Victor Brave Sword 9 review

Victor Brave Sword 9
Review Date : 25 December 2011
Racquet Type : Victor Brave Sword 9
Specs : 3UG2
Flex: Medium Stiff
Balance: 285 mm (Even Balance)
Strings: Yonex BG66 Ultimax
Tension: 24lbs, pre-stretched using Yonex ES5PROTECH
Grip: Gosen PU grip + Toalson overgrip
Technology : Sword (aerodynamic design), Inner Waves, Shockless and Nano-tec
Shuttles used: Apacs Aeroflight 700

First Impression: 
Yeah, yeah...I know.
This racquet has been in existence for more than a couple of years.
I'm taking the plunge to wield this racquet.
This racquet needs no introduction since practically this racquet has been Lee Yong Dae's racquet ever since he converted to Victor.
On hindsight, Lee Yong Dae previously used a Yonex AT800 Defensive, hence it's no surprise the specs of Bravesword 9 is not too far off  from the former to suit Lee Yong Dae.
This racquet looks somewhat plain Jane in silver colour overall with red/white highlights.
The racquet felt roughly even balance towards head heavy balance and felt semi stiff.
The frame felt solid and the swing felt pretty fast.
The racquet has 'sharp' edges for aerodynamics hence, the moniker, Sword.

Warm Ups:
Warming involves baseline to baseline forehand clears.
Clears are long and far owing to the aerodynamic and the flex of the racquet.
If one word is to describe this racquet is 'comfortable'.
Drives are pretty fast owing to how the racquet cuts through the air.
The racquet shaft is relatively thick and stable whereas the frame is aerodynamically shaped.
What this does is it made the racquet cuts through the air very fast while making it stable enough to control shots.
Generally, it plays quite similar to a Yonex Arcsaber 7 if there is ever a ballpark figure equivalent.

Game Time:
I won't go into detail each and every shots tried.
Generally since I am playing doubles, receiving of serve and serve are great as expected for a fast and stable racquet.
The ease of use of this racquet is apparent, as one can comfortably whip the racquet to hit shuttle gently or violently.
On the one hand, the lack of stiffness or weight on the head somewhat negates the control aspect of the racquet.
On the other hand, the racquet is very good on the defence and near the net owing to the medium flex and even balance.
This racquet shines best in the mid court range area as it is both good in attack and defence.
However, at the back court range, the control and power suffers a tiny bit as it it not heavy nor stiff enough like the Victor Super Waves 35 for power smash and perform controlled drops and power clears to the back court.
Nevertheless, the sweet spot is rather large and felt very easy to whip this racquet as the kickpoint is leaning towards the handle.

Conclusion: 
This racquet's playability is great as it is very comfortable to wield this racquet both forehands and backhands.
The thing that strikes you, is how easy to wield this racquet.
Even Professionals like Lee Yong Dae and Nguyen Tien Minh have been using it for a long time and kept returning to it at the expense of newer and technologically advanced models.

Feel: 8.5/10

Control: 8.5/10

Power: 8.5/10

Defence: 8.5/10


Maneuverability: 8.5/10

Pros: Reasonably priced, ease of use and generally an all rounder racquet.

Cons: Almost none.

Suitability: beginner/intermediate/advanced players 3U and 4U

Player type: All rounder.

Footnote: this review was done as a hobby and as an interest to inform fellow badminton enthusiast. This is my personal opinion and in no form to promote this racquet.

Conflict of interest: None

Reference: Victor website (accessed @ 24/12/11)

Badmintoncentral.com (accessed @ 24/12/11)

Russian president Dmitry Medvedev playing badminton

A head of State playing badminton.

A beginner playing singles with his mentor,Vladimir Putin.

President Medvedev is even deck out in full Russian national team regalia...

Asics Gel Blade 3 shoe review

Shoe: Asics Gel Blade 3

Technology: I.G.S, DuoMax, Trusstic a, Gel, wet grip rubber,

First impression: This shoe is orange and white/black in color, seems very futuristic with the shining orange.

