Match 1 (and won) vs Eden Prairie

Wow. What an exciting way to start the season!
Varsity had a some nail biters and a couple that were over quick. Some highlights:

• Doua/Da still are the queens of bird control and took care of EP #1 with a neat score of 21-10, 21-20.
• Mellissa/Nitsan also made quick work of EP #2: 21-11, 21-17. The M & N girls look confident.
• Mai Tong had 1 good foot but still took game 2 to overtime losing 20-22
• Mai Kou and EP #1 showed a riveted crowd why they are their teams top player. Great long and short shots by both girls made this a very entertaining set of 3 games. Mai Kou was on the short side this time but if I know Mai Kou this will only provide some more motivation.
• Mai/Panny shook off the jitters of their first varsity match (lost the first game) to take home a Central Victory in 3 games. They simply decided they were going to win. It was sweet - we were ALL watching.
• Kia now knows what the phrase 'it ain't over, till its over' means. In game 3, she was down 15-20 (not a typo) and game back to win 22-20. Ummm, (quick calculation) yup, that's seven straight points to win the game.
That my friends, is coolness.

So, 4-3 at EP - nice.
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JV took care of some business in no time
• All four singles (Sue, Law, Natalie, & Si Poo) won in 2 games. The highest any EP singles player scored was 15. In all but 2 of the 8 games EP scored less than 10 points.
• The makeshift team of Va/Jacy won in 3. They won the last game quickly and easily 21-13.
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Good work all. Sorry for the delay leaving and confusion there. I was not surprised how naturally everyone dealt with it. It is who we are.

What to learn?
What immediately comes to mind is what I told Mai & Panny (in so many words) after losing their first game: "GO FOR IT". Don't wait to see what happens, MAKE things happen. Don't react, but anticipate shots. Every rally, win or lose, make a point.

Badminton Techniques - Clears

Lifts & Clears


Forehand Overhead Clear

The forehand overhead badminton clear is similar to the action of throwing a ball. If you can throw a ball well, you shouldn't have problem playing this stroke. You can always practice throwing with a shuttle first before stepping on to the court.

Here are some pointers for playing a forehand overhead clear.

• - Adopt the forehand grip.
• - Turn your body and stand sideways to the net with your non-racket shoulder facing the net.
• - Shift your weight on to your rear foot.
• - Bend your elbow and lock your wrist preparing to swing forward.
• - Raise your non-racket hand and point at the shuttle to improve timing and balance.
• - Contact the shuttle as high as possible and in front of your body using a strong throwing action as if you are going to throw your racket high and forward through the air.
• - Straighten your elbow as you hit the shuttle.
• - Let your wrist unlock with a whip action as you hit the shuttle.
• - Follow through with your racket and shift your weight from your rear foot to your front foot.
• - Move back to your ready position.

Backhand Overhead Clear

It is not easy to play a backhand overhead clear. Even experienced players have problem with this badminton stroke. You shall always try to play an 'around the head' forehand clear whenever possible.

However, it is important that you know how to play the backhand overhead clear. There are times when you just can't play the shuttle with your forehand.

Here are some pointers for playing a backhand overhead clear.

• - Adopt the backhand grip.
• - Turn your body so that your back is facing the net.
• - Lead and shift your weight to your racket foot.
• - Lift your arm from the shoulder with the forearm parallel to the floor.
• - Hold the racket across your body with the racket head pointing down.
• - Keep the racket arm and elbow close into your body.
• - Hit the shuttle at a high point of contact.
• - Flick your wrist powerfully towards the shuttle.
• - A follow through is not needed.
• - Push your body back to your base position.

Clothing Order Form

Clothing orders are due Monday, March 15th. No late forms will be accepted.
...Download the form here
UPDATE:
We have changed the clothing & prices: $15 for the sweatshirt, $10 for the sweatpants!

Badminton Techniques - The Serve

High Serve

Use this badminton serve during singles play to move your opponent as far back in court as possible, thus opening up his court.

Forehand & Backhand Low Serve

Use this badminton serve when you want your opponent to lift the shuttle. It is commonly used during doubles, but you can use it during singles too if your opponent's attack is too strong.

Three Serves:

Badminton Techniques - The Grip

Starting wtih a correct Badminton Grip is the foundation of Playing Badminton.

Holding the racket incorrectly will decrease your stroke's power and accuracy.Your shots will be limited and therefore you will not enjoy the game as much let alone improve.

You will need to learn how to change grip quickly during games. Below are the two basic types of Badminton Grips.

Forehand Grip:

Backhand Grip:

Start of the season

Hi team -

The 2010 Badminton season begins officially Monday, March 8. Come ready to practice hard from 2:30-4:00. Be sure to bring your necessary forms and money in order to participate. We will also talk about clothing orders the first day or so.

This season has the potential to be a very special one. There are many returning players and lots of excitement from all players new and old. Ultimately, however, our team success depends on your individual commitment. While Central Badminton is a good time, we are a High School Varsity sport and the expectation is to work to win. Not just work to have fun.

See you Monday!