Reading the situation: attacking, neutral, defensive, and hitting early
The three situations in a rally, why hitting the shuttle early moves you towards attack, the base position, and a drill with a marker on the net.
The three situations
The BWF Level 1 Coaches' Manual (2nd edition, 2017, Module 8) says a player copes with three broad kinds of situation: attacking, neutral and defensive. They depend on how high the shuttle is when you strike it, and how close it is to the net. The higher and closer to the net you hit it, the more attacking your situation. The type of stroke you play is largely decided by the situation you are in.
Why "early" matters
The manual says that hitting the shuttle early, in height and in closeness to the net, means you:
- find yourself in attacking situations more often, with more chances to hit down into the opponent's court;
- put more pressure on the opponent by giving them less time;
- have more options as to which stroke to play.
The base position
The manual defines the base position as the court position from which you are best able to deal with your opponent's probable replies. It is a fluid position, not a fixed spot, and it is where you perform your split-step, timed with the opponent's hit.
The one thing to change
Take the shuttle a little earlier. Do not wait for it to sink next to the net or the floor if you can reach it higher.
A drill: the marker on the net
- Place a marker halfway down the net, in the centre of the court (a piece of tape or a clip).
- Play singles where only low serves are allowed.
- A friend watching calls "fault" if a return of serve is struck below the marker. This encourages the receiver to take the shuttle early.
- If you like, play a second game with a bonus point for a rally won with a chosen return of serve.
Mistakes to avoid
- Waiting for the shuttle to drop before you hit it.
- Treating every shuttle as an attack. A neutral or defensive shuttle needs a patient shot.
- Standing still at a fixed spot: the base moves with the rally.
Limits
This lesson gives a way to label what is happening, not a recipe. What you play still depends on your opponent, your level and the score.
General practice advice: play within your limits and stop if something hurts.