Fit: The shoe fits good enough but with some break-in period needed.
Size fits as indicated and feels comfortable.
Like all Asics shoe, it has the option to tie the lace snuggly to lock the ankle.
The shoes is low to the ground and is very well cushioned.

Game time: The ventilation is very good owing to the mesh under the midsole area and around the vamp/upper/toungue area.
The shoe felt light when 'standing on the balls of the feet'.
The shoe also felt comfortable and explosive first step is easy to achieve.
In addition, landing from a lunge or jumps felt comfortable with no excessive forced felt on the ankle and knee.
The rounded sole on the heel facilitates lunges and has very good gel cushioning.
Lateral movement is very good too as the shoe is low to the ground and ankle twist is less likely to happen.

Pros: Excellent cushioning and grip. Feels bouncy on the first step and low on the ground

Cons:  The excellent cushioning comes at the cost of heavier weight than the competition.
Is somewhat expensive expected for Asics shoes

Fit: 8.5/10 (has the option to tighten the lace around the ankle are)
Ventilation: 9.5/10
Feel: 8.5/10 (Owing to weight)
Cushioning: 10/10
Durability: 9.5/10
Movement/: 9.5/10
Grip: 9.5/10

Original vs Clone (Fake) racquet

Above a Fleet Volitant 75 (a clone of Yonex Voltric 70) vs. An original Yonex Voltric 70.

The clone cost only 1/4 the price of the Original Yonex racquet (excluding string)

Both are strung with string (BG66 Ultimax @ 24lbs)

Based on economics, the Fleet looks like a bargain, the exterior and colors are similar to the Yonex. From afar, the Fleet could be mistaken for a Voltric 70.

Performance...continue below

Weight: the specs of the Voltric 70 is a 4UG5 whereas the Volitant 75 is 4UG2.

Basic specs: both are roughly head heavy balance...

                   Flex-wise, the Yonex is a tad stiffer.

However, playing in court, the difference becomes apparent.

The control aspect of the original or accuracy is so much better than the clone. The feel is also better with less vibration.

Powerwise, the clone maybe even better than the original but felt somehow unable to control the power.

Of course, if one get use to even the clone one can compensate with its limitation.

Nothing against the clone or the original. But at the end of the day, you still get what you pay for...

Deceptive overhead clears, hold and punch

I remember seeing a coach or some advanced player toying around with the double action clear shots. I even fell for it as I never seen in action before.

I call it the hold and punch.

Gollum covered it briefly here in badminton bible. In hindsight, I would have identify it as what it is, but I rarely seen it in action.

As covered by Lee Jae Bok, there are three types of clear, 1) defensive clear 2) offensive clear  3) punch clear. Ref it here.

This is usually starts with a overhead shot side-way stand.

The person pretends to drop, even doing a jump to fake the shot.

This delaying (or Hold) gives the opponent the impression that the incoming shot will be a slice or drop.

The punch is launch when the player sees the opponent just before he/she began the weight shifting/split step.

Instead, the player never even make contact in the air. The player let the shuttle drop a little and hit it when the player's feet touched the ground.

When the player landed, he/she hit a clear by just tapping with the wrist (just like a goalkeeper punching the soccer ball). Hence a punch clear.

Here is one famous example, but clearly Lee Chong Wei was caught expecting a dropshot or smash by Lin Dan. Instead Lin Dan fake the drop/smash into a punch clear.

GIFSoup

This is provided, the opponent hits a weak/weaker clear and you reach the shuttle early. The double action punch clear has the effect of the opponent stranded if he is caught just returning to base position. (a movement pressure tactic).

The hold and punch can even be applied on a backhand clear.

I remember Boonsak Ponsana executing a very strange shot that I have never seen before. It has the effect of fooling your eye via a backhand dropshot hold into a backhand clear.

However, if the hold and punch is predicted, the opponent can quickly jump up and cut it or even smash it if he can jumpback to get behind the shuttle.


[aka the block jump or China jump, (jumping footwork to the forehand corner)]

Use the hold and punch with caution against better players as any double action shots are just lifting or giving the opportunity for the opponent to attack. In doubles, this is somewhat suicidal as lifting the shuttle gives the initiative away.

