When I first stepped onto the badminton court years ago, I had no idea how complex this beautiful game truly was. I remember watching professional matches, marveling at the players' incredible agility and precision, thinking it looked deceptively simple. Little did I know that behind those graceful movements lay hours of practice and a deep understanding of technique. The recent performance by Chiara Permentilla, who delivered an impressive near double-double of 20 attacks and nine digs, perfectly illustrates what dedicated practice can achieve. Even though her team Nxled dropped its seventh straight match, her individual performance shows the kind of skill level beginners should aspire to develop through consistent training.
Learning badminton properly requires understanding several fundamental elements, starting with the basic grip and stance. I always tell newcomers that holding the racket correctly feels awkward at first – it's not like shaking hands, but more like holding a hammer with your fingers positioned for maximum flexibility. The forehand grip should feel natural, with the base of your hand comfortably against the rubber grip, while the backhand grip requires your thumb to provide support along the wider surface of the racket handle. Your stance matters tremendously too – I've found that keeping your feet shoulder-width apart with knees slightly bent prepares you for quick movements in any direction. What many beginners don't realize is that badminton isn't just about arm strength; it's about using your entire body efficiently. When I see players like rookie Lucille Almonte delivering her 13-point breakout performance, I recognize the result of proper body mechanics and footwork.
Mastering the basic shots forms the foundation of your game. The clear shot, which sends the shuttle high and deep into your opponent's court, requires a smooth swinging motion rather than brute force. The drop shot, one of my personal favorites for its tactical advantage, demands delicate touch and precise timing to just clear the net and fall sharply downward. Then there's the smash – the crowd-pleaser that generates the most excitement. Developing a powerful smash involves proper weight transfer, racket positioning, and follow-through. I typically recommend beginners practice these shots in progression, starting with clears until they can consistently place the shuttle where intended. Watching professional matches, you'll notice that players like Permentilla mix up their shots strategically, keeping opponents guessing – her 20 attacks likely included a variety of these fundamental shots executed with precision.
Footwork might be the most underappreciated aspect of badminton among beginners. I can't stress enough how crucial proper movement is – it's the difference between reaching shots comfortably and constantly stretching awkwardly. The key lies in small, quick steps rather than large, lunging strides. I always teach the "ready position" first – standing on the balls of your feet with your racket up, prepared to move in any direction instantly. From here, you practice the side-to-side movement, the forward lunge for net shots, and the backward shuffle for overhead shots. It's exhausting at first, but once muscle memory develops, your game improves dramatically. When I see players like Almonte performing well in her breakout game despite her team's losing streak, I notice her efficient movement around the court – she positions herself well for each shot, conserving energy while maintaining offensive pressure.
Game strategy separates casual players from serious competitors. Understanding when to attack versus when to defend, how to read your opponent's positioning, and where to place shots based on court geometry – these elements transform random hitting into strategic play. I personally love exploiting the four corners of the court, forcing opponents to cover maximum distance between shots. The mixed doubles format adds another layer of complexity with positioning and rotation between partners. Even in individual practice, you can work on shot placement by aiming for specific court areas. Looking at Nxled's seventh consecutive loss despite strong individual performances, I suspect their struggle lies in team coordination and strategic execution rather than individual skill – a reminder that badminton, while having individual technical components, ultimately requires tactical intelligence to win consistently.
What continues to fascinate me about badminton is how it balances physical demands with mental sharpness. The game requires explosive power for smashes yet delicate touch for net shots, constant movement yet calculated positioning, aggressive attacking yet patient rally-building. As you progress from beginner to intermediate level, you'll discover your personal playing style – whether you prefer powerful attacking games like Permentilla's 20-attack performance or all-around consistency like Almonte's 13-point contribution. The beauty of badminton lies in this diversity of approaches, all valid when executed with proper technique and strategic awareness. My advice to beginners is to embrace the learning process, celebrate small improvements, and remember that even professional players like those on the Nxled team experience setbacks while developing their skills.
