From simple to complex: a ladder of practices for any stroke
A step-by-step way to practise a new stroke, from copying in the air to a game with bonus points, moving up only when the step below feels reasonably secure.
The idea
A stroke learnt in isolation often disappears in a game. A good practice always keeps a link to how the stroke is used, and it grows in three directions at once: from simple to complex, from slow to fast and from predictable to unpredictable. You move up a step only when you are reasonably competent at the one you are on.
The ladder
Use it for any stroke, such as a clear, a drop shot or a net shot.
- Shadow the stroke by copying a more experienced player or a video: no shuttle, just the movement.
- Shadow without anyone leading. You remember the movement yourself. Some players find it helps to try with their eyes closed to get a feel for the stroke, in a safe, clear space.
- Hit a suspended shuttle. Practise only the hitting part with the shuttle hanging still.
- Hit a hand-fed shuttle. A partner throws shuttles to you (see hand feeding).
- Hit a racket-fed shuttle. The feed now has real pace and flight.
- Add movement. Gradually increase how far you move into and out of the stroke.
- Build the stroke into a simple, predictable rally.
- Make the rally unpredictable. You do not know when you will have to play the stroke.
- Play the rally out. Rally until the key stroke is played, then continue the rally to its end.
- Play a game with bonus points when the stroke is played well, either winning the rally or setting up a winner.
Step by step: using the ladder
- Choose one stroke and one aim, such as "lift deep from the net".
- Start at the step where you succeed most of the time, not where you wish you were.
- Stay until it feels secure, then take one step up. If you struggle, go one step back.
- Finish with a game step. The point of the stroke is to use it in play.
Common mistakes and fixes
- Skipping steps. If errors pile up, drop back a step.
- Staying at the safe step forever. Practising only against a fixed feed will not prepare you for a rally.
- Changing everything at once. Change one thing per step: pace, height, movement or doubt.
- Forgetting the game. Always end with a game that rewards the stroke.
Simple practice
- Pick a stroke you are learning and write the ten steps on a card. Mark where you are today.
- Spend ten minutes at that step, then two minutes at the next one.
- Finish with five minutes of a game that gives a bonus point for the stroke.
Limits
Work at a pace your body can take, and stop if you feel pain. Take extra care with overhead strokes if your shoulder is sore.
General practice advice: play within your limits and stop if something hurts.