Conclusion of China Super Series 2011

The China Open Super Series 2011 in Shanghai has just been completed.

Unlike the Hong Kong Open, China did not sweep the titles of every discipline.

Denmark's Boe and Mogensen beat the Korea's MD pair of Ko and  Yoo in straight sets 21-17, 21-13 in 42 minutes.

The other interesting match is Denmark's XD pair, Nielsen and Pedersen against the same opponent, Zhang Nan and Zhao Yunlei in the Hong Kong Open 2011.
The Danish pair fell again to the Chinese pair of Zhang Nan and Zhao Yunlei in straight sets, 21-11, 21-14 in 38 minutes.

The rest of the games of WS, MS and WD are all China domestic affairs.

The finals was shown live in BWF's channel at

http://www.youtube.com/user/bwf

Friendly Fire in Doubles

GIFSoup

Friendly fire or accidentally hitting your partner in a game of badminton happens.

In this example, the front court player, Heather Olver cannot see her partner, Anthony Clark at the backcourt. Anthony Clark hits a desperate drive shot into Heather's head. Oops!

Badminton shoes Asics vs. Yonex

Am currently using and alternating both shoes for badminton.

Model Asics Gel Blade 3 and Yonex SHB65CF. Currently, the Yonex SHB65CF is my go to shoe.

These older model shoes are not the highest end models but roughly upper mid range.

I bought these shoes as they are reputable brands and offers a lot of cushioning and looked good to boot.

The Yonex shoe felt somewhat lighter and more comfortable. The Asics shoe is somewhat bouncy (owing to its gel cushioning) and slightly lower to the ground.

In terms of cushioning, both are comparable and felt there's no difference. But on hindsight of Asics reputation, one would give it the benefit of the doubt that it has better cushioning. On the other hand, this cushioning comes at the cost of extra weight and hence heavier. The Yonex model felt so lighter and more mobile.

I guess to each its own pros and cons. On a lazier day I would stick to the Asics and on a more active day the Yonex shoe.

It's great to be able to choose. Bah! now I know why the ladies are so into shoes...

Shuttlecocks

I have been neglecting the topic or subject of shuttlecocks in this blog.

But basically, the best shuttlecocks is currently the Goosefeather shuttlecock.

This is superior to the synthetic shuttlecocks made from nylon/plastic.

The goose being a natural biomaterial is a sustainable/renewable resource, a by-product of the poultry industry.

 Above is a tube of Victor Master Ace shuttlecock.

Above are tubes of APACS shuttlecocks.

White, Red and Black racquet stencil ink

Racquet stencil ink comes in primarily 3 (or 4) colors, chiefly red, black, white (and blue).

Many players dislike stencil inks as it  fades easily after games (and need reapplication). Not only that, shuttles and other player's strings are 'stained' with the colors.

The most inoffensive stain is the more uncommon White Stencil Ink. It works only on Black (or very dark color) strings.

On the other hand, some coaches or players stated that the use of stencil inks during games/tournaments showed that the player is good enough to be sponsored by a badminton company and hence have some psychological advantage.

The opposing player may feel that he/she is up against a superior player and may have some inferiority complex especially in a singles game. This sort of only works on non-international tournaments or lower levels as at higher levels/professionals, most (if not all) players are sponsored.

Gosen Ryoga Issen Vs. Yonex VT80

A head to head comparison between a top head heavy Yonex and Gosen raqcuet.

Why this review?

Both are premium Japanese badminton brands and have produced top of the line racquets over the years. 

The Yonex VT80 has a very slim shaft that is of stiff flex, made of Nanopreme. Similarly, the Gosen shaft made of M40 graphite is also of a very slim design with other enhancement as claimed by the manufacturer.

The shape of the frame is of standard isometric. The Gosen one is thinner at the top of the frame whereas the Voltric 80 is of tapered design.

Conclusion: The Voltric 80 has more power than the Ryoga Issen but the Ryoga Issen is much quicker in handling.

