PLAYING BADMINTON.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 December 1929, Page 22 (Supplement)

PLAYING BADMINTON.

TO KEEP FIT AND AGILE.

(By

Alice Dennis.)

It is astonishing that so few peoq>le . play . ..Badminton. This may, of course, be due to lack of suitablespace for a court, but the game ought to appeal far more widely than it does. It is” clean, healthy, exhilarating, and there is a thrill in a hard-won victory on a Badminton court equal to that on any tennis court. To men and girls alike it gives a keenness of eye, an agility of limb, a lightning swiftness of mind, a fine physical fitness. I have seen shoals of superfluous energy used up in men’s sets. The players have finished every bit as tired as* when they come off the “Rugger” ground, and every bit as happy. To girls, of course, a Badminton club is an inestimable boon. There is not only the club spirit of comradeship and partnership, but the members are there for the game. No one has to hang around waiting for slack partners, as at dances. Fresh friends are made when the matches are played off, and altogether the outlook is broadened.

Naturally, however, there are pitfalls for beginners. The chief is lack of concentration. A player told me that he didn’t mind what his partner did as long as she tried. So beginners, try! But please don’t try to do it all. Your partner is stronger, and if you want him to play with you again let him get in a few of his smart strokes. It is fatal to meander in front of him all lue time. And, experts, please don’t get swelledJieaded, or your position may become invidious. You were a beginner yourself once, and the partner you despise may beat you some day. So refrain from pushing him to the net and calling out “Right” every time the feather comes over. The slogan of every player should be "Keep your temper and don’t poach.” No one should grumble if not selected for matches. Clubs are killed through jealousies, and the selection committee has no light task. We cannot all be match-players, but we can all eiijoy to the full the advantages of the club, the friendships formed, the general good times, as well as the friendly game itself. Everybody who would keep young and fit should make haste to-see about a Badminton club.