Wood-Shot Allowed Now In Badminton

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30215, 21 August 1963, Page 13

Wood-Shot Allowed Now In Badminton

A law has been passed by the International Badminton Federation stating that the wood-shot is no longer a fault. For several years a shuttle hit by any part of the racket other than the strings was a fault. As the shuttle can now be hit by any part of the racket, several changes are evident. The most notable is that rallies are considerably longer. Perhaps the second most noticeable point is that women will figure more prominently in mixed doubles, as they will be able to attempt to cut a shuttle off during a rally, which previously they would have left for their partner, for fear of hitting a wood-shot. Third, umpiring will be simplified. Many a game has been won or lost on a doubtful wood-shot call. When Canterbury division one and two teams played Southland last week-end, the new ruling was used. Players generally adapted themselves quite quickly, although on occasions some

were seen to pause after their opponent had hit a wood-shot and then suddenly make a last-minute attempt to hit the shuttle. One Southland woman was down 4-8 and then ' proceeded to hit three beautiful wood-shot smashes for winners—a most definite advantage. Canterbury's only winning mixed double pair, who won 18-16 in the third game, took the last point on a most definite woodshot, which hit the top of the net and rolled overmost frustrating for the Southlanders. Beginners will not be plagued by having to stop every time they hit the wood—which until they have had a considerable amount of play, is generally every second Shot. This in the past has been most disheartening. Combining points for and against the wood-shot, the new ruling should improve the game and make it an even better spectator sport.