NR700RP-For sale @ SGD200

3UG5 NanoRay 700 RP selling for SGD 200

Age: Less than 1 month

Strung recently with Yonex BG66 Ultimax @ 25lbs (4 knots)

Condition: 10/10 (Brand new)

PM me in badmintoncentral for deal. Preferbly in AMK or Kent Ridge MRT

 Serial number of racquet. Date of manufacture is covered by genuine SUNRISE sticker. Original grip + wrap intact. Specs is 3UG5.

 Comes with Bag

 Condition of frame

Condition of racquet, frame + shaft


Please refer to this (for people new to Yonex products) to check for authenticity:
http://www.yonex.com/badminton/counterfeit_products/

Ti-10 vs Nanoray 700RP

                                                                Ti10 vs NR700RP

               
Power: Ti10 > NR700RP
Defense: Ti-10 = NR700RP
Feel: Ti10 = NR700RP
Control: Ti10= NR700RP
Maneuverability: NR700RP > Ti10


Conclusion: There is little to choose from between these two racquets. Ti10 has an edge in power whereas NR700RP has the edge on maneuverability.

Intangible benefits of NR700RP: The NR700RP is easier to use compared to the Ti-10 and NR700RP doesn't cause joint pain like the Ti-10.

Self improvement

I find the videotaping oneself is a great way to find one's error.

From the video clips, one can also co-relate one's thought at the time and then ask the question, what shots could I have taken? What options do I have at that moment?

These mental picture and the video allows one to critically dissect the proper cause of action.

Better still if you have someone to point out your errors and suggest the correct course of action.

Yonex Nanoray review

Yonex Nanoray 700 RP
Racquet Type: Nanoray 700 RP (Repulsion) SP version
Specs: 3UG5
Balance: Headlight
Flex: Stiff
Strings: Yonex BG66 Ultimax
Tension: 25lbs, pre-stretched using Yonex ES5 PROTECH
Grip: Victor Towel grip
Technology: X-Fullerene, Fullerene, New Aero Head, new built in T-joint, solid feel core, isometric head and new grommet pattern.
Shuttles used: Apacs Aero-Flight 700

First impression: 
My first thought was, what?
Are we going back in time to thicker frame and thicker shaft?
What are the designers thinking? Thick is the new slim...

I won't described the colors or the looks of the racquet as the manufacturer's website and badmintocentral has plenty of those. This racquet occupies the same niche and has the same specs as Nanospeed 7000 which is stiff flex and headlight balance. It's also roughly similar to a Nanospeed 9000 type S but the balance point is a fraction more headlight. To put things into perspective, I am benchmarking this racquet against Ti-10 and NS9900. The NS9900 and Ti-10 are somewhat tough on the joints owing to the lightness of the head and offers little resistance during the follow through/momentum which may cause pain in the wrist/elbow/shoulders. The Nanoray series fixes this 'sore joints' problem and offers the handling of a headlight racquet and excellent control. 

Final comprehensive review

I played mostly doubles (and half court singles)

TOC (time on court) when making review:
total of 20 hours of game play.


Review and breakdown of shots tried: 

Power: 8/10 (4U may be lesser)

Synopsis: This is a headlight racquet and hence, it should be noted that the power of an overhead strokes would be less than a similar headheavy balance racquet. Thus, the aerodynamics and stiffness of the frame and shaft respectively would play a role to generate the power to propel the shuttle. To do this, one would need to be able to generate a fast racquet headspeed/swing to gain any power. However, based on initial testing  I find that the power I generated  is inferior to a Ti-10 or NS9900 (the basis of my comparison). Perhaps it's the lack of momentum of the swing during the follow through of a smash. The power is adequate for finishing off rallies (at halfcourt) but not for consistently punching holes in opponent's defense from the backcourt. Perhaps owing to this comparison, I felt that this is not a smash based player's racquet and more suited for a setup front court player. Fortunately, the saving grace comes from drives, stick smashes, punch clear...wristy shots.     

Clear: Forehand back-court to back-court, crosscourt full length clear and punch (low) clear
Smashes: Straight and crosscourt
Drives: hard straight and forehand/backhand to the corners

Control: 9/10

Synopsis: The claims by the manufacturer that all their high end racquets have a rating of  5/5 in terms of control. For this model in particular, it didn't refute their claim, but lending support to it. Fact is, this racquet has a stiff shaft and a rigid (repulse) fullerene-loaded frame. Owing to these parameters and materials, this racquet doesn't flex that much when swung overhead. Therefore, the placement of the shuttles (or accuracy) is excellent. On the downside, some power is traded for accuracy.  

