles badminton encompasses multi-step or multiple-step footwork. Simply put, single-step movement involves the movement of both feet. Typically, players move in two or more steps.
Multi-step footwork significantly influences various badminton stroke techniques. Because it involves multiple steps, it is often applied in shots far from the standing position. For multi-step footwork, it can be effectively utilized in offensive or defensive plays.
Sideways movement: In the basic preparation stance, shift to the right by pushing strongly with the left foot, rotating the body 90 degrees to the right. Simultaneously, step the left foot forward, lowering the center of gravity by squatting on both knees, then lift the right foot. Continue this motion until reaching the shuttlecock position. After striking the shuttlecock, rotate 180 degrees to move back.
Forward and backward movement: Multi-step forward and backward movement involves advancing forward and retreating backward. In this technique, starting from the standard preparation stance, alternate stepping with the left or right foot. The end of each movement step positions for a left or right shot.
3. Footwork technique in doubles play
3.1 Stance in doubles badminton
In doubles badminton, unlike singles, both players stand approximately one-third of the court's width from the sideline. The front player should avoid positioning too close to the net to prevent being caught off guard by fast shots.
Front player: In doubles, the player at the front, when near the net, is responsible for net shots, net kills, net lifts, half-court pushes, etc. Due to the fast pace, the front player must always be ready with the racket up to intercept shots quickly.
- Net shots: Executing this play well denies the opponents defensive opportunities. Therefore, incorporate doubles badminton tactics promptly when an opportunity arises.
- Net kills: While this shot may not always result in an immediate point, it often forces opponents into awkward defensive positions, setting up for a subsequent net shot or smash.
- Net lift: Once the shuttle has cleared the net but still hangs in the air, front players' net lifts always make opponents struggle and reveal weaknesses.
- Half-court push: Similar to net lifts, this shot is highly effective when the front player advances close to the net. While it may be challenging to get past the front player, if successful, opponents are likely to provide an opportunity for a smash with their high lifts.
Back player: Unlike the front player's net responsibilities, the back player must cover all four corners (two back corners and two side corners), intercept lobs, perform jump smashes, etc. The back player stands one-third of the court's length, starting from the back service line.
- Smash: This is a crucial shot if you want to seize control in doubles badminton.
In addition to smashing technique, the second effective attacking method for the offensive side in doubles badminton is net kill. Net kill is the best option to counter drops, however, if the shuttle drops near the net, then one must resort to using net lifts, pushes, net kills, or net pulls depending on the situation.
When executing net kills, you may be counterattacked at any moment. If you have the strength, aim to hit the shuttle closer to the backcourt and hope subsequent smashes gradually decrease in power, then seize the opportunity for a counterattack.
- Drop shot technique: Sometimes smashing can exhaust you, in such cases, drop shots, and net kills become suitable choices.
- Movement in doubles badminton involves jumping steps; you cannot employ single-step movement techniques. After each upward motion to intercept the shuttle, quickly return to the original position to intercept the next shuttle.
3.2 Some movement techniques
- When defending: After the back player clears the shuttlecock, both players shift sideways. Another scenario is when the back player smashes, the front player moves up close to the net to cover the two net corners, allowing the back player to focus solely on smashing or returning the shuttle.
- When attacking: If the opponents on the other side return weak shots, the back player should swiftly move forward to continue the attack. The front player will move to the opposite side to retreat and support their teammate from behind.
4. Common mistakes in doubles play
4.1. Poor Movement Technique
Movement is an incredibly important skill in any sport, and badminton is no exception. From beginners learning the basics to professional players honing their craft, continuous practice and improvement of movement skills are essential.
Poor movement skills can lead to situations where even if you anticipate the shuttle's trajectory, you are unable to reach it in time, resulting in missed shots, mistimed saves, or even self-inflicted injuries to yourself and your teammates.
4.2 Preference for Looking Backwards
One of the most common mistakes many people make, especially beginners.
Techniques in men's badminton, women's badminton, or mixed doubles badminton all strongly discourage looking backwards. Badminton, in general, and doubles specifically, are played at a very fast pace. If you observe your opponent and then turn your head to look back at your teammate, the likelihood of losing focus is very high, making it difficult to react to situations.
In worse cases, you may cost points or even intercept a shot intended for your teammate or opponent.
4.3 Overlifting the shuttlecock
Lifting the shuttlecock is a suitable option when you're off pace and need more time to return to the base position.
However, lifting the shuttlecock presents a prime opportunity for opponents to unleash powerful attacks and seize the offensive. Therefore, if you consistently resort to lifting, you're handing over the winning chances to your opponent.
Avoid overusing lifts and instead mix up your game with shots like smashes, net kills, and net shots.
Through the article on doubles badminton movement technique in training and competition, it's evident that mastering movement skills in badminton is crucial and should be prioritized. Training should focus on refining movement techniques to seamlessly integrate with other badminton skills for optimal results and performance. Hopefully, readers understand thoroughly to cultivate a positive mindset and strong confidence to face any opponent without fear.
Posted by: Trần Thị Hà
Keywords: Doubles Badminton Movement Technique and Common Mistakes