DOUBLES IN BADMINTON

Taranaki Daily News, 28 June 1935, Page 10

DOUBLES IN BADMINTON

COMBINATION IMPORTANT COVERING THE COURT (By “Clubman.") More important than even correct stroking at doubles in badminton is combination. The comparatively restricted area, the speed of the game and the flight of the shuttle all make a thorough understanding between, parties essential. The pair should decide on their plan of campaign before they start and adhere to it. There are only two methods that should be adopted, and one of these is not really efficient with a .well matched pair, though it has advantages in combined doubles or where the combination is of a strong and a x weak player. The latter method is for the same player always to stay at the net and the other, the man in the combined doubles or the stronger, at the back of the court. Where players are unused to each other this method may be found advisable.

The other method is to adopt a rotary formation, each player always being diagonally opposite his partner and the pair move round the court anti-clock wise. The rotary, or “circular’’ formation as it is better known, is strongly advocated by Harry Fow, the present New Zealand singles title-holder. In this partners commence side by side, but the shots near the net are taken by the player on the right, shots to the back of the cdurt being taken by the player on. the left. By this means the left player covers the whole of the back of the court with his forehand. Should the player on the right go back he can cover his own side ot the court only with his forehand, and he is then faced with the impossible task of clearing the shuttle to the back-line With his backhand. The circular combination' enables the whole court to be povered with the forehand or attacking shots. When the player on the left goes across to/take a shot over his partner’s head on the right, his partner crosses to the left and prepares to run back, while the other player having struck the Shuttle goes to the net. The essential point to remember is that the player on

miiiiiiiutitiiitiiiiiiin the: right plays at the net and plays all net shots. The opponents will, of course, attempt to break up the cycle by placing the opposite way to the players’ movements. This can be countered by starting a reverse motion. The great advantage of the circular method is that both players are continually on the move and always know whose shot it is.. The first pair to use this method in New Zealand won the doubles championship, against what appeared to be stronger players, purely and simply because they lost no time in getting off the mark. Another point, in doubles is that the player who is not taking the shot should observe, if possible whether the shuttle will fall in or out. If it is going out he should call to his partner as the player taking the shot has little chance of. judging its flight. Hill Illi II 11 111 111 1(11 tIiHIIHI III! mill till 111 Illi