Drops: checked/slice/reversed to the 2 front net corners
Netshots: Crosscourt net
Netshots: hairpin/tumbling netshot
Clears: to the 2 back court corners
Smashes: down the line
Push: flat and low to half court


Defense: 9.5/10 (4U version may be better)


Synopsis: The headlight balance and aerodynamics of this racquet meant that it is right up there with defensive stalwarts like Ti-10 and NS9900. Under proper hands, this racquet like its predecessors is like a mobile wall repelling all but the most well placed/steepest of  smashes. 

Lifts: backhand and forehand full court
Drive: backhand and forehand drive return
Block: backhand and forehand straight


Maneuverability: 9.5/10 (4U version may be better)


Synopsis: This is where this racquet shines. The quick handling and repulsion of the racquet allows quick exchanges/jabs near the net. Think a 'Lee Yong Dae' type player who likes to attack the shuttle at the net. If there's one shot this racquet can be identify with, it is the netkill. One can pull up the racquet over one's shoulder very easily after a downward stroke and be  ready for the next shot and the next one until the shuttle is planted on the opponent's court. I'm pleasantly surprised that the maneuverability of the Nanospeed headlight racquets can be improved.  


Crosscourt net shot
Crosscourt smash return block and crosscourt whip
Defending body smashes: reflex block, between the leg/behind the back defensive block
Netkills: Forehand/backhand/brush
Hold & flick shots


Feel: 8.5/10 (4U may be the same or lesser)


Synopsis: This racquet has the standard plastic internal T-joint and the solid feel core (resin/foam) type material [According to Yonex]. Based on my string of BG66 Ultimax at 25lbs, the repulsion of this string/racquet combination is pretty strong. The racquet felt somewhat solid with negligible vibration. The tapered frame, the rigid (fullerene loaded) and the thick frame in general gave this racquet some 'meat' and hence has a good feel to it.   

Total rating: 8.9/10




Pros: Excellent maneuverability and defense with good feel/control and decent power. The thicker frame and shaft lessen the momentum of the follow through and hence easier on the joints compared to NS9900/Ti-10.

Cons: The shaft stiffness/balance point combination may not quench the bloodlust of aggressive smash based player.

Suitability: Dedicated doubles racquet. For aggressive front court player who plays lots of netkills/drives, the counter attacking defensive player and the control player. Skill level of at least intermediate.

Footnote: this review was done as a hobby and as an interest to inform fellow badminton enthusiast. This is my personal opinion and in no form to promote this racquet.

Conflict of interest: None

Reference: Yonex website (accessed @ 20/09/11)
Badmintoncentral.com (accessed @ 20/09/11)


YONEX/Sunrise sports recommendation for player type:
For players who want to dominate with quick racquet work. Attack hard with a lightning fast swing.

Yonex rating 1-5
Power 5
Control 5
Flex 5

(Ref: Yonex badminton chart)

The Yonex headlight racquets, Ti-10 vs NS9900 vs NR700RP

The 3 top headlight racquets by Yonex. I am a big fan and user of Ti-10 and NS9900.

The sides of the frame of the above racquets: The thickest is the Nanoray 700RP followed by the Ti-10 and the thinnest is the NS9900.

On the one hand, the funny thing is the Nanoray frame departs from the modern trend of modern racquets leaning towards a slim  head design.

On the other hand, the shaft of the Nanoray 700RP is thicker than the NS9900 but about the same as Ti-10, negating the aerodynamic trend of an ultra slim shaft (e.g. Voltric 80).

However, looking  at the frame (hitting surface) of the Nanoray is tapered and more aerodynamic than the Nanospeed. The edges are somewhat 'sharp' but not as 'sharp' as the Victor Bravesword series. The Nanoray seemed like a thicker Bravesword.

