TARANAKI BADMINTON

Taranaki Daily News, 21 June 1935, Page 9

TARANAKI BADMINTON

returning service defence and attack

[ACTIVITIES OF THE CLUBS

(By z

“Clubman”)

The return, of the service is an jm■portant aspect of badminton that should £ot be overlooked. \ A sound understanding of it is no less important than of the foundations of the game-the clear, the smash and the service. It is largely a matter of common sense, but there are one or two points that should be remembered. In singles if the service is a really good one return must almost necessarily be defensive, and in this case a low clear to the diagonally opposite comer to the server is probably the best shot; This shot is better played overhead because it does not give the opposing player so miich time. Although this is a defensive shot it will frequently force the server to toss up a short "clear which .can be smashed. If the service is a shade short of good length it should be smashed straight down the side-line, which makes the server move very rapidly and play a hurried shot, it is really short it should, of course, be killed by a smash straight down the sideline. ' ' A short service in doubles may be '' treated in basically'the same way-a low deep clear straight down the line. A dropshot—also straight forward-is an effective variation if used sparingly. In doubles the best returns are a little different. The long service will probably be short enough to smash straight down the side-line to the feet of. the server s partner, who is left with a difficult shot. Again if a drop-shot is used—as is wise occasionally—it should be straight over the net.

When neither of these two courses appear." suitable the best shot is a diagonal clear over the server’s head—a purely defensive move that gives nothing away. This may, rarely, be varied by a drive diagonally between -the server and his partner. With the foregoing it should be borne in mind that the receiver should always be ready for a loose service that should be killed as it comes over the net. Also the receiver should vary his methods of dealing with the service , as much as. possible. '

Enthusiasm is running high at Urenub and 30 playing members are’ awaiting the advent of electric light in the district before commencing play in the Urenui hall. It is expected the opening night will be held early in July. Mr. WJ Mclntyre was recently elected club president and Mr. C. Wilson vice-president. Mr., Simonsen ■is the secretary. With a membership of approximately 20 members the Tarurutangi club commenced activities-last week. The residents of the district have entered into the spirit-of the game with a will and the hall has been made available to. members every night during the week. Club nights are on Thursdays. 1 # * * *

New Plymouth club activities include a friendly' game at New Plymouth against a team from Lepperton to-night. On Monday a novelty cpmbined tournament will be, played. Pairs will be drawn for each round, and at the end of each round tire players will be credited with the points ' secured during the game. The winner will be determined on the aggregate.

Ratapiko, although in its first season, won its first inter-club match against Kaimata at Kaimata on Monday by 14 sets to 2. The tennik experience of the Therkleson Bros, played no small part in Ratapiko’s win. Considering the short period the game has been played in these districts the standard of play was very fair. A return match will be played next month. * ■* * *

The latest affiliation to the Taranaki association is that of Kaimata. In its second season the club possesses one double court and a membership of 25. Club nights are Thursdays. Endeavours are being made, it is understood, to arrange the second North v. South Taranaki contest at New Plymouth on either June 28 or July 1. Interest is still maintained at Tongaporutu, where the membership has increased to about 20. The club hopes to entertain a New Plymouth team in the near future.