How I improved my Badminton Skills

I have been playing badminton for couple of years once a week. Since I started playing there is a lot that I have learnt which has improved my game to some extent. I do not believe in playing just for the sake of it. If I play, I want to play with better players and improve my game.

Here are few tips that have helped me:

1. Change your shoes – I used to play with sport shoes with a bit thich sole. Also it did not have the ‘grip’ on the court so I had to be careful while running around. Invest in shoes meant for playing sports like Badminton/Squash. They have a sole with better grip on the ground

2. Invest in a good racquet – Very important aspect. I had a very old racquet that used to weigh a kilo (not really, but heavy). Bought a new one – Yonex costing 15 pounds. Good for beginners. No more pain in the shoulder after an hour of play.

3. Get proper shorts and T shirt and socks

4. Have a drink handy – carry a water bottle with you

Now that the gear is sorted, lets look at the game tips – I mainly play doubles.

1. Serve low – as close as possible to the net

2. Think when you serve – no same position serve. Look at opponent’s position

3. Don’t try quick winners – Work yourself into the rally. If you want to hit the winner, it should be a winner. I call this Kevin’s principle #1. I play with a colleague Kevin who plays far better than me so always a joy to play with.
When you are in trouble, hit the shuttle high at the back lobby. It will give you time to recover. – Kevin’s principle #2
Come back to the base location at the center. Don’t play a shot and keep admiring it. If it is returned, you are dead – Kevin’s principle #3

4. Don’t run – take steps.

5. Try changing grip on your racquet. Not too tight, you should be able to change the grip for a backhand shot (take thumb on the back of shot to give the punch) – It did help me

More tips will follow as I learn more

Quitting my tea & coffee habit

I have been trying to quit my coffee drinking habit for a while.
Why? Well, answer is my lifestyle.
Being a computer professional, most of time is spent in front of the PC.
Less exercise, eating somewhat junk food, not drinking enough water. Without realising, sometimes I have more Tea and Coffee to keep my mind alert. I have seen my acidity go up after a few days.

So have been trying some other things to achieve similar result:

1. Trying to get away from PC for 5 minutes every one hour
2. Get up from the chair and move around – again at least once a hour
3. Do gentle stretching exercises to keep the muscles moving
4. Getting fitter – play badminton twice a week
5. Drink plenty of water – at least 10 glasses a day

Still not completely successful in kicking the habit (not that I want to get rid of it completely). However shall keep you posted on how I’m doing with my other measures.