In terms of performance: I would rate NS9900 as the best of the three followed by Ti-10 and NR700RP.

NS9900 > Ti-10 > NR700RP

All are 3UG5 version

Power: (Ti-10 = NS9900) > NR 700 RP
Defense: NS9900 > (Ti-10 = NR 700RP)
Feel: Ti-10 = NS9900 = NR700RP
Control: (Ti-10 = NR700RP)  > NS9900
Maneuverability: NS9900 > NR700RP> Ti-10

Yonex Nanoray 700 RP

Got this model instead of the 700FX or the 500. I prefer stiffer flex racquet and around 3U weight. So got myself a 3UG5 model. The NR700FX and NR500 are medium flex which would not have suited me. 

I will probably used it for a while before making a judgment. Benchmark would definitely be my Ti-10 or NS9900. 

The new nanoray series comes with a new bag, similar to the Armortec/Nanospeed with standard size/dimension.

This is unlike the unconventional Voltric and Arcsaber bags...

Conclusion of Super Series China Masters 2011

The finals saw China won 4 titles, with the exception of the men's doubles.

Korea's Lee Yong Dae and Jung Jae Sung defeated the 2011 World Champions; China's much vaunted pair of Fu Haifeng and Cai Yun in a one sided affair of 21-17, 21-10.

The finals saw two half completed match of Women's doubles and Women's singles, where the loser retired and surrender the match to their compatriots.

The only exception was the men's singles where Chen Long defeated his compatriot Chen Jin 21-16, 22-20.

The mixed doubles pair of Ma Jin and Chen Xu defeated the newly formed Korean pair of Yoo Yeon Seong and Jang Ye Na, 21-13, 21-16.

Yonex NanoRay series 2011

Yonex has launched an updated series to replace the Nanospeed series.

The Nanoray series is similar to the Nanospeed series with the exception of the tapered frame shape. Or as Yonex called it the New AERO Frame.

The theory behind this technology(Aero Frame) is the thinner frame at the top of the frame (hitting surface) is thinner gradually curving in thickness towards the middle of  frame allows it to be more aerodynamic. This also made the racquet have a good center of gravity on the frame, meaning the frame is more stable. (The thicker part of the center of the frame improves the center of gravity.)

Vs. Victor Bravesword


The concept of a 'sharp aerodynamic edge' was first introduced by Victor in their Bravesword series.
Though not exactly the same diamond shape as the Bravesword's technology, the edge of the Nanoray is relatively sharp compared to a flatter frame of previous Yonex racquet. However based on swinging alone, I find than I can quickly pull up the Nanoray racquet after the (follow through of an overhead stroke) much quicker than a Bravesword. (tested BS9, 10 and 11). The Bravesword edges on the (hitting surface side of the) frame are 'sharper' than the Nanoray but the center of gravity of the frame is somewhat higher than the Nanoray.

The Bravesword series has a slimmer shaft

Above a Victor Bravesword 10 with a Yonex Nanoray 700RP

Tapering of the frame


The racquet frame is somewhat thicker at the T-joint area and tapered thinner towards the tip of the frame.
This tapering effect also made the racquet more headlight.

Quoting Yonex, 'The thinner top of the frame sides minimize air resistance for greater head speed, while the thicker sides at the bottom of the head generate maximum repulsion through greater frame stiffness.'


Vs. Yonex Nanospeed

Only the top end Nanoray has X-Fullerene in the shaft vs. Fullerene in the top end Nanospeed series.

Basically, the Nanoray series is a doubles racquet optimized for fast shots like drives, pushes, fast lifts and wrist/stick smashes.

Probably the improvement over the Nanospeed series is that Nanoray comes in 4U weight. I supposed the thicker/sturdier frame somewhat reinforced the frame structure.

On hindsight, the newer Nanoray is easier to pull up after a follow through than the Nanospeed series (and the Victor Bravesword series).

On the picture above is the Yonex top end Nanospeed the model 9900 and the top end Nanoray 700 RP.
The Nanospeed 9900 is overall a slimmer racquet than the Nanoray 700RP.

The NS 9900 has Fullerene on the shaft whereas NR700RP has X-Fullerene on the shaft.

The converse is true on the frame, with NS9900 having the X-Fullerene whereas NR700RP having the Fullerene material in the frame.

The initial swing speed of the Nanoray 700 RP is somewhat faster compared to the Nanospeed 9900. (based on my perception). However, the momentum of the racquet head speed or the follow through is slower than NS9900. On the one hand, this 'braking' effect lessens pulling of ones shoulders/wrist/elbow hence causing less injury. On the other hand, less power is generated for most strokes.

Adding deception to a netshot

Notice the shuttle is taken at a lower point of contact and not a higher point of contact.

This only works if your opponent is coming towards the net and not in a fixed position next to the net.

Otherwise, the lifting can be intercepted with a netkill.

Gosen Ryoga Issen

Sold this racquet away.

This racquet specs is as follows:

Balance: head heavy

Stiffness: Stiff-

Official manufacturer website: here

Below is the picture of the frame

Racquets I sold away...

The above racquets I managed to sell away, the rare 4UG4 AT900T and Ti-10 2nd Gen together with a Arcsaber 7.

Will try to stick to less variation of racquets. Narrowed down to Ti-10 3rd gen so far.

Badminton singles strategy (The triangle principle)

This method was previously described in badmintoncentral.com cicrca 2004/2005 but was taken down.

If I'm not mistaken it reference the Danish Badminton association/academy...

Nevertheless, here is the link by Dick Moss about this 'Triangle' or funneling concept.

[One way to win a match is to tire your opponent out. Fatigue breeds mistakes, slows pursuit, dulls reflexes and saps the will to win.

You can induce fatigue in opponents is by forcing them to change direction as they return to their base position near center court - returning to base position is the first thing a player will do after making a shot.

If, as they return to base position, they must slow down, then push off in a new direction, their energy expenditure will increase dramatically.

The Triangle Concept

This is where the triangle concept of shot placement comes in. To force opponents to change direction as they return to their base position, imagine that the corner you've just hit to is one corner of a triangle, with the top side running along the net.

Your next shot must then go to one of the other corners of that triangle (B or C). This will force opponents to stop as they are returning to base position then change direction in order to reach the shuttle.

You should avoid hitting to the far, diagonal corner (D), because opponents can simply run straight through the base position in order to reach the shuttle. ]

Ibid. , Dick Moss Op. cit. badmintoncentral.com 2004. @

http://www.physicaleducationupdate.com/public/217print.cfm

Fig. 1. The Triangle principle. This method avoids hitting to the corner D or the forehand corner.

Instead of the conventional hitting to the four corners maxim espoused by coaches, this is the 3 corner method.

'If the shot is hit to “A,” next shot should be to the other corners of the triangle— either “B” or “C,” forcing the opponent (in blue) to change directions (see red lines). Avoid hitting to “D,” which would allow opponent to run through the base position without stopping or changing direction.'Ibid. Dick Moss @ http://www.physicaleducationupdate.com/public/217print.cfm

Knee Supporter

Badminton is a game that places a lot of stress on the joints. More so on the knee and ankle.

The knee is one of the most complex joint in the human body.

The patella or colloquially known as the knee cap is one of the tendons in the knee that is responsible for knee extension.

Badminton places a lot of movement loading on the patella especially movement like jumping and lunging.

For example a Knee supporter from Yonex. This model covers the entire joint and is made of Neoprene, which allows stretching and is generally warm on skin contact.

The cons of a full support is it feels restrictive a bit when moving around.

A more popular type of knee support is the simple patella brace, for example this model by LP SUPPORT. This model is made up of neoprene and can be tied more snuggly with a velcro fastener. This is good especially for players who like to jump a lot. This can be worn as a precaution during game to prevent jumper's knee...

Victor also made a very good product, a knee belt (as Victor calls it). This particular model as a tube like structure embedded within the neoprene which fits very comfortably on the knee cap. The velcro is used to fasten it. This model is as good as the above, except that it may not be tied as snuggly.

I prefer the patella brace compared to the full knee support, owing to better comfort and mobility. The support of the patella is generally sufficient for badminton game. For more serious injury, consultation with a sports/orthopaedic doctor is paramount.

Backhand drive

One of the most important shot in doubles. This shot together with the forehand drive is key to force a lift. Whoever lifts the shuttle, would face a barrage of smashes (at least in the professional circuit).

Here, coach Lee Jae Bok explains the basics of this important shot in doubles.

Cracked Badminton racquets

Cracked Racquets: AT900P 4U TH version.

Racquet still in one piece, but barely holding up.

Cracked owing to 2 incidents: 2 clashes and 1 catastrophic scrape on the floor while driving a shuttle hard on the forehand.

Some cracked racquets can be refurbished, but unfortunately cannot be strung at a high tension anymore.

Some stuff for sale

I have some stuff for sale.

Gosen bag. Please follow the link here.

3 racquets for sale:

a) 1x ProAce Platinum Dream 3UG2

Shaft of ProAce Platinum Dream

Frame of ProAce Platinum Dream

b) 1x Fischer Black Granite Comp 3UG2
Shaft of Fischer Black Granite Comp

Frame of Fischer Black Granite Comp

c) 1x Victor Artery Tec Ti95 II Control 4UG2
Link can be found here

I may also sell a Yonex Voltric 3UG5 for SGD200 (fixed). Condition flawless.

Conclusion of 2011 BWF World Championship in London

The just completed BWF World Championship is a rehearsal to the London Olympics. From the looks of it, badminton is a well received sports, with team China vs the World.

As usual, China repeated her triumph of the previous year in Paris by sweeping all 5 gold medals.

The Women's doubles is an All China Affair with Yu Yang/Wang Xaoli doing the honours of serenading the London crowd with the 1st tune of 'March of the Volunteers'.

The highlight of the final is definitely the men's singles, between Lin Dan and Lee Chong Wei. That is as close as one can get on parity. The game last all three sets and went into overtime, 23-21. Rallies, attacking play, defensive play and great all around show by the 2 best badminton players on the planet.

The men's doubles was also exciting, pitting World Champions Cai Yun and Fu Haifeng against the 2nd ranked pair from Korean Ko Sung-hyun and Yoo Yeon-seong. The game was fast and furious. Lifting the shuttle automatically results in the shuttle landing on the floor. The dominance of Cai Yun at the net coupled with Fu Haifeng's deadly smashes resulting in a 4th World Championship title for the Chinese pair.

The Women's singles was no surprise as Wang Yihan netted a gold medal for China. The lanky native of Shanghai pushing and pulling the much shorter and smaller Taiwanese Cheng Shao-chieh like a rag doll all over court.

The mixed doubles saw the emergence of new British partnership between Englishman Chris Adcock and Scots Imogen Bankier. This new pair was a revelation and they managed to stun/upset more illustrious opponents. Unfortunately for them, their opponent from China was more experienced and tactically aware to take advantage of the British pair's weakness. The lefty Adcock did not managed to rain down his hard smashes with consistency while Imogen's usually deadly netkills/pushes failed to hit home. The Chinese pair managed to play a safe game with high percentage shot selection to frustrate the British pair. That earn China the fifth Gold medal.

The World Championship saw new line of clothing by Yonex, Victor and Li-Ning.
Here Gade wearing a new Yonex camouflage jersey.

Lin Dan Red Bull Commercial

selling my Transformers toy Unicon

http://singapore.craigslist.com.sg/tag/2534363176.html

Yonex 6x and 2x continuous Grommet

To remove the broken/used grommet, one can use the needle nose pliers to grip and pull out the broken/used grommet.

To add the new 6X grommet, one can use an awl to slightly 'guide' it into position. Manually push in to set the grommet.

After that, the grommet is ready to protect your racquet from strings cutting into the racquet frame. No more sunken grommet syndrome...

My ex-Arcsaber 7

A racquet, I used to own;
Wrap with a towel grip similar to professional players, very thin layer with a thick knob at the butt cap.
The frame is pretty sturdy.

The shaft serial number and Date of manufacture indicates it's one of the early production Arcsaber 7.

The green color and the Yonex logo indicates it's a genuine racquets as described by the manufacturer. Link here.